Body Shot Blast

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Dec. 7, 2024) — Emanuel Navarrete demonstrated— once more — why he remains a formidable enigma. “El Vaquero” halted Oscar Valdez in the sixth round with a left hook to the midsection, successfully defending his WBO junior lightweight world title in a much-anticipated rematch Saturday night at Footprint Center.

Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) had previously outpointed Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs) by decision in August 2023, but this time, the fighting pride of Nogales, Mexico, did not last until the final bell.

Navarrete knocked Valdez down three times, including at the close of the first round. While Valdez was able to have some success in brief moments, the three-division champion landed the more significant and impactful punches.

It marked a return to form for Navarrete, who rebounded from a decision defeat to Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight title in May. He returned to the junior lightweight division, wielding his unorthodox style and looping punches to once again neutralize Valdez’s aggression.

“I had to work diligently in every round. I needed to push him back. He advances aggressively. I had to make him retreat. That was the right game plan to take down a formidable Valdez,” Navarrete stated. “I informed everyone before that I would showcase a new left hand. And that’s exactly what unfolded. It felt fantastic. We are now embarking on a new chapter of my career. And I intend to capitalize on it.”

Valdez remarked, “We gave it our all. That’s what’s crucial. We aimed for the win. My apologies to those who came to support me.

“I wish the outcome had been more favorable. Perhaps next time. I take no excuses. He defeated me decisively.”

Rafa Repeat: Espinoza TKOs Ramirez to Retain Featherweight Crown

In an unusual conclusion, Rafael Espinoza again triumphed over Robeisy Ramirez. Espinoza defended his WBO featherweight world title with a sixth-round TKO, achieving the stoppage after Ramirez turned away, expressing issues with double vision early in the round.

Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) ousted Ramirez (14-3, 9 KOs) via majority decision last December in an exhilarating battle that showcased a dramatic 12th round. This time, the end arrived abruptly and unexpectedly. Ramirez was ahead 48-47 on two cards and behind 49-46 on the third when the fight was halted.

“I was simply doing my job. Evidently, I caught him,” Espinoza stated. “I was just getting warmed up. To be honest, I believe the pressure and rest of the rounds would have been quite challenging for him. This indicates that he felt my power. He felt my punches. Maybe he thought he wouldn’t be able to withstand it. But it happened. I emerged victorious.

“I’ve expressed from the beginning. I aspire to be a legend. I want to be a celebrated figure in Mexican boxing. I desire to fight anyone. I want the public to know that I’m here to deliver thrilling fights.”

Ramirez disclosed, “He hit me with his elbow twice in the fourth round. That’s when I started to experience double vision. I informed the referee. He did his duty. He admonished him, but the harm had already been inflicted.

“I believe withdrawing from the fight was the smartest choice. I made that decision instead of absorbing more punches, especially since I had double vision, and I couldn’t be at my best. It was a wisely made decision for my health. If I can’t continue due to my vision, it’s preferable to stop.”

Junior Welterweight: Mexican heavyweight Lindolfo Delgado (22-0, 16 KOs) added to his impressive record, stopping Dominican veteran Jackson Marinez (22-4, 10 KOs) in the fifth round of a planned 10-round bout. Delgado dropped Marinez with a right uppercut in the fifth, and as soon as Marinez returned to his feet, Delgado sensed a finish was near. He struck Marinez with a right uppercut to the body that concluded the contest.

Heavyweight: U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (12-0, 11 KOs) initiated a new knockout streak tonight, stopping Issac Muñoz (18-2-1, 15 KOs) in three rounds. Torrez found his rhythm by the start of the third, landing left hands freely, both to the head and body. Successive lefts to the head ultimately prompted referee Raul Caiz Jr. to step in as Muñoz endured a one-sided barrage against the ropes. Muñoz, recognized as Mexico’s top-rated heavyweight, faced his first stoppage loss.  Time of stoppage: 0:59.

Featherweight: Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez (12-0, 7 KOs) achieved an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Argentina’s Gerardo Antonio Perez (12-7-1, 3 KOs). Gonzalez glided to victory with a combination of straight rights, left hooks to the body, and crafty head movement. Scores: 80-72 2x and 79-73.

Junior Bantamweight: Rising southpaw sensation Steven Navarro (5-0, 4 KOs) secured a second-round TKO against Gabriel Bernardi (7-2, 3 KOs). A right hook from Navarro at the start of the second round initiated the offensive, leading to two knockdowns that compelled referee Raul Caiz Jr. to halt the bout at 2:29.

Welterweight: Giovani Santillan (33-1, 18 KOs) rebounded from his inaugural professional loss by defeating Fredrick Lawson (30-6, 22 KOs) in one round. With an aggressive start, Santillan pushed Lawson against the ropes, unleashing a flurry of unanswered shots to conclude the round. Lawson retired on his stool at the end of the first.

Welterweight: Undefeated Robert Garcia-trained talent Art Barrera Jr. (7-0, 5 KOs) scored a second-round TKO against Juan Carlos Campos Medina (4-2, 3 KOs). Barrera relentlessly attacked with hooks and rights, battering Medina against the ropes and prompting referee Wes Melton to cease the bout at 2:58.

Lightweight: Last-minute substitute Kevin Mosquera (3-0, 1 KO) narrowly defeated Mexico’s Cesar Morales (0-1) by majority decision. The two engaged in persistent back-and-forth action, with Mosquera delivering a pivotal knockdown in the final round. Scores: 38-38, 39-36, and 38-37.

Junior Lightweight: Las Vegas native DJ Zamora (15-0, 10 KOs) celebrated a second-round knockout over Roman Ruben Reynoso (22-6-2, 10 KOs). Time of stoppage: 1:56