Oscar Valdez and Emanuel Navarrete need to fight each other. It is that simple. They share the same promoter, Top Rank Inc., both are Mexican and are inhabitants in the same weight class.
Thankfully, Top Rank and the powers that be agree as the fight is already confirmed for August 12th, at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Now to make it even more clear, they both have an exciting and at times reckless style that is crowd-pleasing - and seemingly suited to make a modern classic. After Navarrete stopped Liam Wilson, in February for the vacant WBO super featherweight world title, Valdez took to the ring. Minor details, Valdez versus Navarrete were supposed to fight on that night before Valdez had to withdraw.
We all thought the two would face each other next, but instead, we got a rematch between Valdez and Adam Lopez, a man who knocked down Valdez prior after taking the fight on 24-hour notice, in
The result of this fight was more decisive. A clear unanimous decision win for Valdez, who in victory now heads toward another marquee showdown.
Valdez is in search of his Mexican classic.
Valdez is one of the most exciting fighters of this era, as the Mexican fighter, who trains with Eddy Reynoso, is a two-division world champion, but is seeking his modern classic. We thought it might be against Miguel Berchelt, but Oscar Valdez outclassed him and essentially ended the career of Berchelt, who was never the same after being brutally knocked out by Valdez. Valdez is in the weird space currently as a fan-favorite and highly decorated fighter, but might not be a first-ballot hall-of-fame guy. What might change that would be a fight that gets the world buzzing.
Valdez is competing in the same division as Erik Morales, and Marco Antonio Barrera did during times in their career, and it is clear the proud fighter wants his classic. Now, Navarrete is the next fighter who seems ripe to provide that challenge.
Valdez has only lost once, but his first loss was deflating as Shakur Stevenson outboxed him to the point that it diminished some excitement around his career expectations of Valdez.
In terms of accolades, Valdez sits at an interesting crossroads. Valdez could be a hall-of-fame boxer, but it feels like extra accomplishments wouldn’t hurt his case either. Valdez is one of the best fighters in the super featherweight division even without a belt, and arguably the biggest name, as opposed to the other high-profile fighters and champions such as; Navarrete, Joe Cordina, and O’Shaquie Foster.
Valdez has had a great career, and his knockout of Miguel Berchelt was the most memorable moment thus far, but when being around Valdez, it seems the prizefighter wants his own modern classic - his own legendary night, one which can get the fight fans excited.
One could point to his fight with Scott Quigg, but that fight wasn’t viewed as a pick’em type bout heading into the fight.
Valdez is in search of his big fight, and Navarrete might be a perfect rival.
Navarrete with a point to prove
Very few fighters in the sport have been three-division world champions. Emanuel Navarrete is one of them.
Winning the WBO world title in the super bantamweight, featherweight, and most recently, the super featherweight division to start the year, Navarrete is one of the most accomplished Mexican fighters of the modern era.
The problem though is quite simple - it is the eye test. For Navarrete’s last two fights, his body has not looked like that of a pro athlete. When questioned by veteran broadcaster, Timothy Bradley Jr., Navarrete gave excuses, and pushed off when he’d get in excellent shape when he fought Eduardo Baez.
A fight that was dangerously close until Navarrete stopped Baez with a body shot in the sixth round.
In his vacant WBO super featherweight fight against Liam Wilson, Navarrete was rocked and dropped. Despite on paper, being one of the best of the modern era, since defeating Isaac Dogboe, Ruben Villa, and Joet Gonzalez, Navarrete has seen a constant decline in skill. One of which many have taken note of wondering when it will catch up to him.
If Navarrete could defeat Valdez - Navarrete’s legacy will be secured and his motivation which was once questioned will now be written off as just a lull in his career.
Valdez vs. Berchelt II?
Though the outcome might not be the same, many of the tropes leading into this fight are the same. When Oscar Valdez fought Miguel Berchelt, a hard-charging brawler, with a high punch output, Valdez was viewed as a major underdog. What ended up happening was a one-sided beatdown that was one of Valdez’s most iconic wins.
Now, Valdez and Navarrete get the chance to have a battle to crown not just the best super featherweight, but the best lower-weight Mexican fighter of this era. A battle of pride as much as it is for titles and wealth.
