The Final Word: Legendary Rematches of Mexican Boxing Premieres Ahead of Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez II

(Nov. 27, 2024) —  Before WBO junior lightweight world champion Emanuel Navarrete and former two-weight champion Oscar Valdez meet in their highly anticipated rematch on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, they sat down for a spirited roundtable with four of their legendary Mexican countrymen: Julio Cesar Chavez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez.

For the first time, Chavez, Morales, Barrera, and Marquez joined forces for an on-camera panel. “The Final Word: Legendary Rematches of Mexican Boxing,” a half-hour show that delves into the rivalries and fighting spirit of Mexican fighters, premieres on ESPN2 this Saturday, Nov. 30, at 6 a.m. ET/3 a.m. PT. It will first air on ESPN Deportes on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 6 a.m. ET/3 a.m. PT.

The program will also be available for replay on-demand on ESPN+ and Top Rank’s YouTube channel.

Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) and Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) first fought in August 2023, with Navarrete prevailing by unanimous decision in one of the year’s best action duels. They hope to add another blood-soaked chapter to the proud and storied history of all-Mexican ring battles. “The Final Word” explores the common themes that bind Mexico’s legendary pugilists and how they prepare for a familiar opponent. During an animated afternoon in Mexico City, the six decorated combatants talked a little trash and swapped stories from their most intense showdowns.

This is what the fistic icons had to say about this first-of-its-kindpanel discussion:

Chavez: “Meeting with the legendary figures of Mexican boxing, who have provided us with so many unforgettable moments in the sport we love, has been an incredibly enjoyable experience. We all agree that the Mexican boxing style is the one that most captivates fans. When two Mexican warriors face each other in the ring, it almost guarantees an unforgettable spectacle.”

Marquez: “I had the privilege of getting together with great legends of Aztec boxing to discuss some of the iconic rematches in Mexican boxing. We explored the rivalries that arise when Mexican warriors face off with different nationalities, but it’s clear that a thrilling war is always guaranteed when two Mexican fighters battle in the ring. This will be evident on December 7 when ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete and Oscar Valdez meet in a rematch that will keep us on the edge of our seats.”

Morales: “Some of the great champions of Mexican boxing met to discuss the rematch between Valdez and Navarrete on December 7, as well as other memorable rematches in Aztec boxing history. It was a wonderful meeting, as opportunities to come together and discuss boxing are rare. The conversation was enjoyable, and even though the fans didn’t think it was possible, it happened, and I’m confident they will enjoy it.”

Barrera: “I was really happy to get together with these great champions. It has been a while since I met some of the stars of Mexican boxing like this. It felt like a reunion of the past, present, and future of Mexican boxing. I have no words to express how happy I was. The reunion was extraordinary.”

Navarrete-Valdez II and the featherweight rematch between WBO champion Rafael Espinoza and Cuban former champion Robeisy Ramirez will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will have coverage in the U.K. and Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

The Final Word: Legendary Rematches of Mexican Boxing (All Times ET)