Oscar Valdez, the former two-division world champion, is all set to face off against Emanuel Navarrete in a highly anticipated rematch this Saturday, December 7th, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. With a 32-2 record and 24 KOs to his name, Valdez believes he has studied Navarrete's style and is confident of dethroning the WBO super featherweight champion.

Valdez Aims to Overcome Past Defeat and Claim Victory

Valdez's Preparation and Mindset

In their first encounter last year on August 12th, 2023, Valdez suffered a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision loss. But now, he feels he knows what went wrong and is training hard in the gym to make the necessary corrections. "I've been training smart for this fight. Now, I know what to expect. I've been in the ring with him. I know he hits hard. I know he's awkward. Now, I go to the gym and we're training specifically for this fight," said Valdez. He considers himself blessed to have another opportunity to fight Navarrete and is more excited than ever.However, it's hard to believe that Valdez didn't study Navarrete for the previous fight. As a 2008 and 2012 Olympian and former two-division world champion, one would expect him to have analyzed Navarrete's strengths and weaknesses. But regardless, he is determined to make a better impression this time.

Navarrete's Vulnerabilities

Navarrete has looked flabby and washed in three of his last four fights since last year. In his last fight against Denys Berinchyk, he came close to winning despite it being a one-sided match. Berinchyk schooled an out-of-shape-looking Navarrete on May 18th, beating him by a 12-round split decision in San Diego, California. In their previous fight, it seemed that Navarrete had too much size and power for the 5’5 1/2″ Valdez. But Valdez and his trainer, Eddy Reynoso, need to come up with a better game plan as he doesn't possess the size or power to get the better of Navarrete like Wilson, Berinchyk, and Conceicao did.The judges and the referee saved Navarrete in his fights with Robson Conceicao and Liam Wilson. Conceicao's fight was a 12-draw, which was controversial and should have been a loss. Wilson was saved from a knockout in the 4th round and was eventually knocked out in the 9th round. These performances raise questions about Navarrete's current form.

Valdez's Determination and Goal

"This is the fight for me. This is the fight that defines my career," said Valdez. He knows it won't be easy, as it's the first time he's going with a rematch against someone who has actually beaten him. But he wants to be an example that one can lose and still come back stronger. "I proved that in my last fight against Liam Wilson, but I want to make an even better impression coming back against the guy that really beat me. It wasn't a close fight."Valdez is focused on winning this fight and proving that he can overcome his past defeat. With the live broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT, the world will be watching as Valdez takes on Navarrete once again.