Emanuel Navarrete Contemplates a Remarkable Return to Lightweight Division to Chase Fourth Title
Emanuel Navarrete may have fallen short in his quest for a world title in a fourth weight class, but that doesn't deter him from being open to another shot at it. The 29-year-old fighter from Mexico recently lost a split decision to Denys Berinchyk in a bout for the WBO lightweight belt. However, Navarrete has swiftly bounced back by returning to the junior lightweight division to defend his WBO title against Oscar Valdez in a highly anticipated rematch on December 7.
Navarrete, who appeared a bit out of shape in his previous fight, had no trouble shedding five pounds to prepare for his upcoming battle against Valdez. In a recent interview, Navarrete expressed his eagerness for the rematch, stating, "I think because of that initial fight with Valdez, and the attraction it has, it makes it more feasible. So it helped make that decision for me."
The upcoming Navarrete-Valdez II showdown promises to be a thrilling event, with their first encounter back in August 2023 ending in Navarrete's favor via a unanimous decision. Despite recent challenges, including a draw with Robson Conceicao and the loss to Berinchyk, Navarrete remains a formidable force in the ring with a record of 38-2-1 (31 KOs).
Looking to the future, Navarrete hinted at the possibility of moving up to the lightweight division again, stating, "We can do something at 135 in the future. But I have to take my time... when that opportunity comes, we're going to come with everything for that title in the fourth weight class."
The highly anticipated Navarrete-Valdez II fight is scheduled to take place at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, and will be broadcast on various platforms, including ESPN and Sky Sports. Stay tuned for what promises to be an electrifying rematch between these two talented fighters.
