Emanuel Navarrete vs. Óscar Valdez Rematch Official, Rafael Espinoza to Rematch Robeisy Ramírez

Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) will once again take on Óscar Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) in a world title defence.

Promotional company Top Rank confirmed the news in a press release sent on Wednesday. The rematch will headline a December 7 card at the Footprint Arena in Phoenix, AZ. ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes will have coverage for those in the United States. Sky Sports will be broadcasting the card for those in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Those in Canada can expect to catch the action on TSN.

Navarrete will be defending his WBO super featherweight title following a failed attempt at becoming lightweight champion against Denys Berinchyk. Just prior to the main event, Rafael Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs) will also be defending his WBO featherweight title in a rematch against Robeisy Ramírez (14-2, 9 KOs).

Emanuel Navarrete vs. Óscar Valdez Rematch Official, Rafael Espinoza to Rematch Robeisy Ramírez

Emanuel Navarrete and Óscar Valdez Clash For WBO 130lb Title

In the first meeting between the pair in August last year, Navarrete won comfortably on the scorecards. Scores were 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112. Valdez had his moments in the fight, but it was Navarrete who did the better work over 12 rounds. Since their first bout, Valdez has had just one fight: A seventh round technical knockout against Liam Wilson in March. On the other hand, Navarrete has had two: The loss to Berinchyk and a draw against Robson Conceição.

“The fans will see the same ‘Vaquero’ as always. We’re working hard to regain the aggressiveness that defines me and give all the fans the intense fight they want to see on December 7,” Navarrete said of the rematch. “I still have a lot to do and big goals to accomplish in boxing, including unifying my title and possibly moving back up to 135 pounds.”

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to fight for the WBO world title against a great fighter like ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete. Although we lost the first fight, we stayed disciplined and focused on returning stronger,” said Valdez. “I know it’s a tough challenge, but not impossible. With that in mind, we returned to the gym and studied what we did wrong in the first fight to avoid making the same mistakes. I’m excited and confident that we will be victorious this time.”

Rafael Espinoza and Robeisy Ramírez Will Also Have Rematch

Espinoza and Ramírez exchanged knockdowns with each other in their first fight in December last year. While one judge had the bout a 113-113 draw, the other two saw it 115-111 and 114-112 for the Mexican, who became the new WBO featherweight champion. Since then, both men have had one fight each. Ramírez got a seventh round technical knockout win against Brandon Benítez in June. Espinoza also fought that month, making his first ever title defence with a fourth round technical knockout against Sergio Sánchez.

“I know the fans, just like me, have been looking forward to this fight,” said Espinoza. “It’s a fight that I wanted. I’m very motivated and happy, and I’m training at 100 percent. This night of rematches will be great for Mexico, and I’m ready to give it my all, just like I always do.”

“Our first fight was extremely close, action-packed, and regarded by many as ‘Fight of the Year,’” said Ramírez. “Since the cards were read, my team and I have been asking for the rematch. On December 7, I’m coming to erase any doubts. I will reclaim my title.”

In addition to these two bouts, Lindolfo Delgado (21-0, 15 KOs) will face Jackson Maríñez (22-3, 10 KOs). Emiliano Vargas (12-0, 10 KOs) will take on Alan Ayala (11-4, 7 KOs). Richard Torrez Jr. makes his ring return against an opponent to be determined at a later date.