Navarrete Overpowers Valdez in Epic Encounter: Winner and KO Moments Highlighted
WBO junior lightweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete squared off against Oscar Valdez Jr. once more on a Saturday night in Phoenix, Arizona. Navarrete emerged victorious in their initial confrontation, and the rematch turned out to be even more one-sided than the initial bout.
Navarrete hurled Valdez to the ground three times en route to a jaw-dropping sixth-round knockout, administering a lethal body shot. Here's a closer look at the climax:
Navarrete seemed to be at the peak of his abilities. His diverse punching arsenal, precision, and force were almost unparalleled. There were moments when he resembled Roberto Duran, while other times he seemed to be embodying Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.
The knockout via liver shot was particularly reminiscent of the exploits of Mexican legends who delivered iconic liver-shot KOs, further intensifying Navarrete's status as one of the sport's most formidable body punchers.
Navarrete outstruck Valdez 105-78 in all punches and 78-66 in power punches. Valdez spent the entire contest evading forward, never managing to land a shot that could slow down Navarrete's assault.
Valdez stumbled in the first, third, and sixth rounds, ultimately being counted out in the sixth. Here's a look at the CompuBox stats.
As the fight drew to a close, Navarrete held a commanding lead on the scorecards, as per this post from seasoned boxing scribe Dan Rafael.
Following the fight, Valdez was questioned about his future. Some boxing analysts, including ex-champ Chris Algieri, suggested that Valdez might consider retirement if he lost the rematch.
Valdez made no mention of retirement, although he appeared visibly upset during his post-fight interview. It's evident that Navarrete has Valdez's number. It's a matchup that appears to tilt in Navarrete's favor regardless of how many times the two square off.
Valdez had never been stopped before Saturday, and he's only 33. However, he's had his share of grueling contests, suggesting some wear and tear on his equipment. We'll see how he navigates his next move in the ring or if he reconsiders his career ambitions.
Valdez's future may hinge on a potential showdown against a mid-tier rival to gauge his remaining prowess, or he could explore an alternative weight class where he might enjoy more success.
Meanwhile, Navarrete has ambitious plans for 2025. He aims to have two more fights at 130 pounds before eyeing significant bouts at 135 pounds. There's a clear title unification bout waiting for Navarrete against WBC champion O'Shaquie Foster, who was in attendance.
That contest should be straightforward to finalize considering they both belong to Top Rank. Foster made his intentions known on X after the fight, calling for the unification.
There's also a potential conflict with IBF champion Anthony Cacace. WBA champion Lamont Roach Jr. is planning to ascend to 135 pounds to take on Gervonta Davis in a contest few anticipate he'll win.
After Roach's return to 130 pounds, he could emerge as another potential foe for Navarrete at super featherweight. The stage could be set for some intriguing developments should Navarrete opt to move up to 135 pounds.
Davis, Shakur Stevenson, Vasiliy Lomachenko, and Denys Berinchyk might offer Navarrete the high-profile opponents he craves and a shot at winning a title in a higher weight class.
If Navarrete can carry on the form he demonstrated on Saturday, he could give most opponents a run for their money.
The stunning knockout in the sixth round was labeled as a 'liver shot', a technique that echoes the legendary liver-shot KOs by Mexican boxers. According to Dan Rafael's post, Navarrete outstruck Valdez significantly in all punches and power punches. In the aftermath of the fight, Navarrete expressed his ambitions to challenge O'Shaquie Foster, the WBC champion at 135 pounds, who was present at the event.
