Navarrete Hammers Valdez

Navarrete defeats Valdez in a Mexican War in Arizona

By Carlos Costa

WBO Super Featherweight World Champion, Emanuel “Vaquero” (which means “Cowboy”) Navarrete, retained his crown by defeating fellow former Mexican former world champion Oscar Valdez, in a true “Mexican War” Saturday night at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

They were 12 rounds of intense action, in which the 3-time world champion Navarrete took advantage of his greater height and reach, in addition to his complicated boxing style, to take out an orderly and powerful fighter like Valdez.

At the end, Navarrete prevailed with scores of 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109, although this last scoring too wide. Above all, “Vaquero” deserved the victory, looking forward to his next defense.

“Vaquero” fulfilled the first defense of the WBO super featherweight title in a dream night because he beat a really high-level rival like Valdez.

“I’m happy to be part of history and I thank Oscar for the fight we gave tonight,” Navarrete said to fans on ESPN.

Valdez chivalrously accepted defeat, both fighters praising each other’s awesome performances.

Valdez ended the war with badly swollen right cheekbone.

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