Phoenix, AZ – Fight fans are in for a historic night on December 7 as Top Rank Boxing returns to the Footprint Center with a rematch that has everyone buzzing: Navarrete vs. Valdez II. Tickets go on sale today at noon via Ticketmaster, and the event is expected to be packed with intense bouts featuring some of the top names in boxing.
Headlining the night, Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez will face off once more for the WBO junior lightweight title in a rematch that promises fireworks. Their first encounter, a memorable clash in August 2023 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, ended with Navarrete earning a hard-fought unanimous decision victory. Both fighters bring relentless energy and pride to the ring, making this highly anticipated rematch a must-watch event.
A Clash of Mexican Titans: Navarrete vs. Valdez II
Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) is a Three-Division World Champion and one of the sport’s most consistent, powerful fighters. With titles as a Featherweight and Junior Lightweight already under his belt, the WBO Junior Lightweight World Champion now aims to cement his dominance with another victory over Valdez. Known for his resilience and punching power, Navarrete will put everything on the line to retain his title and prove that his August 2023 victory was no fluke.
WBO 122-POUND TITLEHOLDER EMANUEL NAVARRETE, Image courtesy of MIKEY WILLIAMS / TOP RANK
On the other side of the ring, Oscar Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) has the determination of a warrior and a hunger for redemption. Valdez, who proudly represented Mexico in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, previously held the WBC junior lightweight title and has lost only to Navarrete and boxing star Shakur Stevenson in 2022. In March, he secured the interim WBO junior lightweight title with an impressive seventh-round TKO over Liam Wilson, setting the stage for his rematch with Navarrete. Fans are eager to see if Valdez can turn the tables on Navarrete this December and reclaim the title.
Oscar Valdez 2012 Olympic Boxer & WBO junior lightweight Champion, Image Courtesy of WBO
Co-Main Event: Espinoza vs. Ramirez Rematch
Cuban boxer Robeisy Ramírez, born December 20, 1993, transitioned from two-time Olympic gold medalist to a standout in professional boxing. After signing with Top Rank in 2019, he quickly climbed the ranks, winning the WBO featherweight title in April 2023. Ramírez defended his title twice, including a win over Satoshi Shimizu, but lost it to Rafael Espinoza in December 2023. Now, he’s set to challenge Espinoza again for the title on December 7, 2024, in Phoenix.
Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Robeisy Ramírez
Espinoza, known for his precise technique and tactical prowess, will face the relentless aggression of Ramirez, a fighter who has won over fans with his relentless pressure and fearless style. Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum highlighted the appeal of this rematch, noting,
“December 7 is going to be a special night in Phoenix, as we have two 50-50 rematches of incredible fights. Navarrete and Valdez are two of the greatest Mexican warriors the sport has seen, and I expect another toe-to-toe battle. I thought the first Espinoza-Ramirez fight was the 2023 Fight of the Year, and I expect the 13th round to pick up where the dramatic 12th left off.”
Exciting Undercard Action
In addition to the two title bouts, the undercard is stacked with exciting matchups featuring top contenders and rising stars. Mexican junior welterweight contender Lindolfo Delgado (21-0, 15 KOs) will go up against the Dominican Republic’s Jackson Marinez (22-3, 10 KOs), promising a fast-paced, power-packed showdown. Delgado, an undefeated fighter with heavy hands, has developed a reputation for finishing fights, while Marinez is known for his resilience and tactical approach.
Adding to the excitement in Phoenix, undefeated fighters Emiliano Fernando Vargas (12-0) and Richard Torrez Jr. (11-0) are set to return to the ring after recent wins in Glendale. Both are rising stars who have captivated fans with their skills and relentless energy. Vargas, known for his hand speed and sharp ring intelligence, has become one to watch in the boxing world. Torrez, an American heavyweight, is thrilling fans with his power and determination, with aspirations of contending for a major title.
Richard Torrez Jr., born June 1, 1999, in Tulare, California, comes from a long lineage of boxers. His family’s boxing roots stretch back to his great-grandfather, who emigrated from Mexico in 1920, and include his grandfather, a former Golden Gloves champion, and his father, who competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials. Outside of boxing, Torrez excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian from Mission Oak High School, where he also competed in chess and robotics. Inspired by Vasyl Lomachenko’s footwork, Torrez took ballet lessons, eventually performing as Gaston in a college production of Beauty and the Beast, a moment he described as more nerve-wracking than Olympic competition.
Torrez’s amateur career was highly decorated, highlighted by a Silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a Bronze in the 2019 Pan American Games. Since turning professional, Torrez has established himself as a knockout artist, winning 10 of his 11 bouts by KO. With each fight, he’s steadily climbing the heavyweight ranks, adding a disqualification win over Joey Dawejko to his undefeated record. Both Torrez and Vargas are now looking to extend their streaks and captivate the Phoenix crowd with their talent and passion for the sport.
Where to Watch
For those who can’t attend in person, the fights will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ starting at 7:30 p.m. local time (Arizona). With high-profile rematches and a lineup of compelling undercard bouts, the event is expected to draw viewers from all over the world.
Get Your Tickets
Tickets for Navarrete vs. Valdez II go on sale today, Friday, October 25, at noon, available through Ticketmaster. With a night filled with championship stakes, fierce rematches, and rising stars, fans won’t want to miss the opportunity to witness these thrilling matchups live at the Footprint Center. Boxing enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their seats early, as the event is expected to sell out quickly.
Stay tuned to Fajador.co for updates and in-depth coverage of Navarrete-Valdez II, Espinoza-Ramirez, and all the bouts leading up to December 7.
