Ranking the Top 5 Boxing Title Fights: Navarrete, Espinoza, etc.
Witness the Thrills of Boxing's Big Night
1. Rafael Espinoza vs. Robeisy Ramirez - WBO Featherweight Title
Rafael Espinoza, the 6-foot-1 tall WBO featherweight champion, is a formidable physical presence. A year ago, his vast volume of punches earned him a majority decision to win the title. In his first defense, he knocked out Sergio Chirino in the fourth round. Robeisy Ramirez, a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Cuba, shone in his fight earlier this year with a seventh-round TKO win. Now, Ramirez aims to show something different and get inside Espinoza's long range with his slick southpaw skills. The odds favor Ramirez (-135), but Espinoza (-105) is confident and ready for a war. He said, "I'll be ready whether he wants to fight at a close range or from a distance. I'm not leaving without the title." Ramirez, who had to deal with his father's illness before their last fight, insists his preparation is better this time. He said, "My father is in Cuba, and I can't go back. But despite that, I was still able to deliver a great show. I do not doubt the second fight will be better." This is a fascinating matchup with a backstory that could lead to another fight of the year contender.
Before the fight, Espinoza was largely unknown. But his performance in the first fight and his defense have made him a force to be reckoned with. Ramirez, on the other hand, has the skills and experience to challenge Espinoza. The fight will be a test of their skills and determination, and fans are sure to be on the edge of their seats.
2. Emanuel Navarrete vs. Oscar Valdez - WBO Junior Lightweight Title
In boxing history, there have been some great all-Mexican rivalries, and Navarrete-Valdez could be added to that list. Navarrete, from Mexico City, won a unanimous decision over Valdez in August 2023 to defend his WBO junior lightweight title. Navarrete believes the rematch will be better as they are more familiar with each other, leading to more exchanges and better action. He said, "There is a lot of pride at stake, especially in a Mexico vs. Mexico battle. When you have that dynamic, there's always going to be pride." Valdez, a three-time world champion from Mexico, has the technique and movement to avoid making the same mistakes as in their last fight. He showed this in a classy seventh-round stoppage win over Liam Wilson in March. But he admitted he made a mistake focusing on the knockout in his fight with Navarrete and has been working on "fighting smarter" in the rematch. Navarrete, 29, has the height and reach advantages, and Valdez must stick to a clever game plan to avoid another punishing beating. Navarrete threw 1,038 punches in the last fight against Valdez, while Valdez threw only 483. A lot hinges on how comfortable Navarrete is at making 130 pounds after his last fight at 135 pounds. His conditioning could be vital as the fight goes on.
This rematch is highly anticipated as both fighters have something to prove. Navarrete wants to defend his title and show his dominance, while Valdez aims to become a three-time world champion. The fight will be a test of their skills, strategy, and mental toughness, and fans are sure to be in for a treat.
3. Brad Pauls vs. Denzel Bentley - British Middleweight Title
Brad Pauls, from Cornwall, England, makes his first defense of the British middleweight crown with the incentive of progressing to a world title shot in 2025. He defeated Nathan Heaney via a 12th-round TKO in July, knocking him down twice. Pauls is in better form than Bentley and looked dangerous against Heaney. He has impressively gotten this far without the backing of a major promoter, and everyone likes an underdog story. Bentley, from London, has come up short in the harder tests he has faced so far, including a narrow majority-decision loss to Heaney a year ago and a unanimous-decision defeat in a WBO world title shot against Janibek Alimkhanuly two years ago. Bentley also suffered a third-round KO to Felix Cash in 2021. Pauls and Bentley are the Nos. 1 and 2 contenders, respectively, for Alimkhanuly's WBO belt, so there's a lot at stake. Expect a competitive fight as Pauls' energy and hunger could prove decisive if Bentley fails to show he has what it takes to compete at elite level.
Pauls is a fighter with a lot of potential, and this title defense is an opportunity for him to showcase his skills on a bigger stage. Bentley, on the other hand, needs to step up his game and prove that he belongs at the top level. The fight will be a battle between two talented fighters, and fans are sure to be excited to see who will come out on top.
4. Liam Paro vs. Richardson Hitchins - IBF Junior Welterweight Title
Liam Paro, from Brisbane, Australia, became the IBF junior welterweight champion via an upset decision win over Subriel Matias in June. He now faces a potentially tough first defense against Richardson Hitchins, who won a tough unanimous decision against Gustavo Lemos in April. Paro has prepared in Florida and boxed well off the back foot against Matias. If he can repeat that against Hitchins, he will retain his title. Hitchins is motivated to produce a stoppage win after Paro taunted him about his single digit knockout ratio. The fight will be a test of Paro's skills and determination as he looks to strengthen his status at 140 pounds and potentially face fighters like Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez in the future.
Paro is a rising star in the boxing world, and this title defense is an important step in his career. Hitchins, on the other hand, is looking to make a name for himself and prove that he is a force to be reckoned with. The fight will be a battle between two talented fighters with different styles, and fans are sure to be entertained.
5. Mahmoud Charr vs. Kubrat Pulev - WBA "Regular" Heavyweight Title
This is a rare opportunity to see two heavyweights who are better known for their inactivity than their knockouts. Mahmoud Charr, from Syria but based in Germany, has only fought three times in seven years and last boxed two years ago. Kubrat Pulev, from Bulgaria, has lost two of his past five fights. Despite their inactivity and advanced age (Pulev is 43, Charr is 40), don't write this fight off. As their careers reach the end of the line, they will need to produce something special to set up a big payday in 2025. Pulev, who has fought better opponents in recent years and was knocked out in world title attempts versus Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko, will be highly motivated in front of his home fans. His aggression could see him emerge victorious.
The fight between Charr and Pulev is a unique opportunity to see two veterans go head-to-head. Both fighters have something to prove, and the winner will be left highly placed for a world title shot in 2025. Fans are sure to be excited to see how these two fighters perform in what could be a dramatic encounter.
ESPN gives you the rundown on what you should be watching Saturday. Odds courtesy of ESPN BET.
