Navarrete vs Valdez August 12

By Carlos Costa

Three-division world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will defend his WBO Super Featherweight world crown against former 2-division world champ Óscar Valdez, in a hot “Mexico vs. Mexico” battle this coming Saturday, August 12, at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The exciting collision is promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank, live on ESPN, a fight that no boxing fan wants to miss.

That’s because “Navarrete vs Valdez” will surely get into history among legendary battles in the celebrated catalog of Mexican rivalries that includes Marco Antonio Barrera vs Erik “El Terrible” Morales, “El Puas” Rubén Olivares vs Chucho Castillo, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez vs Juan “El Torito” Diaz, Rafael Márquez vs Israel “El Magnifico” Vázquez, “El Cañas” Carlos Zarate vs Alfonso Zamora, and so many more.

“Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete and Óscar Valdez are truly two fantastic Mexican warriors, so hungry for VICTORY.

“This fight is destined to become a classic battle,” thinks legendary promoter Bob Arum:

“The boxing fans at Desert Diamond Arena and everyone else watching on ESPN are going to enjoy it.

“The winner of this battle will place his name on the list of the great boxers of Mexico… I can not wait!”

Navarrete (37-1, 31 KO’s), the pride of San Juan Zitlaltepec, captured his first world belt by beating Isaac Dogboe for the WBO super bantamweight world championship in 2018.

He has claimed world titles in three weight-classes, although he went thru a knock down and nearly getting knocked out in his last fight defending against tough Australian Liam Wilson.

“Vaquero” regrouped fine, stopping the Aussie in 9.

Meanwhile, the popular Oscar Valdez of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, who been a champ in two divisions, wants a be a king of the 130 pound weight class again.

Valdez’ only defeat was a setback by points to Shakur Stevenson one year ago. He was outboxed during 12 rounds.

Could “Vaquero” Navarrete outbox and best the strong Oscar Valdez too?

Or will it be Valdez the one to prescribe Navarrete with his first defeat since 2012? The 28-year-old Navarrete has been so durable and dominating, earning tons of fans in Mexico and the world.

For years older than Vaquero, Valdez is so much appreciated by boxing fans too!

Slightly taller and with longer reach, Navarrete might have a slight physical advantage, although fans so well know that that really does not mean that much. Ring smarts, moves, technique, speed and power and are determine the winner.

Vaquero Navarrete vs Oscar Valdez is one of the most-anticipated fights for 2023. It is very likely to be a thrilling modern Mexican civil war.

And who of the two do you like best? May the Best Man Win!