Phoenix, Arizona – Emanuel Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) and Rafael Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) successfully defended their titles in a night of rematches in which both fighters outperformed the original.
Navarrete decisively defeated Oscar Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs), dropping him three times in six rounds. Connects with a devastating body shot in the 6th round that sends Valdez to the canvas and out for the full ten count.
Espinoza and Robeisy Ramirez (14-3, 9 KOs) boxed for six rounds in what was a tight contest. In the 6th round, Ramirez signaled to the ref that he could not continue because of his right eye which was bothering him. Upon medical evaluation, it was discovered that Ramirez a fractured orbital bone.
Both boxers claim the injury was caused by a punch or an elbow, with Ramirez claiming the latter. After the fight, Ramirez said: “He elbowed me twice in the fourth round. That’s when I started seeing double. I said the referee. He did his job. He scolded him, but the damage has already been done.”
In post-fight interviews, Espinoza said he felt the injury was the result of a punch and not an elbow. He feels Ramirez is overwhelmed with his pressure and power. There was a slight difference in total punches landed with Espinoza landing 58 to Ramirez’s 53 (Compubox). It was a much more technical match than the first, as exchanges were much more limited. Espinoza was able to connect the jab at distance while applying pressure.
Navarrete said in post-fight interviews that he intends to explore his options for future fights. Whether that means staying at 130 or 135, he will lean on whatever decision is best for him as he believes he has reached the second phase of his career.
A stage through which he intends to be the best version of himself and seek the best fights. Navarrete has struggled in the past to make weight and poor conditioning. In the rematch against Valdez, we saw what Navarrete can do when he’s at his best.
He also recovered from a left hand injury that allowed him to land harder punches. Navarrete praised Valdez for his fighting spirit and feels he still has a lot to offer. What’s next for Valdez remains to be seen as the 33-year-old suffered his third career loss. One for Shakur Stevenson and two for Navarrete.
As for Espinoza, he did not clearly state that he would move up a division to 130. When asked if he plans to stay at 126 or move up to 130, as previously reported. He said, “Really, I don’t know. I sit down and talk to my people. I feel good at 126, but we’ll see what they say.”
Espinoza and Navarrete hugged each other backstage and posed for photos together. They were very cordial and kind to each other. Navarrete said after their brief meeting that there was genuine respect between the two, and Espinoza congratulated him on his victory and invited him to his home.
Espinoza also expressed an interest to Navarrete in possibly challenging him for his championship. A potential matchup between Navarrete and Espinoza would create a great matchup between two Mexican warriors who are eager to put on a show. Espinoza wants to be considered one of the best in the sport, and facing Navarrete will give him the memorable match he is looking for, and earn him the respect, admiration and love of the public.
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