Phoenix, AZ – Fight fans will experience a historic night on December 7th when Top Rank Boxing returns to the Footprint Center with a rematch that has everyone excited: Navarrete vs. Valdez II. Tickets go on sale today at noon through Ticketmaster and the event is expected to be packed with intense fights featuring some of the biggest names in boxing.
Headlining the evening, the Mexicans Emanuel Navarrete y Oscar Valdez will square off once again for the WBO Junior Lightweight Title in a rematch that promises fireworks. Their first meeting, a memorable clash in August 2023 at the 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-see event.
Clash Of The Mexican Titans: Navarrete vs. Valdez II
Navarrete(38-2-1, 31 KOs) is a three-division world champion and one of the most consistent and powerful fighters in the sport. With Featherweight and Junior Lightweight titles already under his belt, the WBO Junior Lightweight World Champion now aims to consolidate his dominance with another victory over Valdez. Known for his stamina and punching power, Navarrete will put it all on the line to retain his title and prove that his August 2023 victory was no fluke.
WBO 122 POUNDS HOLDER 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 at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, previously held the WBC Junior Light Heavyweight Title and only lost to Navarrete and boxing star Shakur Stevenson in 2022. In March, he secured the WBO Interim Junior Light Heavyweight Title with an impressive seventh place. round TKO over Liam Wilsonsetting the stage for his rematch with Navarrete. Fans are anxious to see if Valdez can turn Navarrete around this December and regain the title.
Oscar Valdez 2012 Olympic boxer and WBO junior lightweight champion, image courtesy of the WBO.
Co-Main Event: Revenge Between Espinoza and Ramirez
Cuban boxer Robeisy Ramirez, born December 20, 1993, went from Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist to a standout in professional boxing. After signing with Top Rank in 2019, he quickly moved up the ranks and won the WBO Featherweight title in April 2023. Ramirez defended his Title Twice, including a victory over. Satoshi Shimizubut lost it to Rafael Espinoza in December 2023. Now, he is ready to challenge Espinoza again for the title on December 7, 2024, in Phoenix.
Robeisy Ramirez, two-time Olympic gold medalist, image courtesy of Top Rank
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 President Bob Arumnoted the attractiveness of this rematch and said:
“December 7 will be a special night in Phoenix, as we will have two 50-50 rematches of incredible fights. Navarrete and Valdez are two of the best Mexican warriors the sport has ever seen, and I look forward to another head-to-head battle. I thought the first Espinoza-Ramirez fight was the Fight of the Year 2023, and I expect round 13 to pick up where the dramatic 12th ended.”
Exciting Secondary Action
In addition to the two title fights, the card is packed with exciting match-ups between top contenders and rising stars. Mexican Junior Welterweight contender Lindolfo Delgado Lindolfo Delgado(21-0, 15 KOs) will take on Dominican Republic’s Jackson Marinez(22-3, 10 KOs), promising a fast-paced, power-packed showdown. Delgado, an undefeated fighter with tough hands, has earned a reputation for finishing fights, while Marinez is known for his stamina and tactical approach.
Adding to the excitement in Phoenix, undefeated fighters Emiliano Fernando Vargas(12-0) y Richard Torrez Jr.(11-0) will return to the ring after recent victories 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 a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world. Torrez, an American Heavyweight, excites fans with his power and determination, with aspirations of competing for a major title.
Richard Torrez Jr., born June 1, 1999 in Tulare, California, comes from a long line of boxers. His family’s boxing roots go 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 and graduated with top grades from Mission Oak High School, where he also competed in chess and robotics. Inspired by the footwork of Vasyl LomachenkoTorrez took ballet lessons and eventually played Gaston in a college production of Beauty and the Beast, a moment he described as more stressful than an Olympic competition.
Torrez’ s amateur career was highly decorated, highlighted by a Silver Medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a bronze at the 2019 Pan American Games. Since turning pro, Torrez has established himself as a knockout artist, winning 10 of his 11 fights by knockout.. With each fight, he steadily moves up the heavyweight rankings, adding a disqualification victory over Joey Dawejko to his undefeated record. Both Torrez and Vargas now look to extend their streaks and captivate the Phoenix crowd with their talent and passion for the sport.
Where to Watch
For those unable to attend in person, the fights will air live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 p.m. local(Arizona) time. With high-profile rematches and a schedule of compelling preliminary fights, the event is expected to draw viewers from around 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 full of championship stakes, fierce rematches and rising stars, fans won’t want to miss the opportunity to witness these exciting showdowns live at Footprint Center. Boxing enthusiasts are encouraged to reserve their seats early, as tickets for the event are 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 fights leading up to December 7.
