The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has ordered a rematch between WBO super-featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete and interim titlist Oscar Valdez.
Both fighters, under the promotion of Bob Arum’s Top Rank, have been given a 20-day window to negotiate terms for the fight. Should an agreement not be reached within this period, a purse bid will be initiated with a minimum bid set at $150,000. The goal is to consolidate the championship and end Valdez’s interim status.
Emanuel Navarrete, 29, from Mexico, recently experienced a career setback, losing a split decision to Denys Berinchyk in a bout for the vacant WBO lightweight title. Following his victory over Valdez in August 2023, Navarrete also fought to a majority draw against Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceicao.
Oscar Valdez, 33, also from Mexico, secured the interim WBO title by stopping Liam Wilson in seven rounds this past March. Valdez now aims to solidify his standing as the true WBO super-featherweight champion with a decisive victory over Navarrete in their upcoming rematch.
Watch Valdez vs. Wilson highlights: Watch
The WBO's letter to Bob Arum stressed the urgency of the negotiations:
"The WBO World Championship Committee is hereby ordering the commencement of negotiations between WBO Jr. Lightweight Champion, Emanuel Navarrete, and the WBO Interim Jr. Lightweight Champion, Oscar Valdez, to terminate the Interim status in the referenced division. The parties are granted 20 days upon issuance of this notice letter to negotiate and reach an agreement, or purse bid proceedings will be ordered per WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests."
Image Credit: DAZN