Tag: Oscar Valdez

Fighter of the Month: Emanuel Navarrete buried his best opponent in punches

Fighter of the Month: Emanuel Navarrete buried his best opponent, Oscar Valdez, in punches to win a wide decision.

Emanuel Navarrete demonstrated again that a volume-punching style can take a fighter a long way.

The 130-pound titleholder used relentless pressure to defeat former champ Oscar Valdez by a convincing unanimous decision in an entertaining fight on Aug. 12 in Glendale, Arizona, arguably the biggest victory of the Mexican’s career.

And he did it even though he injured his right (power) hand sometime in the middle of the fight.

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk recorded important victories last month but neither of them was as impressive as Navarrete, who is Boxing Junkie’s Fighter of the Month for August.

Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) surprised no one by throwing 1,038 punches and more than enough of them landed to win by a wide margin, 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112.

Boxing Junkie scored it 117-111 for Navarrete, nine rounds to three.

The victory was Navarrete’s 33rd in row, a remarkable feat given the level of his opposition over the past few years.

Indeed, he is respected by knowledgeable fans and pundits but he might be one of the more underappreciated fighters in the world. He’s not flashy like rivals Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis, who typically dazzle onlookers. He just wins.

Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) was among those who were impressed.

“He’s just a warrior,” the former two-division titleholder said of Navarrete. “I tried my best. That’s all I can say.”

[lawrence-related id=38543]

Fighter of the Month: Emanuel Navarrete buried his best opponent in punches

Fighter of the Month: Emanuel Navarrete buried his best opponent, Oscar Valdez, in punches to win a wide decision.

Emanuel Navarrete demonstrated again that a volume-punching style can take a fighter a long way.

The 130-pound titleholder used relentless pressure to defeat former champ Oscar Valdez by a convincing unanimous decision in an entertaining fight on Aug. 12 in Glendale, Arizona, arguably the biggest victory of the Mexican’s career.

And he did it even though he injured his right (power) hand sometime in the middle of the fight.

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk recorded important victories last month but neither of them was as impressive as Navarrete, who is Boxing Junkie’s Fighter of the Month for August.

Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) surprised no one by throwing 1,038 punches and more than enough of them landed to win by a wide margin, 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112.

Boxing Junkie scored it 117-111 for Navarrete, nine rounds to three.

The victory was Navarrete’s 33rd in row, a remarkable feat given the level of his opposition over the past few years.

Indeed, he is respected by knowledgeable fans and pundits but he might be one of the more underappreciated fighters in the world. He’s not flashy like rivals Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis, who typically dazzle onlookers. He just wins.

Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) was among those who were impressed.

“He’s just a warrior,” the former two-division titleholder said of Navarrete. “I tried my best. That’s all I can say.”

[lawrence-related id=38543]

Weekend Review: Anthony Joshua looked so-so before dramatic knockout

A critical look at the past week in boxing BIGGEST WINNER Anthony Joshua A spectacular knockout can mask problems. It’s difficult to be too critical of Joshua, who ended his fight against Robert Helenius with a monstrous right hand in the seventh …

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Anthony Joshua

A spectacular knockout can mask problems. It’s difficult to be too critical of Joshua, who ended his fight against Robert Helenius with a monstrous right hand in the seventh round Saturday in London. That’s what he hoped to do, let the world know in dramatic fashion that he remains a heavyweight to be reckoned with. And his assessment of how the fight unfolded made some sense. He needed some time to figure out an opponent who took the fight on less than a week’s notice. He had good reason to be pleased afterward. It was before the knockout that the former champion, working with trainer Derrick James for a second time, still looked like a work in progress. He controlled the fight with his jab and power punches here and there but was hesitant to fully commit himself until he the perfect opportunity presented himself, making it seem as if he still doesn’t believe in himself wholeheartedly. Promoter Eddie Hearn described Joshua (26-3, 23 KOs) as a mature heavyweight. I think he still has his first fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. in his head, which isn’t good with potential fights against Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury on the horizon. We might never see the earlier version of Joshua again.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II
Emanuel Navarrete

The WBO 130-pound champion had quietly become one of the most consistent fighters in the world over the past five years, remaining unbeaten since 2012 and collecting major titles in three divisions. The only missing ingredient was a victory over an elite opponent. Now he has that. And he got it done in emphatic fashion against Oscar Valdez on Saturday outside Phoenix. His awkward, swarming style was as difficult for Valdez to handle as it has been for others, as Navarrete, who fights like an angry octopus, threw more than 1,000 punches from all sorts of angles to win a one-sided decision. Valdez, a former two-division champion, had some good moments but failed to hurt Navarrete and couldn’t hope to keep pace with him. And Navarrete fought with an injured lead hand from the middle rounds on, making his performance even more special. Next up for the winner? He and his team could choose to seek unification against one of the other champions, Joseph Cordina (IBF), Hector Luis Garcia (WBA) and O’Shaquie Foster (WBC). Or he could target one of the big names at 135 if he dares. Navarrete probably wouldn’t beat the likes of Shakur Stevenson or Gervonta Davis but you can bet he’d make anyone’s life miserable for a while.

 

BIGGEST WINNER III
Emmanuel Rodriguez

The slick Puerto Rican seemed to have reached his ceiling as a relevant fighter when he lost the IBF 118-pound title to Naoya Inoue by a brutal knockout and then ended up on the wrong end of a disputed decision against Reymart Gaballo in 2019 and 2020. Rodriguez had other ideas. Not only did he bounce back from a difficult stretch, he’s better than ever. At least that appeared to be the case on Saturday, when he dominated an overmatched Melvin Lopez (29-2, 19 KOs) to win a shutout decision and regain the belt he lost to Inoue. That followed victories over Roberto Cantu and Gary Antonio Russell, giving him three consecutive victories that leave little doubt about his ability. Rodriguez might be exactly what he says he is: the best bantamweight in the world. The only criticism I have of his performance on Saturday – and I’m quibbling to some degree – is that he could’ve knocked out Lopez (29-2, 19 KOs), who went down three times in the 12th and final round but survived to hear the final bell. Rodriguez (22-2, 13 KOs) needed to shift into a higher gear earlier in the fight to get a stoppage, which would’ve been a stronger statement. However, he waited until it was too late. That’s something for him to work on.

 

BIGGEST LOSER
Oscar Valdez

Oscar Valdez (left) has lost two of his last three fights. Mikey Williams / Top Rank Inc via Getty Images

Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) obviously is a capable fighter. You don’t win major titles in two divisions, as he has, if you don’t know what you’re doing. The problem for Valdez is that he doesn’t appear to have enough ability to compete with either a technical wizard like Shakur Stevenson or an elite brawler like Navarrete, both of whom defeated him handily. Valdez can still beat solid, second-tier opponents. And who knows? He could become a titleholder again against the right foe. I’m guessing that’s not how Valdez sees himself, though. I believe he sees himself as a pound-for-pounder, a coveted status he tasted on some lists after he knocked out the feared, but limited Miguel Berchelt in February 2021. I doubt he can get back there based on his performances against Stevenson and Navarrete. Again, though, he’s capable. In fact, he appeared against Navarrete to be more skillful – particularly in terms of defense – than he has ever been in spite of lopsided scorecards and a gruesome swollen right eye. The passion to succeed is there. And, finally, he’s only 32. Perhaps we shouldn’t write him off just yet.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Joshua’s post-fight interview might be further evidence of his mental vulnerability. He was asked about public criticism and responded, “People need to leave me alone. I do what I want. This is my time in this ring. Let me breathe a bit and let me keep doing what I do.” Leave me alone? Joshua is a top athlete and public figure. Criticism is part of the deal when you’re in that position. He has become wealthy in part because fans have lain out their hard-earned money to pay the exorbitant pay-per-view fees required to watch him fight. They have a right to say whatever they want. Joshua needs toughen up, in and out of the ring. … Joshua is expected to fight Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) late this year or early next year, although no deal is in place. A few years ago, before Joshua’s loss to Ruiz, I would’ve picked him to beat Wilder because of his super boxing ability and formidable power. Today I would lean toward Wilder. Joshua remains the better technician but Wilder is a solid boxer, might be the hardest punching boxer ever and has 10 times the mental toughness of Joshua. I wouldn’t be shocked if Joshua wins a decision by boxing carefully but I think Wilder would catch him and end the fight early. Joshua vs. Tyson Fury? Forget it. Fury is much too good for his British rival. …

Gary Antuanne Russell (17-0, 17 KOs) maintained his perfect record and knockout streak by stopping overmatched Kent Cruz (16-1-3, 10 KOs) in less than a full round. The 140-pound contender is ready for the best in the division, including titleholders Subriel Matias (IBF), Rolando Romero (WBA), Regis Prograis (WBC) and Teofimo Lopez (WBO). How would Russell fare against that level of opposition? I see Russell as a complete fighter with elite punching power. I’m guessing that he can compete with anyone. … You gotta love longtime heavyweight contender Derek Chisora (34-13, 23 KOs), who outpointed Gerald Washington on the Joshua-Helenius card. The 39-year-old Londoner had lost four of his previous five fights but fought hard and with confidence to pump life into his career. It’s no wonder he’s a fan favorite. Washington (20-6-1, 13 KOs) isn’t the type to give up on himself but he has lost his last three fights and six of his last eight. Plus, he’s 41. Retirement might be his smartest move.

[lawrence-related id=38543,38534,38528,38506,38502,38499,38484]

Weekend Review: Anthony Joshua looked so-so before dramatic knockout

A critical look at the past week in boxing BIGGEST WINNER Anthony Joshua A spectacular knockout can mask problems. It’s difficult to be too critical of Joshua, who ended his fight against Robert Helenius with a monstrous right hand in the seventh …

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Anthony Joshua

A spectacular knockout can mask problems. It’s difficult to be too critical of Joshua, who ended his fight against Robert Helenius with a monstrous right hand in the seventh round Saturday in London. That’s what he hoped to do, let the world know in dramatic fashion that he remains a heavyweight to be reckoned with. And his assessment of how the fight unfolded made some sense. He needed some time to figure out an opponent who took the fight on less than a week’s notice. He had good reason to be pleased afterward. It was before the knockout that the former champion, working with trainer Derrick James for a second time, still looked like a work in progress. He controlled the fight with his jab and power punches here and there but was hesitant to fully commit himself until he the perfect opportunity presented himself, making it seem as if he still doesn’t believe in himself wholeheartedly. Promoter Eddie Hearn described Joshua (26-3, 23 KOs) as a mature heavyweight. I think he still has his first fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. in his head, which isn’t good with potential fights against Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury on the horizon. We might never see the earlier version of Joshua again.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II
Emanuel Navarrete

The WBO 130-pound champion had quietly become one of the most consistent fighters in the world over the past five years, remaining unbeaten since 2012 and collecting major titles in three divisions. The only missing ingredient was a victory over an elite opponent. Now he has that. And he got it done in emphatic fashion against Oscar Valdez on Saturday outside Phoenix. His awkward, swarming style was as difficult for Valdez to handle as it has been for others, as Navarrete, who fights like an angry octopus, threw more than 1,000 punches from all sorts of angles to win a one-sided decision. Valdez, a former two-division champion, had some good moments but failed to hurt Navarrete and couldn’t hope to keep pace with him. And Navarrete fought with an injured lead hand from the middle rounds on, making his performance even more special. Next up for the winner? He and his team could choose to seek unification against one of the other champions, Joseph Cordina (IBF), Hector Luis Garcia (WBA) and O’Shaquie Foster (WBC). Or he could target one of the big names at 135 if he dares. Navarrete probably wouldn’t beat the likes of Shakur Stevenson or Gervonta Davis but you can bet he’d make anyone’s life miserable for a while.

 

BIGGEST WINNER III
Emmanuel Rodriguez

The slick Puerto Rican seemed to have reached his ceiling as a relevant fighter when he lost the IBF 118-pound title to Naoya Inoue by a brutal knockout and then ended up on the wrong end of a disputed decision against Reymart Gaballo in 2019 and 2020. Rodriguez had other ideas. Not only did he bounce back from a difficult stretch, he’s better than ever. At least that appeared to be the case on Saturday, when he dominated an overmatched Melvin Lopez (29-2, 19 KOs) to win a shutout decision and regain the belt he lost to Inoue. That followed victories over Roberto Cantu and Gary Antonio Russell, giving him three consecutive victories that leave little doubt about his ability. Rodriguez might be exactly what he says he is: the best bantamweight in the world. The only criticism I have of his performance on Saturday – and I’m quibbling to some degree – is that he could’ve knocked out Lopez (29-2, 19 KOs), who went down three times in the 12th and final round but survived to hear the final bell. Rodriguez (22-2, 13 KOs) needed to shift into a higher gear earlier in the fight to get a stoppage, which would’ve been a stronger statement. However, he waited until it was too late. That’s something for him to work on.

 

BIGGEST LOSER
Oscar Valdez

Oscar Valdez (left) has lost two of his last three fights. Mikey Williams / Top Rank Inc via Getty Images

Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) obviously is a capable fighter. You don’t win major titles in two divisions, as he has, if you don’t know what you’re doing. The problem for Valdez is that he doesn’t appear to have enough ability to compete with either a technical wizard like Shakur Stevenson or an elite brawler like Navarrete, both of whom defeated him handily. Valdez can still beat solid, second-tier opponents. And who knows? He could become a titleholder again against the right foe. I’m guessing that’s not how Valdez sees himself, though. I believe he sees himself as a pound-for-pounder, a coveted status he tasted on some lists after he knocked out the feared, but limited Miguel Berchelt in February 2021. I doubt he can get back there based on his performances against Stevenson and Navarrete. Again, though, he’s capable. In fact, he appeared against Navarrete to be more skillful – particularly in terms of defense – than he has ever been in spite of lopsided scorecards and a gruesome swollen right eye. The passion to succeed is there. And, finally, he’s only 32. Perhaps we shouldn’t write him off just yet.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Joshua’s post-fight interview might be further evidence of his mental vulnerability. He was asked about public criticism and responded, “People need to leave me alone. I do what I want. This is my time in this ring. Let me breathe a bit and let me keep doing what I do.” Leave me alone? Joshua is a top athlete and public figure. Criticism is part of the deal when you’re in that position. He has become wealthy in part because fans have lain out their hard-earned money to pay the exorbitant pay-per-view fees required to watch him fight. They have a right to say whatever they want. Joshua needs toughen up, in and out of the ring. … Joshua is expected to fight Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) late this year or early next year, although no deal is in place. A few years ago, before Joshua’s loss to Ruiz, I would’ve picked him to beat Wilder because of his super boxing ability and formidable power. Today I would lean toward Wilder. Joshua remains the better technician but Wilder is a solid boxer, might be the hardest punching boxer ever and has 10 times the mental toughness of Joshua. I wouldn’t be shocked if Joshua wins a decision by boxing carefully but I think Wilder would catch him and end the fight early. Joshua vs. Tyson Fury? Forget it. Fury is much too good for his British rival. …

Gary Antuanne Russell (17-0, 17 KOs) maintained his perfect record and knockout streak by stopping overmatched Kent Cruz (16-1-3, 10 KOs) in less than a full round. The 140-pound contender is ready for the best in the division, including titleholders Subriel Matias (IBF), Rolando Romero (WBA), Regis Prograis (WBC) and Teofimo Lopez (WBO). How would Russell fare against that level of opposition? I see Russell as a complete fighter with elite punching power. I’m guessing that he can compete with anyone. … You gotta love longtime heavyweight contender Derek Chisora (34-13, 23 KOs), who outpointed Gerald Washington on the Joshua-Helenius card. The 39-year-old Londoner had lost four of his previous five fights but fought hard and with confidence to pump life into his career. It’s no wonder he’s a fan favorite. Washington (20-6-1, 13 KOs) isn’t the type to give up on himself but he has lost his last three fights and six of his last eight. Plus, he’s 41. Retirement might be his smartest move.

[lawrence-related id=38543,38534,38528,38506,38502,38499,38484]

Emanuel Navarrete outworks Oscar Valdez to win one-sided decision in spirited brawl

Emanuel Navarrete outworked Oscar Valdez to win a one-sided decision in a spirited brawl Saturday in the Phoenix area.

Throw a lot of punches and good things happen.

Emanuel Navarrete is the poster boy for that approach to boxing. The 140-pound titleholder threw 1,038 punches and more than enough of them landed to beat Oscar Valdez decisively in an entertaining scrap Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena outside Phoenix.

The official scores were 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112. Boxing Junkie scored it 117-111 for Navarrete, nine rounds to three.

The lopsided scoring doesn’t reflect the intensity of the fight, which was compared in the lead-up to such all-Mexican matchups as Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Erik Morales.

This bout didn’t live up to the Barrera-Morales standard in their trilogy — few do — but it was fun to watch.

Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) did what he always does, throw a lot of punches from crazy angles to both the head and body for almost the entire fight. He misses a lot of his shots but he generally outlands his opponents, as he did Saturday.

According to CompuBox, Navarrete was 216 of 1,038 (21%) while Valdez was 140 of 436 (32%).

And, underscoring his toughness, the winner didn’t stop throwing punches even thought he injured his right (power) hand sometime in the middle of the fight.

Meanwhile, while Valdez was outworked, the numbers indicate that he punched more accurately. He also landed many of the biggest shots in the fight, which made the fight competitive even though he couldn’t connect enough to win more than a few rounds.

Valdez also fought the last several rounds with a right eye that was swollen shut, which is a daunting handicap given Navarrete’s offensive capabilities.

In the end, Navarrete, a three-division champion, successfully defended his title and won his 33rd consecutive fight. Valdez gave an admirable effort. And the fans got their money’s worth.

Rematch? The one-sided result doesn’t call for one. And Navarrete, the WBO beltholder, has other good options, most notably the three other titleholders — Joseph Cordina (IBF), Hector Luis Garcia (WBA) and O’Shaquie Foster (WBC).

However, he’s open to a second meeting with his Mexican rival

“I’ll leave it in the hands of the fans,” he said through a translator. “They’re ultimately the best judges. If they want to see this fight again, I know they’ll … push for it.”

Meanwhile, Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) was devastated after the fight.

The former two-division titleholder has now lost two of his last three fights, including a one-sided setback against Shakur Stevenson in a title-unification bout in April of last year. He’ll have to work hard if he hopes to reclaim what he has lost.

However, he was more concerned about those who were rooting for him on Saturday.

“He’s just a warrior,” Valdez said of Navarrete. “I tried my best. That’s all I can say. … I’m sorry I disappointed everybody who came here to support me. I feel terrible. I’m hoping to do it again.”

No one outside of Valdez’s inner circle was all that disappointed, which is why they wouldn’t mind seeing him and Navarrete do it again.

In other featured fights, unbeaten 140-pound contender Lindolfo Delgado (18-0, 13 KOs) outpointed Jair Valtierra (16-3, 8 KOs) 99-91, 99-91 and 98-92 in a 10-round battle of Mexicans.

And Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs) stopped Willie Jake Jr. (11-4-2, 3 KOs) in the first round of a scheduled six-round heavyweight fight.

Emanuel Navarrete outworks Oscar Valdez to win one-sided decision in spirited brawl

Emanuel Navarrete outworked Oscar Valdez to win a one-sided decision in a spirited brawl Saturday in the Phoenix area.

Throw a lot of punches and good things happen.

Emanuel Navarrete is the poster boy for that approach to boxing. The 140-pound titleholder threw 1,038 punches and more than enough of them landed to beat Oscar Valdez decisively in an entertaining scrap Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena outside Phoenix.

The official scores were 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112. Boxing Junkie scored it 117-111 for Navarrete, nine rounds to three.

The lopsided scoring doesn’t reflect the intensity of the fight, which was compared in the lead-up to such all-Mexican matchups as Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Erik Morales.

This bout didn’t live up to the Barrera-Morales standard in their trilogy — few do — but it was fun to watch.

Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) did what he always does, throw a lot of punches from crazy angles to both the head and body for almost the entire fight. He misses a lot of his shots but he generally outlands his opponents, as he did Saturday.

According to CompuBox, Navarrete was 216 of 1,038 (21%) while Valdez was 140 of 436 (32%).

And, underscoring his toughness, the winner didn’t stop throwing punches even thought he injured his right (power) hand sometime in the middle of the fight.

Meanwhile, while Valdez was outworked, the numbers indicate that he punched more accurately. He also landed many of the biggest shots in the fight, which made the fight competitive even though he couldn’t connect enough to win more than a few rounds.

Valdez also fought the last several rounds with a right eye that was swollen shut, which is a daunting handicap given Navarrete’s offensive capabilities.

In the end, Navarrete, a three-division champion, successfully defended his title and won his 33rd consecutive fight. Valdez gave an admirable effort. And the fans got their money’s worth.

Rematch? The one-sided result doesn’t call for one. And Navarrete, the WBO beltholder, has other good options, most notably the three other titleholders — Joseph Cordina (IBF), Hector Luis Garcia (WBA) and O’Shaquie Foster (WBC).

However, he’s open to a second meeting with his Mexican rival

“I’ll leave it in the hands of the fans,” he said through a translator. “They’re ultimately the best judges. If they want to see this fight again, I know they’ll … push for it.”

Meanwhile, Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) was devastated after the fight.

The former two-division titleholder has now lost two of his last three fights, including a one-sided setback against Shakur Stevenson in a title-unification bout in April of last year. He’ll have to work hard if he hopes to reclaim what he has lost.

However, he was more concerned about those who were rooting for him on Saturday.

“He’s just a warrior,” Valdez said of Navarrete. “I tried my best. That’s all I can say. … I’m sorry I disappointed everybody who came here to support me. I feel terrible. I’m hoping to do it again.”

No one outside of Valdez’s inner circle was all that disappointed, which is why they wouldn’t mind seeing him and Navarrete do it again.

In other featured fights, unbeaten 140-pound contender Lindolfo Delgado (18-0, 13 KOs) outpointed Jair Valtierra (16-3, 8 KOs) 99-91, 99-91 and 98-92 in a 10-round battle of Mexicans.

And Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs) stopped Willie Jake Jr. (11-4-2, 3 KOs) in the first round of a scheduled six-round heavyweight fight.

Emanuel Navarrete: Victory over Oscar Valdez would be career defining

Emanuel Navarrete: A victory over Oscar Valdez on Saturday night would be career defining.

Emanuel Navarrete is on a hell of a run.

All but one of the 130-pound titleholder’s last 12 fights have had a major belt on the line – first at 126 and then 130 — and he has won them all, nine by knockout. He has performed as consistently as anyone in the sport.

The problem, his critics might argue, is that he has yet to face an elite opponent.

That will change this Saturday, when Navarrete is scheduled to take on former two-division champion and fellow Mexican Oscar Valdez at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, outside of Phoenix (ESPN, ESPN+).

A victory would lift Navarrete to a new level of respect.

“Winning this fight would boost my career significantly,” he said recently. “Personally, I would feel complete. What has been missing in my career is precisely a victory against someone like Valdez.

“It would fill me with pride to be part of such an iconic fight between Mexicans and come out victorious.”

Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs) is known as a relentless volume puncher, which is the product of unusual fitness. He generally overwhelms his opponents with his work rate.

The 28-year-old old from Mexio City is taking nothing for granted against Valdez, however. He went cutting edge this training camp, hiring a fitness coach to join longtime head trainer Pedro Moran.

If Navarrete steps into the ring in better shape than he typically is, it could mean trouble for Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs).

“The training camp has been intense,” Navarrete said. “The preparation was very tough. Fortunately, we were able to carry it out quite well. I had always done things in a conventional way, but now we have included a physical trainer, Francisco Javier Orozco.

“This fight with Valdez merited that change, and I will come into this fight much better physically.”

Of course, Valdez isn’t shy about letting his hands go, either. That’s why this matchup could produce an entertaining fight.

That suits Navarrete. He’s confident he’ll inflict more punishment than he takes, which he believes will lead to the result he wants.

“People know that I throw a lot of punches and that I’m always in attractive fights,” he said. “Now, with Valdez, I believe it will be twice as spectacular. Valdez is a fighter who doesn’t hold back. We always see him moving forward and throwing punches.”

“He says he’s going to knock my head off, but let’s see whose head comes off first. Let’s see what Valdez has to offer, and let’s see how much he can endure and how much I can endure, too.”

[lawrence-related id=38462,38447,35413]

Emanuel Navarrete: Victory over Oscar Valdez would be career defining

Emanuel Navarrete: A victory over Oscar Valdez on Saturday night would be career defining.

Emanuel Navarrete is on a hell of a run.

All but one of the 130-pound titleholder’s last 12 fights have had a major belt on the line – first at 126 and then 130 — and he has won them all, nine by knockout. He has performed as consistently as anyone in the sport.

The problem, his critics might argue, is that he has yet to face an elite opponent.

That will change this Saturday, when Navarrete is scheduled to take on former two-division champion and fellow Mexican Oscar Valdez at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, outside of Phoenix (ESPN, ESPN+).

A victory would lift Navarrete to a new level of respect.

“Winning this fight would boost my career significantly,” he said recently. “Personally, I would feel complete. What has been missing in my career is precisely a victory against someone like Valdez.

“It would fill me with pride to be part of such an iconic fight between Mexicans and come out victorious.”

Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs) is known as a relentless volume puncher, which is the product of unusual fitness. He generally overwhelms his opponents with his work rate.

The 28-year-old old from Mexio City is taking nothing for granted against Valdez, however. He went cutting edge this training camp, hiring a fitness coach to join longtime head trainer Pedro Moran.

If Navarrete steps into the ring in better shape than he typically is, it could mean trouble for Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs).

“The training camp has been intense,” Navarrete said. “The preparation was very tough. Fortunately, we were able to carry it out quite well. I had always done things in a conventional way, but now we have included a physical trainer, Francisco Javier Orozco.

“This fight with Valdez merited that change, and I will come into this fight much better physically.”

Of course, Valdez isn’t shy about letting his hands go, either. That’s why this matchup could produce an entertaining fight.

That suits Navarrete. He’s confident he’ll inflict more punishment than he takes, which he believes will lead to the result he wants.

“People know that I throw a lot of punches and that I’m always in attractive fights,” he said. “Now, with Valdez, I believe it will be twice as spectacular. Valdez is a fighter who doesn’t hold back. We always see him moving forward and throwing punches.”

“He says he’s going to knock my head off, but let’s see whose head comes off first. Let’s see what Valdez has to offer, and let’s see how much he can endure and how much I can endure, too.”

[lawrence-related id=38462,38447,35413]

Oscar Valdez’s fight with Emanuel Navarrete is make or break for him

Oscar Valdez’s fight with Emanuel Navarrete on Saturday is make or break for the former two-division titleholder.

Oscar Valdez experienced the highest high and lowest low of his career within 14 months.

The former two-division titleholder from Mexico became a pound-for-pound candidate when he knocked out Miguel Berchelt in 10 rounds in February 2021. In April of the following year, after a victory over Robson Conceicao, he was outclassed by Shakur Stevenson en route to losing a one-sided decision.

Which way will he go now?

We’ll find out Saturday, when the 32-year-old boxer-puncher challenges 130-pound titleholder Emanuel Navarrete at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona (ESPN, ESPN+).

If Valdez wins, he’s back in business, back to being one of the most important fighters in the world. If he loses for the second time in three fights, he could be relegated to the dreaded gatekeeper status.

He’s looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m excited, it’s getting close,” he said recently. “It’s one of the most important fights of my career because it means everything for me to come back and win that title.

“I feel blessed to have this opportunity, and I’m taking advantage of it every single day so that I can accomplish my dream.”

Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs) is a significant obstacle.

Valdez’s fellow Mexican is a relentless volume puncher who throws his shots from a variety of angles and to all legal targets, which makes him a handful for any opponent.

A quick glance at his record makes that obvious. He hasn’t lost since he was outpointed in a four-rounder in his sixth fight, more than a decade ago. And the two-division champion is 11-0 in world title fights, evidence of his effectiveness.

Valdez is aware of Navarrete’s strengths and has prepared accordingly.

“We all know that Navarrete has an awkward style,” he said. “We might not have the perfect sparring that can emulate his style. But we try to imitate him in the mitt work and strategy. He’s not your typical fighter that throws straight shots.”

Another thing about Navarrete: His fights are generally entertaining because of his aggressive style. This one should be no exception.

Hall of Fame rivals Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales have been invited to attend the event on Saturday, a marketing move that emphasizes the all-Mexican matchup. Perhaps the magic of their epic three-fight series will rub off on their successors.

“I always tell people that I grew up during the era of Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera,” Valdez said. “Those two fighters inspired me to be the fighter that I am today. So to leave something similar in history would mean the world to me.”

“I’m more motivated for this fight than any other fight I’ve been in. People are excited about this fight. Everywhere I go, I get the same question: ‘When are you going to fight Vaquero?’ And that’s because we all know that a war is coming.”

A war that is pivotal to Valdez’s career.

[lawrence-related id=38447,29873,29864]

Oscar Valdez’s fight with Emanuel Navarrete is make or break for him

Oscar Valdez’s fight with Emanuel Navarrete on Saturday is make or break for the former two-division titleholder.

Oscar Valdez experienced the highest high and lowest low of his career within 14 months.

The former two-division titleholder from Mexico became a pound-for-pound candidate when he knocked out Miguel Berchelt in 10 rounds in February 2021. In April of the following year, after a victory over Robson Conceicao, he was outclassed by Shakur Stevenson en route to losing a one-sided decision.

Which way will he go now?

We’ll find out Saturday, when the 32-year-old boxer-puncher challenges 130-pound titleholder Emanuel Navarrete at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona (ESPN, ESPN+).

If Valdez wins, he’s back in business, back to being one of the most important fighters in the world. If he loses for the second time in three fights, he could be relegated to the dreaded gatekeeper status.

He’s looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m excited, it’s getting close,” he said recently. “It’s one of the most important fights of my career because it means everything for me to come back and win that title.

“I feel blessed to have this opportunity, and I’m taking advantage of it every single day so that I can accomplish my dream.”

Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs) is a significant obstacle.

Valdez’s fellow Mexican is a relentless volume puncher who throws his shots from a variety of angles and to all legal targets, which makes him a handful for any opponent.

A quick glance at his record makes that obvious. He hasn’t lost since he was outpointed in a four-rounder in his sixth fight, more than a decade ago. And the two-division champion is 11-0 in world title fights, evidence of his effectiveness.

Valdez is aware of Navarrete’s strengths and has prepared accordingly.

“We all know that Navarrete has an awkward style,” he said. “We might not have the perfect sparring that can emulate his style. But we try to imitate him in the mitt work and strategy. He’s not your typical fighter that throws straight shots.”

Another thing about Navarrete: His fights are generally entertaining because of his aggressive style. This one should be no exception.

Hall of Fame rivals Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales have been invited to attend the event on Saturday, a marketing move that emphasizes the all-Mexican matchup. Perhaps the magic of their epic three-fight series will rub off on their successors.

“I always tell people that I grew up during the era of Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera,” Valdez said. “Those two fighters inspired me to be the fighter that I am today. So to leave something similar in history would mean the world to me.”

“I’m more motivated for this fight than any other fight I’ve been in. People are excited about this fight. Everywhere I go, I get the same question: ‘When are you going to fight Vaquero?’ And that’s because we all know that a war is coming.”

A war that is pivotal to Valdez’s career.

[lawrence-related id=38447,29873,29864]