Three-division world champion Emanuel Navarrete is set to defend his WBO junior lightweight world title against fellow Mexican fighter Oscar Valdez in a highly anticipated main event on December 7 in Phoenix, Arizona.
In addition to this marquee matchup, the card also features WBO featherweight world champion Rafael Espinoza, who will defend his title against Cuban sensation Robeisy Ramirez. Espinoza previously dethroned Ramirez to claim the title last December.
Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) has successfully defended his title twice, including a decisive victory over Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) in their first bout this past August. His quest to become the sixth Mexican fighter to win a title in four different weight classes was halted in May, where he lost to Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight championship.
Valdez, 33, faced his first professional defeat in a unification match against Shakur Stevenson in April 2022 but rebounded with a victory over Adam Lopez in May 2023 prior to facing Navarrete. He earned the interim WBO junior lightweight title in March with a seventh-round TKO of Liam Wilson.
Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs) recently showcased his resilience by recovering from a knockdown to score a crucial knockdown of Ramirez in the final round, ultimately winning by majority decision. Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist, previously defended the WBO title he acquired from Isaac Dogboe in April 2023.
“I’ve been seeking this rematch since our first fight, which was incredibly close and full of action. On December 7, I’m determined to reclaim my title,” Ramirez declared.
Stay tuned for more updates as these thrilling bouts approach.
