Two-division champion Oscar Valdez will get another chance to claim the WBO junior lightweight belt from Emanuel Navarrete. Officials confirmed that the highly anticipated rematch is set for December 7 in Arizona.
Top Rank is already bringing high-profile boxing events to Arizona, with Jaime Munguia's super-middleweight clash against Erik Bazinyan scheduled for September 20 at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. Valdez, 33, appeared to have missed his chance to reclaim championship status when Navarrete defeated him by unanimous decision last year in Glendale.
Watch Valdez vs. Wilson highlights: Watch
Despite this setback, Valdez bounced back with a thrilling seventh-round TKO victory over Liam Wilson on March 29, also in Glendale. This win reignited his hopes for another title shot. Meanwhile, Navarrete's quest to become a four-division champion fell short on May 18 when he lost to Ukraine's Denis Berinchyk in a sluggish performance with the WBO 135-pound belt at stake.
Following this defeat, Navarrete returned to the 130-pound division, where the WBO had already designated Valdez as the challenger. This rematch promises to be a compelling battle, as both fighters aim to solidify their legacies and reclaim championship glory.
Image Credit: Top Rank