Over the weekend at the Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Arizona, Top Rank and Promociones Zanfer showcased a thrilling main event on ESPN. In this pivotal contest, Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) squared off with Oscar Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) in a fight that spanned all 12 rounds.
The duel saw back and forth action, with each boxer demonstrating moments of dominance. Valdez showcased his skills, particularly with his left hook which proved significant in several rounds. However, Navarrete answered back with his own arsenal, outworking Valdez in many of the rounds. The audience, including boxing greats Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera, were thoroughly entertained, making their appreciation known as they stood on their feet by the fight's end. Referee Wes Melton’s officiating was commendable. The judges rendered scores of 116-112, 118-110, 119-109, and 117-111 in favor of Navarrete.
Official fight highlights: Watch on Youtube
In the co-main event, 2016 Olympian Super Light Lindolfo Delgado (18-0, 13 KOs) proved his superiority against Jair “Kaiser” Valtierra (16-3, 8 KOs) over a ten-round contest. Delgado dictated the tempo for most of the bout, with the audience urging for more explosive action. The judges had it 98-92 and 99-91 twice, mirroring KH’s scorecard.
The undercard also provided its fair share of electrifying moments, as heavyweight southpaw and Olympian Richard Torrez, Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs) swiftly dispatched Willie “Snake” Jake, Jr. (11-4-2, 3 KOs) in just 1:22 of the first round, in what was scheduled to be a six-round encounter. Middleweight Sergio Leon Rodriguez (8-0-1, 7 KOs) triumphed over Eduardo Ayala (9-4-1, 3 KOs) in two rounds of their six-round duel. Towering heavyweight Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (8-0, 7 KOs) halted Dajuan Calloway (7-3, 7 KOs) at 1:38 of the sixth in another bout scheduled for six rounds. Super Light Ricardo Ruvalcaba (10-0-1, 9 KOs) overcame Adrian Orban (6-4, 4 KOs) in the second round of their planned six-round bout. In the lightweight category, Emiliano Vargas (6-0, 5 KOs) put a halt to the efforts of Jorge Luis “Bad Boy” Marquez Alvarado (3-6-1, 2 KOs) at 2:17 of the second round in their four-round contest. Notably, Vargas is the progeny of former world champion, Fernando Vargas.
Image Credit: Top Rank