Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez put on a brutal show tonight in Glendale, Ariz., with Navarrete retaining his WBO 130 lb title in a classic “Mexican war” style of fight.
Navarrete (38-1, 31 KO) won by decision over 12 rounds, in a fight where he battled through a busted right hand, and Valdez (31-2, 23 KO) valiantly fought through a right eye beaten shut by the later rounds.
“Epic battle,” said featherweight titlist Robeisy Ramirez. “My respect to both of you and my congratulations to Vaquero for his great victory.”
“Navarrete is way better than I gave him credit for. I apologize, big guy,” said trainer Stephen “Breadman” Edwards. “Won’t pick against him again unless he moves up and fights (Shakur) Stevenson. Navarrete is a sum total guy.”
More reactions:
Now This Is A FIGHT!!
Call me what you will I Love These Types Of WARS!!— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) August 13, 2023
Épica batalla. Mis respetos a ambos y mis felicitaciones al Vaquero por su gran victoria. #NavarreteValdez
— Robeisy Ramirez (@RobeisyRamirez) August 13, 2023
Navarrete is way better than I gave him credit for. I apologize big guy. Won’t pick against him again unless he moves up and fights Stevenson. Navarrete is a sum total guy.
— Stephen Edwards (@BreadmanBoxing) August 13, 2023
Navarette won. Valdez is another Mexican throwback warrior. Great stuff.
— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) August 13, 2023