GLENDALE, Ariz. (Aug. 12, 2023) — Emanuel Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) wanted an all-Mexican war to take his career to new heights, and that’s exactly what he got.

Navarrete defended his WBO junior lightweight world title via unanimous decision in a back-and-forth slugfest against Oscar Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) Saturday evening in front of 10,246 fans at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

Navarrete’s reach and punch output were difficult puzzles for Valdez to solve. The 32-year-old native of Nogales, Mexico, tried to find openings for counterpunches from his high guard stance, using his head and feet to avoid Navarrete’s sudden bursts of combos.

But as the rounds progressed, Navarrete’s power made a difference as his left uppercuts and hooks caused swelling below Valdez’s right eye. In the fifth and sixth rounds, Valdez started to connect with counter left hooks. In the 10th, a war broke out in the center of the ring, with both fighters exchanging to win the final rounds.

Navarrete, however, kept control of the fight in the championship rounds and retained his title with scores of of 116-112, 118-110, and 119-109.

Navarrete said, “I feel happy to have been part of this card and of this next great chapter of Mexican boxing history. I am happy and appreciate Oscar for the great fight that we delivered.

“There was some inflammation in my right hand. And the more I used it, the more it hurt. But I had to overcome it.

“I think the people can best talk about what they saw. They saw the fight tonight. I was here fighting with Valdez. And I feel good. Thank God, I won. I appreciate what he did in the ring. He is a Mexican warrior. If the people want a rematch, they will demand it.”

Valdez said, “He is a warrior. I tried my best. We gave it our best. He is a warrior. He is a true champion. I’m sorry I disappointed everyone. I feel terrible. I wanted to give you all a great fight. I hope you enjoyed the fight. I hope to return strong.”

Lindolfo Delgado Cruises Past Jair Valtierra

Rising junior welterweight contender Lindolfo Delgado (18-0, 13 KOs) scored a one-sided 10-round unanimous decision victory against Jair Valtierra (16-3, 8 KOs) in tonight’s co-feature.

Both boxed cautiously and evaded combinations with head movement and footwork. However, Delgado was move active with his output, landing combinations as well as counter hooks to the body.

Delgado remained undefeated with scores of 98-92 and 99-91 2x.

Richard Torrez Jr. Tallies First-Round KO

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs) needed less than one round to knock out Willie Jake Jr. (11-4-2, 3 KOs) in tonight’s televised opener. Jake lunged forward with wide shots, but Torrez was able to time his counterattack and land a right hook that sent Jake face-first to the canvas.

Jake rose to his feet, but the damage had been done. Torrez swarmed him with heavy shots, and referee Robert Hoyle stopped the contest at 1:22.

Torrez said, “It’s great to be back in the ring after so much time off. There are still things we need to work on, and I know that. We’re going back to the gym tomorrow.

“It’s up to my team to decide when my next fight is. They tell me to jump, and I say, ‘How high?’ I’m just excited to follow the process.”

Lightweight: Emiliano Fernando Vargas (6-0, 5 KOs) defeated Jorge Luis Marquez Alvarado(3-6-1, 2 KOs) via second-round TKO. Alvarado lunged towards Vargas, who responded with left hooks. After finding his rhythm, Vargas began teeing off on Alvarado, dropping him twice before finishing the bout. Time of stoppage: 2:17.

Heavyweight: Southpaw Antonio Mireles (8-0, 7 KOs) scored a hard-earned sixth-round stoppage victory against Dajuan Calloway (7-3, 7 KOs). After an impressive start from Calloway, Mireles began to take control of the fight with his jab. In the sixth, a prolonged assault from Mireles forced referee Wes Melton to stop the fight. Time of stoppage: 1:38.

Middleweight: In an all-Phoenix battle, Sergio Rodriguez (8-0-1, 7 KOs) blasted out Eduardo Ayala (9-4-1, 3 KOs) via second-round knockout. Rodriguez landed an overhand right that sent Ayala to the canvas. Ayala rose to his feet on wobbly legs, but a quick flurry from Rodriguez forced the referee to end the contest. Time of stoppage: 1:02.

Junior Welterweight: Southern California product Ricardo Ruvalcaba (10-0-1, 9 KOs) defeated Adrian Orban (6-4, 4 KOs) via second-round TKO. Ruvalcaba dropped Obran with a hook to the body in the first round and dropped him twice with more body shots in the second round to end the fight. Time of stoppage: 1:11.