Emanuel Navarrete retained the WBO Junior Lightweight title with a controversial technical unanimous decision over Charly Suarez at The Pachanga Arena in San Diego, California.

In round one, Suarez started to bleed from the nose after Navarrete landed a straight right. In round four, Suarez was cut over the right eye from an accidental headbutt. In round six, Navarrete suffered a horrendous looking cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt. Replays showed that it was a clean left hand from Suarez that caused the cut.

The doctor checked the cut to begin the seventh frame. The doctor then stopped the fight as the eighth bell rang.

When they went to the scorecards, Navarrete won by scores of 78-75 and 77-75 twice.

Navarrete, 130 lbs of San Juan, Mexico needed six tries to make the championship weight limit is now 40-2-1. Suarez, 129.9 lbs of Sawata, PHL is 18-1.

Muratalla Decisions Abdullaev; Wins Interim Lightweight Belt

Raymod Muratalla won the IBF Interim Lightweight Title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Zaur ABdullaev.

Muratalla landed 140 of 533 punches; Abdullawv was 87 of 352.

Abdullaev, 134.4 lbs of Fontana, CA won by scores of 119-109 twice and 118-110 and is now 23-0. Abdullaev, 134.6 lbs of Russia is 20-2.

The full champion is Vasiliy Lomachenlko. Lomachecko has not defended his title due to a back injury,

Andres Cortes remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Salvador Jimenez in a junior lightweight bout.

Cortes landed 120 of 501 punches. Jimenez was 63 0r 253.

Cortes, 131.7 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 23-0. Jimenez, 131.9 lbs of Spain is 14-2-1.

Giovani Santillan won a 10-round unanimous decision over Angel Beltran in a welterweight fight.

Santillan, 147.2 lbs of San Diego won by scores of 97-93 on all cards and is now 34-1. Beltran, 146.6 lbs of Mexicali. MEX is 18-3.

Perla Bazaldua won a four-round unanimous decision over Mona Ward in a junior bantamweight fight.

Bazaldua, 114.4 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Ward, 114.1 lbs of Saint Louis is 0-2.

Alan Garcia won an eight-round unanimous decision over Cristian Medina in a lightweight contest.

Garcia, 136.7 lbs of Ulysses, KS won by scores of 79-73 on all cards and is now 16-1. Medina, 136.7 lbs of Unaipan, MEX is 8-3-1.

Sebastian Hernandez remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Azat Hovhannisyan in a junior featherweight bout.

In round nine, Hovhannisyan was docked a point for holding.

Hernandez, 122 lbs of Tijuana, MEX won by scores of 98-91 on all cards and is now 20-0. Hovhannisyan, 122.7 lbs of Terovan, ARM is 21-6.

  •  Emanuel Navarrete 130 lbs. vs. Charly Suarez 129.9 lbs
(Navarrete’s WBO Junior Lightweight World Title – 12 Rounds)
Referee: Edward Collantes           
Judges: Lou Moret, Pat Russell and Fernando Villarreal

   • Raymond Muratalla 134.4 lbs vs. Zaur Abdulalev 134.6 lbs
(Vacant Interim IBF Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

Referee: Thomas Taylor        
Judges: Dennis O’Connell, David Sutherland and Steve Weisfeld

(ESPN+, 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

•   Sammy Contreras 138.9 lbs vs. Dyllon Cervantes Alvarado 139.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight  — 4 Rounds)

•  Andres Cortes 131.7 lbs vs. Salvador Jimenez 131.9 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•  Giovani Santillan 147.2 lbs vs. Angel Beltran 146.6 lbs
 (Welterweight — 10 Rounds)
 
•  Perla Bazaldua 114.4 lbs vs. Mona Ward 114.1 lbs
 (Junior Bantamweight — 4 Rounds)

•  Alan Garcia 136.7 lbs vs. Cristian Medina 136.7 lbs
 (Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•  Sebastian Hernandez 122 lbs vs. Azat Hovhannisyan 122.7 lbs
 (Junior Featherweight — 10 Rounds)

NOTE: The Albert Gonzalez-Ivan Guardado Jr. fight was canceled after Guardado withdrew due to his issues with his weight cut.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 8, 2025) — Mexico’s fighting cowboy returns to his home away from home to reignite a storied rivalry with an unbeaten Filipino challenger.

Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) will defend his WBO junior lightweight world title against Charly Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) this Saturday at Pechanga Arena San Diego, the latest chapter in the Mexico vs. Philippines fistic saga.

In the co-feature, SoCal native Raymond Muratalla (22-0, 17 KOs) and Russia’s Zaur Abdullaev (20-1, 12 KOs) will collide for the vacant IBF interim lightweight world title.
 
Navarrete-Suarez and Muratalla-Abdullaev will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard will begin at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and features the return of junior lightweight contender Andres Cortes (22-0, 12 KOs), who takes on Spain’s Salvador Jimenez (14-1-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-rounder. 

Additionally, San Diego’s hometown hero Giovani Santillan (33-1, 18 KOs) will square off against Mexico’s Angel Beltran (18-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight clash, while newly-signed 19-year-old junior bantamweight prodigy Perla Bazaldua (1-0, 1 KO) makes her Top Rank debut in a four-rounder against Mona Ward (0-1).

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

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters said:

Emanuel Navarrete

“My performance against Oscar Valdez was my way of showing that I’m now at 100 percent. There’s no doubt about that now. So, all we have to do is prepare well to achieve my goals.”

“We know what happened the last time I was in San Diego. We did not get the victory. We lost against Denys Berinchyk in our attempt to win a title at 135 pounds. But now, defending at 130 pounds, we want to let the people know I’m ready to move forward with my career.”

“I prepared for a great fight. We know that Suarez is coming for my title. So I want a great fight so everyone can see I’m ready to continue on the path of victory.”

“We have to defend my title first. We’re going to work hard and take the title home. After, we’ll see if I stay at 130 or move up again.”

Charly Suarez

“I prayed for this fight. And here it is. The opportunity has come, and I have taken it. And we won’t lose.”

“I’m bringing all my amateur experience into this fight. This is it. The world title shot is here, so I’m ready and I’m excited for the fight on Saturday.”

“This is a good opportunity for me to represent my country and to show the world that Filipinos are good at boxing and that Filipinos and Mexicans put on great fights.”

Raymond Muratalla

“I’m ready to go. It’s been a long time. I’ve been putting in work. My time is here. So I’m shining on Saturday.”

“We know he’s tough. We know he’s coming to fight. But I’m fully prepared for whatever he brings.”

“A win on Saturday would be huge for my family and team. I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a kid.”

Zaur Abdullaev

“I’m happy to return to the United States after five years. And I’m ready to finally become a world champion.”

“I started my training camp out in the mountains. And I finished camp out here in California. I’m ready to do anything to win.”

“Muratalla is a very good fighter. I’ve watched many of his fights. But I’m ready to overcome this challenge.”
 

Andres Cortes

“There’s level to this. I’m going to show that I’m at the top.”

“I dream about this every night. I’ve dedicated my whole life to this sport. This is what I do. So, I’m ready to get back in there.”

“When you bet on me, it’s a guaranteed bet. If you want to make some money, take me by knockout.”

Salvador Jimenez

“There’s nowhere better to be than in the Mecca of boxing, the United States. This opportunity has come to me because God’s timing is perfect.”

“I am a warrior. I like to brawl. I can box in any way he wants, but I like to be in wars.”

Giovani Santillan

“I’m excited to be back here in San Diego. Every time I come to San Diego, I give everything I have. I leave it in the ring.”

On the last year, including loss to Brian Norman Jr.

“It was tough. We went through some hard moments with my fight last year in San Diego and some things that happened with my family towards the end of the year. But I’m resilient, and my dad raised me to always work hard and always have faith and hope. I’m back here, and I’m excited for this weekend.”

“Right now, I’m on the climb back up to another world title shot. I want another world title shot, and I’m ready for it already. I have to focus on this weekend, and I hope to get that soon.”

Perla Bazaldua

“Signing with Top Rank, one of the biggest promotional companies out there, was one of my dreams. Finally getting that contract and now performing on this stage is such a motivation, especially in this camp.

Saturday, May 10

ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Emanuel Navarrete vs.Charly Suarez, 12 rounds, Navarrete’s WBO Junior Lightweight World Title

Raymond Muratalla vs. Zaur Abdullaev, 12 rounds, Vacant Interim IBF Lightweight World Title

ESPN+ (5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT)

Sammy Contreras vs. Dyllon Cervantes Alvarado, 4 rounds, Junior Welterweight

Sebastian Hernandez vs. Azat Hovhannisyan, 8 rounds, Junior Featherweight

Mexican three-division king Emanuel Navarrete will defend his WBO junior lightweight world championship against undefeated Filipino contender Charly Suarez.

Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) returns to the site of his narrow loss to Denys Berinchyk last May, which ended his bid to become a four-division world champion. He bounced back that December, stopping Oscar Valdez in six rounds to maintain his dominance at 130 pounds. This marks Navarrete’s 16th world title bout, a run that began with his 2018 upset of Isaac Dogboe.

Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs), a 2016 Olympian, burst onto the global scene with a 12th-round stoppage of Paul Fleming in Australia in 2023. He’s since gone 3-0 in the U.S., including a third-round knockout of Jorge Castañeda last September. Suarez aims to become the Philippines’ third reigning world champion, joining 105-pounders Melvin Jerusalem and Pedro Taduran.

In the co-feature for the vacant interim IBF lightweight world title, SoCal native Raymond Muratalla will fight Russia’s Zaur Abdullaev.

Muratalla (22-0, 17 KOs) returns to California for the first time in over two years, having risen from a first-round knockdown in 2023 to stop Humberto Galindo in nine. He’s since scored statement wins over Jeremia Nakathila, Tevin Farmer, and Jesus Perez to earn this interim world title shot. The Fontana native is one of the lightweight division’s fastest-rising contenders.

Abdullaev (20-1, 12 KOs) has reeled off nine consecutive wins since his 2019 loss to Devin Haney, including stoppages over Jorge Linares and Roman Andreev. He also owns victories over former champs Dejan Zlati?anin and Roger Gutierrez. Last October, he extended his streak with a 12th-round TKO over Juan Javier Carrasco.

The action-packed undercard begins at 5:30 p.m. ET/ 2:30 p.m. PT on ESPN+ and includes some local flavor, as San Diego-born welterweight contender Giovani Santillan (33-1, 18 KOs) looks to maintain his momentum against Angel Beltran (18-2-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna will call the action.

Original Programming:

ESPN Original Series “The Fight Life” chronicles a year in the world of Top Rank Boxing through the journeys of five of the sport’s elite boxers: Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez, and Josh Taylor.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Navarrete vs. Suarez (All Times ET)

About ESPN

About ESPN+

LAS VEGAS (March 27, 2025) — Perla Bazaldua, a 15-time national amateur champion from Los Angeles, has signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank.
 
The 19-year-old junior bantamweight is LA’s latest female boxing star to sign with Top Rank, joining multi-weight world champions and pound-for-pound queens Mikaela Mayer and Seniesa Estrada.
 
Bazaldua (1-0, 1 KO) will make her Top Rank debut in a four-rounder on Saturday, May 10, as part of the Emanuel Navarrete-Charly Suarez card in San Diego. She is co-managed by George Ruiz, who has guided Mayer’s entire career, and her head trainer/co-manager is Manny Robles, who has worked with the likes of Andy Ruiz Jr., Oscar Valdez, Serhii Bohachuk, and reigning WBO featherweight world champion Rafael Espinoza.
 
“I’m honored to be part of the Top Rank family, and I can’t wait to get started,” Bazaldua said. “I want to inspire young women, especially where I come from in South Central Los Angeles. I want to show young women that if you stay disciplined and true to yourself, dreams do come true.”
 
“George and Manny have an excellent eye for talent, and I look forward to working with them to develop Perla into a world champion and a superstar in the sport,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum.
 
“Perla is special. Only 19, she has ring smarts far beyond her years and a work ethic that signals a world champion in the making,” Ruiz said. “When she decided to turn pro, I was honored that she chose Manny and me to manage her. She’s only the third woman ever signed by Top Rank, so Bob Arum and Todd duBoef see what Manny and I saw in her. I’m proud to represent her alongside the best women in boxing, Mikaela Mayer and Ginny Fuchs.”
 
Robles said, “It’s been a long time coming. I’m thrilled and excited for Perla, but I know this is the beginning of something great. Her commitment to the sport is like no one else, and I’m certain she will take women’s boxing to another level, just like Mikaela Mayer. She has some big shoes to fill with the world’s best boxing promotional company, Top Rank!”
 
Bazaldua started boxing at 9 years old under the watchful eye of her father, Crispin. Boxing is a family affair, as her older brother, Criztec, is currently a 6-0 junior welterweight prospect. In addition to an amateur run that included a gold medal at the 2023 Youth Brandenburg Cup in Germany, Bazaldua spent multiple camps as a sparring partner for Estrada, who retired last year as the undefeated, undisputed minimumweight world champion. Last December, she had a show-stopping pro debut in Santa Ynez, California, scoring a first-round stoppage over Mollie Backowski.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (March 25, 2025) — The next chapter in the storied Mexico vs. Philippines boxing rivalry is about to be written.

Mexican three-division king Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will defend his WBO junior lightweight world championship against undefeated Filipino contender Charly Suarez on Saturday, May 10, at Pechanga Arena San Diego.

In the co-feature for the vacant interim IBF lightweight world title, SoCal native Raymond Muratalla will fight Russia’s Zaur Abdullaev. 

Navarrete-Suarez and Muratalla-Abdullaev will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Friday, March 28, at 12 p.m. PT via AXS.com.

“San Diego is an incredible fight town, and we are thrilled to return with Emanuel Navarrete, who will go down as one of the great Mexican champions of his era,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Charly Suarez is a determined, unbeaten contender who will have everyone in the Philippines cheering him on. Raymond Muratalla is an elite lightweight but has a tall task against Abdullaev, who has been on a tremendous run for several years.”  

Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) returns to the site of perhaps his greatest professional disappointment. Last May at Pechanga Arena, he moved up five pounds to battle Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight world title. Berinchyk upset Navarrete by split decision, spoiling his dream of becoming a four-weight world champion. In his return to 130 pounds last December, Navarrete was in vintage form, stopping Oscar Valdez in a rematch over six one-sided rounded rounds in Phoenix, Arizona. Navarrete enters his 16th world title bout, a staggering run that began in December 2018 with his upset of Isaac Dogboe for the WBO junior featherweight crown.

Navarrete said, “I’m at a new stage of my career, and I’m fired up for another defense of my world title. This fight motivates me. Suarez is undefeated and dangerous. He’s ranked No. 1 in the world for a reason. He’s exactly the kind of challenge that fuels me. I owe the fans in San Diego a win, and on May 10, I’ll settle that debt with a dominant victory.”

Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) had several hundred fights as an amateur, representing his homeland at the 2016 Olympics and several World Championships. A six-year pro, he won a pair of regional titles in March 2023 when he scored a come-from-behind 12th-round stoppage over Paul Fleming on hostile turf in Sydney, Australia. The Fleming triumph paved the way for a deal with Top Rank, and Suarez has won three straight fights in America. He knocked out Jorge Castañeda in three rounds last September, which came five months removed from a hard-fought eight-round decision over Louie Coria. The Philippines has two reigning world champions — 105-pound standouts Melvin Jerusalem and Pedro Taduran — and Suarez looks to become lucky number three.

Suarez said, “I am thankful to Top Rank for this opportunity.  When I enter the ring on May 10, I will show the world I have what it takes. I won’t waste this opportunity. Navarrete is a monster in the ring, but I know I am better.”

Muratalla (22-0, 17 KOs), from Fontana, California, returns to his home state for the first time in over two years. On that March 2023 evening in Fresno, he rose from a first-round knockdown to knock out Humberto Galindo in nine. Since that brief hiccup, Muratalla has steadily climbed the ranks, including knocking out the big-punching Jeremia Nakathila in two and outlasting former world champion Tevin Farmer over 10 rounds en route to a unanimous decision. Last November, he iced Jesus Perez in two rounds to earn this shot at the interim world title.

“I’ve been working toward this my whole life. Every fighter dreams of becoming a world champion, and on May 10, I take a big step toward making that a reality,” Muratalla said. “Zaur Abdullaev is a good fighter. He’s beaten tough opponents, including former world champions, but I’m done waiting. I’m highly ranked and have put in the work. It’s my time now. When I take that interim title, the Raymond Muratalla era begins.”

Abdullaev (20-1, 12 KOs) hasn’t lost in more than five years, having won nine straight fights since falling via fourth-round TKO to Devin Haney in September 2019. His string of victories includes a 12th-round stoppage of three-weight world champion Jorge Linares, a convincing 12-round decision over one-time WBC lightweight world champion Dejan Zlati?anin, a third-round stoppage of then-unbeaten contender Roman Andreev, and a 10-round decision over Venezuelan former junior lightweight world champion Roger Gutierrez. Last October, Abdullaev battered Argentina’s Juan Javier Carrasco en route to a 12th-round TKO.

“I’m coming to America ready to take this belt,” Abdullaev said. “Muratalla is a top contender, but I have the skills and experience needed to emerge victorious.”

The ESPN+-streamed undercard includes some local flavor as welterweight contender Giovani Santillan (33-1, 18 KOs) looks to maintain his momentum against Angel Beltran (18-2-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder. After losing his “0” via TKO last May at Pechanga Arena, “El Gallo De Oro” returned to winning ways in December with a first-round stoppage of Fredrick Lawson. Beltran, from Mexicali, Mexico, is coming off a third-round KO of Jose Quintero Velarde earlier this month. 

Phoenix, AZ – A tip of the black hat to Emanuel Navarrete, still El Vaquero.

Still the The Victor.

Navarrete’s power proved to be too much for Oscar Valdez about a year-and-a-half ago and again Saturday night in a junior-lightweight rematch in front of a roaring crowd at Footprint Center.

Valdez made some promised adjustments. But there was no way to adjust to his power. He just doesn’t have as much of it as Navarrete. He didn’t in August 2023 at Desert Diamond Arena in nearby Glendale. He didn’t  Saturday night in downtown Phoenix. 

Pick the time. Pick the place. It wouldn’t matter. Navarrete settled it, once and for all, proving that he’s simply a better fighter than Valdez.

“I tried,’’ Valdez said.

But  trying in the rematch didn’t carry him for as long as it did in a punishing loss in the first fight. The rematch was a repeat and then some. Navarrete finished the popular fighter from Mexico’s northern Sonora and south Arizona, dropping him three times — once in the first round, again late in the fourth and the finisher in the sixth.

Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) ended it with a thundering body shot, a left hand that sent Valdez into the ropes and onto the canvas. At 2:42 of the sixth, the fight was over, although Valdez told the crowd he would continue to fight on. The only sure thing is that Navarrete won’t be anywhere in his future, how ever much longer his career lasts.

“I had to work hard in each round.’’ said Navarrete, still the World Boxing Organizations 130-pound champion. “I had to push him back. He comes forward. I had to push him back. And that was the right strategy to take down a Valdez, who is always strong.”

“I told everyone before that I would have a new left hand. And that’s what has happened. It felt really good. We are not starting a second stage of my career. And I plan to take advantage of it.”

Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs) promised adjustments might have cost him in

the opening moments. In the the first round, Valdez moved forward, throwing two or three punches , then ducked and backed away from Navarrete’s attempts at a counter. Late in the first round, Valdez ducked enough to jeopardize his balance. Navarrete capitalized, landing a combination that put, almost pushed, Valdez on to the canvas for an  early knockdown.

Valdez came back over the next couple rounds. He caught Navarrete with succession of solid rights.  All the while, it looked as if Valdez was trying to disrupt Navarrete, an instinctive fighter who is at his dangerous best when he’s gets into a rhythm. It’s a rhythm that rolled over Valdez throughout 12 rounds in the first fight 16 months ago.

Valdez’ adjustments worked, but never long enough to keep Navarrete off him. Interrupt Navarrete’s rhythm, but there was no way to halt his power. It was his advantage in the first fight and again in the second. No need for a third. 

At the end of the fourth rounds, Valdez found himself on the canvas again. He protested to the referee. But to avail. The referee wasn’t listening. He saw what a crowd of more than 8,000 was witnessing. Valdez simply had no chance against Navarrete. Never has.

“Sorry to those who came to see me,’’ Valdez said.  “I wish it was a better result. Maybe next time. No excuses from me. He beat me well.’’

Beat him again.

Espinoza retains his WBO belt

In the 1st of 2 championship rematches of the night we have the co main event of the Navarrete Valdez card, inside the footprint center. Mexican fighter Rafael “Divino” Espinoza defending his WBO Featherweight tittle for the 2nd time in the highly anticipated rematch with Cuban Robeisy Ramirez. In their first fight a year ago, Espinoza edged out the win by a majority decision. Each fight did taste the canvas Espinoza in the 5th, Ramirez touched in the 12th.

Leading up to the fight the fight at hand with many calling it as the potential fight of the night. While both of them have been very respectful and cordial throughout this build up. At the press conference each said that they want to give the fans and themselves a great show.

Rafael “Divino” Espinoza 25-0(21KOs) from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico weighed in at 125.7lbs while Robeisy Ramirez 14-2(9KOs) Cienfuegos, Cuba came in at 125.6

In the opening rounds as expected with two technical fighter both use this round to check each other temperature, in which both were low. Not much action went on except for a couple of punch flurries.

Espinoza started to attack the body of Ramirez, later it opened up a clean uppercut. Ramirez came back with solid left hook that woke up the crowd while getting the attention of Espinoza. As the round went on Ramirez found a home on the right side of Espinoza’s face.

For the first time of the night the boo bird started to chirp however they were quickly turned to cheers as if the fighter heard them. So far this has been an evenly contested fight with both going back and forth. Espinoza is having a little trouble cutting off the ring, as Ramirez is circling the ring. Thus far in the five rounds the action is steady picking up each round

The start of the 6th had a huge turn of events as Ramirez was hit with a straight right hand to his eye that led to him waving his hand up in the air indicating he wanted no mas and that’s how referee Chris Flores took it. Stopping the fight 12 seconds into the round. Earning a TKO victory Espinoza improves to 26-0(22KOs).

In the post fight interview Ramirez indicated that he was hit with a few elbows in the 4th round, and it led to him making sure his health was top priority wanted to protect himself since the referee was not. When interviewed Espinoza stated that Ramirez was feeling his power and knew was coming if he stayed in the fight longer. As for the future he wants the big fights and become a legend in the sport. He also mentioned that he wants to make Phoenix his home. Could we see a potential show down with the winner of the main event?…..possibly in Phoenix?…

Lindolfo Delgado scores convincing stoppage

Lindolfo Delgado has heard boos. Heard questions. But he had only answers Saturday night on the Emanuel Navarette-Oscar Valdez 2 card at the Suns arena in downtown Phoenix.

Delgado (22-0, 16 KOs), a Mexican junior welterweight, dropped Jackson Marinez (22-4, 10 KOs) twice in the fifth round. First, he landed an uppercut combo, putting Marinez, of the Dominican Republic, on the canvas in evident pain. Seconds later, he finished him with a body shot. At 2:14 of the round, referee Wes Melton ended it, declaring Delgado a TKO winner.

Richard Torrez storms back into the KO column

Richard Torrez looked at his record back in September and didn’t exactly recognize it.

It was one knockout shy of perfection in a fight that ended when his opponent was disqualified for spitting out his mouthpiece repeatedly.

“I got in a cab and the driver asked me what I did for a living,” Torrez said. “I told him I’m a heavyweight boxer. So, the driver asked what my record was. That stopped. me. I couldn’t tell him 11 victories, 11 knockouts.”

Torrez will never have that perfect record again. But he put the stoppage back into his identity Saturday, blowing away Mexican Isaac Munoz Saturday on the Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez rematch card at the Suns home area in downtown Phoenix.

Torrez (12-0, 11 KOs) rocked Munoz (18-2-1, 15 KOs) repeatedly through the first two rounds. In the third, he caught him along the ropes, where Munoz slumped into a defenseless posture. The referee ended it, then and there, at 59 seconds of the round

Perez chopped down

The start of the 2nd half of tonight’s fights Gerardo Perez 12-6-1(3KOs) from Salta, Argentina took on Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez 11-0(7KOs) fighting out of Moreno Valley, Ca. In just his 2nd 8 round fight “Chop Chop” is making his return to the valley of the sun. In his Arizona debut he was featured on his stablemates card when Super Flyweight champion Bam Rodriguez fought Sunny Edwards for the IBF and WBO Flyweight belts last December.

Not the way of the night as the first round was pretty much a fill out, as both fighters did not do much engaging. Gonzalez did land 2 clean shots to Perez’s head. Things got interesting as both fighters met in the middle of the ring to start off the 2nd round. The action maintained for much of the round. While each had their moments, again Gonzalez made more of the opportunity and landed the harder punches and knocking Perez’s head back a couple of times.

In the 3rd chop chop found his rhythm stunning Perez with a right hook. In a old fashion brawl this fan favorite round got the fans out of their seats. As this was the round of the night up to this point. Even with the Mexican legend entering the arena could not take away from the action going on in the ring.

Rounds 4 and 5 were catch your breathe type rounds with the actions taking a little break. Gonzalez did start to pick up his punching towards the end of the 5th connecting plenty of times to Perez’s head, however that did not stop him from keep coming forward and pressing the action.

Sensing he has his opponent on the verge “chop Chop” came out of the 7th looking to end it. Walking him down to the corner with a borage of punches. Yet again Perez took those punches stopping the momentum.

 As the fight comes to the end entering the 8th and final round both fighters deserve to be applauded as they left it all in the ring. With Gonzalez maintaining the out put and land the more efficient punches he closed out the fight with some head snapping punches.

The fight ended with no one hitting the canvass but that is not to say it was not a great fight. On the flip side it was the fight of the night as both warriors stood in front of each other and took what the other had. Going to the judges Gonzalez earned the Unanimous decision with 2 of the judges having it a shootout 80-72 and the 3rd scoring it 79-73.—David Galaviz

Steven Navarro put super into flyweight with second-round TKO

It started with a glancing body punch. It continued with a solid body shot. It ended with a left hook. 

From body to head,  Los Angeles super-flyweight Steven Navarro (5-0, 4 KOs)did it all, knocking down Puerto Rican Gabriel Bernadi (7-2, 3 KOs) three times in the second for a dominant stoppage at 2:29 of the round Saturday in the fifth fight on a card featuring the Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez rematch at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

Santillan races to first-round TKO

Giovani Santillan, a slick welterweight from San Diego, is often criticized for not having enough aggression in what is otherwise a versatile skillset.

Let’s just say it was missing in action.

But it was suddenly there, appearing like a bolt of lightning in overwhelming Ghana welterweight Frederick Lawson within three rounds on an ESPN card featuring the Oscar Valdez-Emanuel Navarrete rematch at Footprint Center, the Phoenix Suns home arena.

At the sound of the opening bell, Santiillan (33-1, 18 KOs) — trainer Robert Garcia in the corner for his third straight fight of the day —  raced at a surprised Lawson (30-5, 22 KOs), who had no counter or defense.  As the bell sounded an end to the opening round, referee Chris Flores waved it off, Santillan a first-round TKO winner 

Referee hits the canvas, Art Barrera wins TKO

The fighters were left standing. Only the referee went down.

In a quick finish to a welterweight fight, referee Wes Melton rushed to step in between Art Barrera Jr. and Juan Carlos Campos Medina. Melton was trying to save Medina from further punishment.

He did, but Melton took a tumble in the fight’s only knockdown Saturday afternoon, several hours before the Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez main event at Footroitn Center.

Unhurt, Melton coolly got up and ruled a timely end to the fight at 2:58 of the second round, declaring the Robert Garcia-trained Barrera (7-0, 4 KOs) a TKO winner over Medina (4-2, 3 KOs) of Sioux City, Iowa.

Prospect loses pro debut

He walked into the rung as a prospect. He walked out of it winless.

Cesar Morales’ pro debut ended in a loss and perhaps an early lesson in the second fight on a card featuring the Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez rematch Saturday.

Morales, a Mexican lightweight signed by Valdez manager Frank Espinoza and trained by Robert Garcia, got rocked in the fourth and final round at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

 A  succession of punches from Kevin Mosquera (3-0, 1 KO), a long and lanky fighter from Ecuador, rocked Morales. In a desperate effort to maintain his balance, his gloves touched the canvas for an official knockdown

That was enough to put him on the losing end of a majority decision — 39-36, 38-37, 38-38 — in what proved to be an early surprise on Top Rank’s 10-fight card. 

In the opening bell inside the Footprint Center home of the Phoenix Suns, Roman Reynoso 22-5-2(10KOs) fighting out of Moreno, Argentina faced DJ “The War Machine” Zamora 14-0(9KOS) a Top Rank prospect coming all the way from Las Vegas, NV. Both fighters made weight yesterday for their Jr Lightweight contest.

In the first round Reynoso went down twice, first by a shot to the right side of his stomach at the 1:03 mark and then on his own accord with a wild punch that connected only with the cold air in the arena.

Sensing some urgency Ramon came out in the 2nd round with a flurry of punches, pushing Zamora to the ropes. What seemed to be plan A for Reynoso did not hold up and with no plan B, Zamora had his equalizer, with 1:17 left in the round, he landed a left hook square on his opponent’s jaw. Referee Chris Chavez Stopping it shortly after. Improving to 15-0(10KOs) Zamora still has some room for improvement but the reward out weighs the risk in his young career.—David Galaviz

By Norm Frauenheim

PHOENIX — On the scale Friday, they were almost even. On the scorecards a year-and-a-half ago, they were close. On any scale, the fight is hard to predict.

Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez meet for the second time Saturday at Footprint Center in a fight that fans hope is more of a rematch than a repeat.

The first fight — at Desert Diamond Arena in nearby Glendale — was a punishing blowout, delivered by Navarrete, who got on a roll and rolled over Valdez, who left the ring badly bloodied, a fractured eye socket and absolutely no chance on the cards. It was 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112, all for Navarrete.

About sixteen months ago, it looked as if there’d never be another one.

“It was too one-sided,’’ said Valdez (30-2, 24 KOs), who Friday was at 130-pounds, the junior lightweight limit and one-tenth of a pound heavier than Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs). “I have to be honest.’’

But Valdez’ stubborn  persistence and a couple of sloppy performances by Navarrete set the stage for another. When the rematch was first announced, there was some skepticism about its marketability. Once was enough, wasn’t it?

No, it wasn’t. That much was clear at Friday’s weigh-in. 

A crowd and a buzz filled an upstairs ballroom at a downtown Phoenix hotel. The back-and-forth display of violence, blood and courage created an appetite for more, NavarreteValdez2. 

A restless crowd of fans from southern Arizona and northern Mexico jammed the room. Phoenix has often been called a city full of educated boxing fans, Perhaps, they know something that wasn’t always evident in the first fight. Whatever it is, the buzz says a genuine battle is looming in the second chapter between the Mexican rivals

A sure sign is at the box office. Footprint opened up the upper section of seats at the Suns arena late Thursday. 

Tickets are selling, not only for the Navarrete-Valdez, but also for another rematch, Rafael Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs) versus Robeisy Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs) in a rematch of Espinoza’s majority decision for a featherweight title a year ago. Espinoza was 125.7 pounds Friday, also a tenth-of-a-pound heavier than Ramirez, a Cuban who heard Cuba, Cuba chants after he stepped off the scale

Even Navarrete says he can’t wait to watch  Espinoza-Ramirez.

“Me and Oscar are going to war all over again,’’ said Navarrete, still the World Boxing Organization’s’ junior-lightweight champion. “But it might be hard to put on the kind  war that we’ll see from Ramirez and Espinoza.’’

Call it a night of encores, for fighters and fans.

By Norm Frauenheim

PHOENIX — Rafael Espinoza is in line for a possible shot at the Oscar Valdez-Emanuel Navarrete junior-lightweight winner if he beats Robeisy Ramirez in a featherweight rematch, one of two title rematches on the ESPN-televised card Saturday at Footprint Center.

There’s talk that Espinoza, unusually tall for a featherweight, is about to move up in weight, from 126 pounds to 130, if he again beats Ramirez, who lost a dramatic majority decision to Espinoza a year ago in Pembrook Pines, Fla.

The 6-foot-1 Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs), the World Boxing Organization’s featherweight champion, was at 125.7 pounds Friday at the official weigh-in. He was only a tenth-of-a-pound heavier than Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs), but was five inches taller. At 30 years old, it looks as if Espinoza is ready to fight in a heavier division.

“Rumor is, he’ll go up,’’ Brad Goodman, of Top Rank, said.

First, however, he has to beat Ramirez, a Cuban who many thought won the first fight. Late Friday, Ramirez was a slight betting favorite.

There has been talk that Espinoza might move up to challenge Texan O’Shaquie Foster (23-3, 12 KOs), the World Boxing Council’s junior-lightweight champion. But Espinoza, who wore late Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela’s jersey to Friday’s weigh-in, in an all-Mexican fight against either Valdez or Navarrete for the WBO’s 130-pound title looks to be a more marketable match among Mexican and Mexican-American fans.

 •  Emanuel Navarrete 129.9 lbs. vs. Oscar Valdez 130 lbs
(Navarrete’s WBO Junior Lightweight World Title – 12 Rounds)
Referee: Raul Caiz Jr.
Judges: Benoit Roussel, Steve Weisfeld, and Chris Wilson

   • Rafael Espinoza 125.7 lbs vs. Robeisy Ramirez 125.6 lbs
(Espinoza’s WBO Featherweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Referee: Chris Flores
Judges: Tim Cheatham, Zac Young, and Dennis O’Connell

(ESPN+, 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT)

•  Lindolfo Delgado 139.9 lbs vs. Jackson Marinez 139.2 lbs
 (Delgado’s WBO Latino Junior Welterweight Title— 10 Rounds)

•  Richard Torrez Jr. 236.6 lbs vs. Issac Munoz 252.1 lbs
 (Torrez’s Jr. NABF Heavyweight Title— 8 Rounds)

•   Albert Gonzalez 127.2 lbs vs. Gerardo Antonio Perez 127.7 lbs
 (Featherweight— 8 Rounds)

•  Steven Navarro 115.6 lbs vs. Gabriel Bernardi 115.4 lbs
 (Junior Bantamweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Giovani Santillan 147.9 lbs vs. Fredrick Lawson 146.3 lbs
 (Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•  Art Barrera Jr. 149.4 lbs vs. Juan Carlos Campos
Medina 149.7 lbs
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•  Cesar Morales 136.3 lbs vs. Kevin Mosquera 136.4 lbs
 (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)
•  DJ Zamora 131.3 lbs vs. Roman Ruben Reynoso 131.9 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

By Norm Frauenheim

PHOENIX — Emanuel Navarrete arrived at a news conference without his trademark. The black cowboy hat wasn’t there. For years, it has been a symbol — defiant, ominous and a reliable indication of exactly what he intends to do.

But Thursday he just wore a simple baseball cap. He could have been just about anybody.

Of course, he isn’t. Friends and rivals still call him Vaquero, an old-school nickname that says Beware. Maybe, he just left the defining hat in his room or his bags. It’s a good bet, of course, that it’ll be there when he makes his ring entrance Saturday night for a rematch with Oscar Valdez at Footprint Center. The black hat, after all, is his identity.

Yet, there are questions just days before opening bell about exactly who he is at this stage of a whirlwind career, which includes three division titles and — for awhile — an unlimited horizon. He stormed into the sport at a get-the-hell-out-of-my-way pace, a fighter as fearless as he was impatient. But is that gunslinger still there?

The answer to that one looms as a determining factor as to whether he can score a punishing encore over Valdez, who was badly-battered in losing a one-sided decision in their first fight on a hot day in August 2023 at Desert Diamond Arena in nearby Glendale. Since that bloody drama about 16 months ago, Navarrete defended a junior-lightweight title in a narrow decision over Robson Coneicao and talked about a possible date with Shakur Stevenson. Anything looked possible.

But a jump up the scale to lightweight in a fight against Denys Berinchyk halted his momentum. He looked sluggish and fleshy in losing a split decision to Berinchyk, another prepared and skillful Ukrainian. Against Berinchyk, Navarrete looked just like another guy in a baseball cap. The loss — which cost him a fourth division title, prompted his return to junior-lightweight in another title defense in a rematch with Valdez, who is as stubbornly studious as he tenacious.

Repeatedly, Valdez has promised tactical changes in the rematch. Expect more patience from a fighter who went for broke early in the first fight and wound up broken because of it. The question is whether a return to 130 pounds is the right fit, the only fit, for Navarrete. He conceded Thursday that there have been changes.

“Everything has gone well in camp,’’ Navarrete said. “We had to make some changes, mostly because my body is not the same as it was. But everything else is good. As soon as I get to the fight location, which in this case is Phoenix, the switch is on. There will be no excuses. I’m here because I want to be.”

Valdez, who dismissed a win-or-retire narrative in an interview with Boxing Scene and The Boxing Hour at a north Phoenix gym Wednesday, suggested that Navarrete has already been thinking about retirement. Navarrete was quoted in Spanish-speaking media that he might retire after a few more fights. Connect the dots and the result is some inevitable speculation: How much has Navarrete changed? Has he hung up that black hat for good? The rematch with Valdez might be as much and opportunity to answer that question as it is a chance for Valdez to avenge a painful loss.

“This is the biggest fight of my career, because this the first time I’m fighting somebody who already beat me,’’ he said Thursday.

Translation: Valdez is seeking redemption on a night when Navarrete might be in pursuit of a restoration. He wants to prove that the black hat still fits. He’s still a Vaquero in more than just name.

“We all have worked and we have planned to put on a war together again,’’ he said. “I can’t say much more, yet I know it will be epic.”

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Dec. 5, 2024) — Two world title rematches are set to light up The Grand Canyon State, with legacies and redemption on the line.

Three-division champion Emanuel “El Vaquero” Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) defends his WBO junior lightweight world title against former two-division king Oscar Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) in an all-Mexican main event this Saturday, Dec. 7, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Navarrete aims for a knockout in the sequel, while the Eddy Reynoso-trained Valdez believes he can turn the tables and become a three-time world champion.

In the co-feature, Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs) defends his WBO featherweight world title against Cuba’s Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs), the man he unseated one year ago to seize the crown.

Espinoza looks to prove that his title-winning effort was no fluke, while Ramirez is eager to show what he can do at his best after personal issues hindered his preparation for their first encounter.

Navarrete-Valdez 2 & Ramirez-Espinoza 2 will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard begins at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and includes the return of unbeaten Mexican junior welterweight contender Lindolfo Delgado (21-0, 15 KOs), who will face Jackson Marinez (22-3, 10 KOs) in a 10-round clash.

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (11-0, 10 KOs) makes his fourth appearance of the year in an eight-round heavyweight tilt against once-beaten Mexican Issac Muñoz (18-1-1, 15 KOs), while welterweight contender Giovani Santillan (32-1, 17 KOs) looks to bounce back from his first pro defeat in a 10-rounder versus Fredrick Lawson (30-5, 22 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are still available via Ticketmaster.com.

This is what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference.

Emanuel Navarrete

“We all know that we both plan to come out and give a war and leave everything in the ring again. And what better way to do it than by having a co-main event that’s gonna eat things up?”

“The bar is gonna be set really high and so we’re gonna have to try to do better than that. It’s gonna be hard especially with these two great people {Espinoza and Ramirez} right next to us. It’s gonna be difficult for both me and Valdez. However, we don’t need much. All we need is for the bell to ring for us to go to war.”

“I’m focused 100 percent on him. I haven’t thought about anything beyond Valdez. And now he’s coming with a different strategy. The first fight helped us learn about each other. And now we will use the tools that we extracted from the first fight. And, aside from using our experience with each other, we will also come with the same heart as last time. And so, I can’t say much, but no doubt it will be not just a fight but an epic event, especially with the co-main before us.”

Oscar Valdez

“The {Liam Wilson fight} was very important for me because boxing penalizes you if you have a lot of losses. It’s not like other sports where you can lose and you can do better in the next season. In boxing, most people don’t want to see you again after a couple of losses. So, doing that fight was very important for me. That’s why there was so much emotion for me after that fight. And that fight got me the ticket for this rematch.”

“This is not an easy fight. This is a hard task. But nothing in life that is worth it is going to be easy. It’s always going to be hard. So, we trained hard. I’m excited for this. I’m excited to face the great ‘Vaquero’ once again. It’s going to be a great fight.”

“I visualized this. I feel I can do a lot more in the sport. After I lost, I went back home and was obviously sad and disappointed in my performance. But then you go back to the gym, and you start to work out. Then, you start to see that you can do better. So, you have to visualize it first. And now we are here. Let’s get it on.”

Rafael Espinoza

“God’s timing is perfect. We waited a bit for the rematch, but now we are here. And like I’ve said since the first fight, I’ve always wanted a rematch. because it was a war where we both gave everything. So, he deserved it, I deserved it, and the people deserved it.”

“Knowing you are a champion affects you mentally. As a champion, you know that you have a big commitment, and so I’ve become a better person and a better fighter as a result, and I’m enjoying it.”

“Yes, we all know about my height advantage, but I also have another advantage, and that’s my heart. So, I’m going to show my heart by giving everything in the ring this Saturday.”

Robeisy Ramirez

“Well, it’s no secret that we’re not the only fighters here. The main event will also be a war. So I’m happy to be here. I’m excited to be with these champs here. And overall, we want the public to enjoy this event.”

“I think that to mention things from the past right now is unnecessary because it sounds like excuses, and I will never give excuses in this sport. Simply put, I think that I learned how you should fight when you’re not at 100% physically and mentally.”

“It was very nice to see my parents again recently. It had been six years. It’s no secret that I can’t return to Cuba, and so it filled me with a lot of satisfaction to be able to see them, to embrace them, to spend time with them, and I hope that after this victory, I can repeat that as soon as possible.”

Lindolfo Delgado

“{My last bout against Bryan Flores} was not easy. It was a tough fight. I’m happy with the result. I’m happy it ended that way because it took me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to be better, work harder, and prepare for what is next.”

“This is what I’ve been waiting for. I’m focused on my fight because I know it’s a tough fight. I’m looking for an opportunity at a world title. I have what it takes to fight against anyone and against any of those champs. I’m just waiting for that opportunity.”

Richard Torrez Jr.

“I was saying I don’t care about {the knockout streak}, but in the Uber back to the hotel from the venue {following a DQ win in September}, the driver asked me, ‘What’s your record?’ I was like 11-0 with, oh, 10 knockouts. So, that does kind of sting a little bit. But, at the end of the day, I’m here to win, and I’m here to put on good performances. I did that last time, and I’m looking to continue doing that.”

“{Muñoz} is rated the number one heavyweight in Mexico. He’s been on the amateur scene for a while, and he knows what he’s doing. I’m really excited for this fight.”

“Every time I train, I train for a world championship fight. I don’t train for the opponent. I train to be the best boxer I can be, and on Saturday night, you will see that.”

Giovani Santillan

“Losing is tough, but it’s part of the sport. And that’s what I signed up for, to take on the hard, tough fights. Sometimes you lose, but that one loss is not going to hold me back from getting to where I want to get to.”

“Ever since I went back to camp, everyone has been supportive. They all believe in me, and since then, it’s been about working on strategy and game plan for this fight. But also my preparation. A lot of it has to do with my weight cut and things like that.”

“That’s the way I was raised by my dad. Sometimes, you fall, but you get back up and keep going. That’s the mentality I’ve had since {my defeat}.”

Saturday, December 7

ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT)

Emanuel Navarrete vs. Oscar Valdez, 12 rounds, Navarrete’s WBO Junior Lightweight World Title

Rafael Espinoza vs. Robeisy Ramirez, 12 rounds, Espinoza’s WBO Featherweight World Title

ESPN+ (5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT)

Lindolfo Delgado vs. Jackson Marinez, 10 rounds, Delgado’s WBO Latino Junior Welterweight Title

Steven Navarro vs. Gabriel Bernardi, 6 rounds, junior bantamweight

Giovani Santillan vs. Fredrick Lawson, 10 rounds, welterweight 

DJ Zamora vs. Roman Ruben Reynoso, 8 rounds, junior lightweight

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Navarrete vs. Valdez II and Espinoza vs. Ramirez II  will be presented live this Saturday, December 7, at 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Headlined by a pair of long-awaited rematches, the main event features Mexican action hero Emanuel Navarrete defending his WBO junior lightweight world title against countryman and former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez. Navarrete and Valdez fought in August 2023, with Navarrete earning a unanimous decision.
 

Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) first claimed world title glory in December 2018, winning the WBO junior featherweight belt and then making five title defenses in nine months. He won the WBO featherweight title in October 2020 and became a three-weight king champion in February 2023 when he knocked out Liam Wilson for the vacant WBO junior lightweight world title. Navarrete has defended that belt twice, including the epic first encounter with Valdez. Although his bid to become a four-division champion fell short in May against Denys Berinchyk, Navarrete returns to 130 pounds, intent on re-asserting his dominance.

Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs), a two-time Mexican Olympian, won his first world title in 2016, defending the WBO featherweight crown six times before moving up to junior lightweight. There, he claimed the WBC title with a highlight-reel knockout of Miguel Berchelt. Valdez endured his first pro defeat in a high-stakes unification tilt against Shakur Stevenson in 2022. After a comeback win in May 2023, he fell short against Navarrete before earning the interim WBO junior lightweight belt in March with a seventh-round stoppage over Wilson.

In the co-feature, WBO featherweight world champion Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza defends his crown against Cuban star Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez, the man he dethroned to win the title last December.

Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs) built his career in Mexico, fighting all but two of his pro bouts there before facing Ramirez in Florida. He overcame a fifth-round knockdown and sealed the fight with a crucial 12th-round knockdown, securing a majority decision in what was hailed as ESPN’s Upset of the Year. Espinoza made his first defense in June with a decisive fourth-round TKO over fellow Mexican Sergio Chirino. Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist, made one defense of the WBO title he won via unanimous decision over Isaac Dogboe in April 2023.

The action-packed undercard bouts begin at 5:30 p.m. ET/ 2:30 p.m. PT on ESPN+.

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna will call the action.

ESPN.com:

Out Thursday: Ranking the Fights for December 7

Nick Parkinson looks at the three boxing cards on the same night, ranks the best fights and shares his thoughts on why you should watch.

Out Friday: Emanuel Navarrete vs. Oscar Valdez by the Numbers

Using stats from CompuBox and SIG, we look at the anticipated rematch between Navarrete and Valdez by the numbers.

ESPN Original Series “The Fight Life” chronicles a year in the world of Top Rank Boxing through the journeys of five of the sport’s elite boxers: Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez, and Josh Taylor.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Navarrete vs. Valdez (All Times ET)

About ESPN

About ESPN+

(Nov. 27, 2024) — Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez are two of this generation’s most accomplished Mexican warriors, and they enter their December 7 rematch at Footprint Center in Phoenix with something to prove.

WBO junior lightweight world champion Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) returns to defend his crown following May’s decision defeat to Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight world title. While he fell short in his mission to become a four-weight world champion, Navarrete intends to re-assert his place atop the division hierarchy.

Former two-weight champion Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) hopes to become a two-time junior lightweight king and avenge his August 2023 decision loss to Navarrete. That evening, Navarrete prevailed by unanimous decision in a toe-to-toe battle that left Valdez bruised and bloodied.

Navarrete trained in the mountains of Mexico, while Valdez spent more than two months in San Diego. This is what they had to say ahead of the sequel.

Emanuel Navarrete

“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 and I know that adds more significance to this fight.”

“I believe it will be an even better fight because we are familiar with one another. That will lead to more exchanges and better action for the fans.”

“I’m working hard because I know I must push Valdez to his limits. The second half of the fight will be less about technique and more about physical training and who is the best prepared to withstand the punches.”

“I know what happened against Berinchyk. Nothing was controversial about it, and I want to return to lightweight one day. When I fight at lightweight again, I will be much better than I was against Berinchyk.”

Oscar Valdez 

“I have a few more battles left in me. I feel great. I showed I had a lot left in my last fight when I beat Liam Wilson. I was emotional because I knew beating Wilson would punch my ticket to an even bigger fight. I am excited to be sharing the ring with a warrior like ‘Vaquero’ again and to have the opportunity to win the WBO junior lightweight championship.”

“I’m at the point of my career where I appreciate everything and enjoy every moment, whether running, sparring, or just having a coffee. I enjoy the fights and am grateful for everything in life.”

“I’m back in the gym training for a second opportunity at Navarrete, looking at what we did wrong, watching film, and working hard to correct mistakes. Not everyone gets a second chance. I will make the most of it. I’m not wasting days.”

“I know what to expect from Navarrete. I know what to train for. I’ve trained hard and smart for this fight. In the first fight, I made several mistakes. My biggest mistake was trying to knock out my opponent. I always want to give the fans what they pay for, but I focused on the knockout instead of sticking to my game plan. I’m working smarter, fighting smarter, and bringing in sparring partners that better imitate his style.”

“The boxing fans in Arizona are incredibly supportive. Some of the most memorable nights of my career have taken place there, and I look forward to giving the fans in Phoenix an action-packed battle.”

Navarrete-Valdez II and the featherweight rematch between WBO champion Rafael Espinoza and Cuban star 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.

(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)

(Nov. 26, 2024) — Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza and Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez thrilled fans with a Fight of the Year contender last December, and both look to pick up where their dramatic 12th round left off in their December 7 rematch at Phoenix’s Footprint Center.

Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs) edged Ramirez via majority decision to capture the WBO featherweight world title in ESPN’s Upset of the Year. From the time ring announcer Mark Shunock said “AND NEW,” a rematch appeared inevitable.

However, both men returned in June with different dance partners. Espinoza dispatched Sergio Chirino in just four rounds in his first title defense, while Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs) returned one week later to blast out Brandon Benitez with a dazzling uppercut in the seventh round.

Espinoza, a 6-foot-1 Mexican phenom, wants to prove that his first victory was no fluke. Ramirez, a two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist, is determined to reclaim his throne after personal struggles impacted his performance in their initial encounter.

Espinoza trained at home in Guadalajara, while Ramirez held camp in Las Vegas. This is what they had to say ahead of Part II.

Rafael Espinoza

“I know it will be a war. And it’ll help that I can fight against any version of Ramirez. I’ll be ready whether he wants to fight at a close range or from a distance. Like I said before the first fight, I’m not leaving without the title.”

“I’m preparing for the best version of Ramirez because I know that’s who I’ll face on fight night. And that’s exactly what I want. I want him at his best so there won’t be doubts or excuses when I win.”

“My confidence has grown. My mentality, approach to training, and commitment have all changed. I’m three times more committed than in the first fight, and I think I showed that against Chirino. I want to prove it again against Ramirez.”

“I know I have to stay completely focused in this fight. I made a mistake the first time, and it cost me. So, we’re focusing on being 100 percent concentrated because losing focus is easy when you get comfortable in the ring. I can’t afford to lose focus for even a second. That will be a key difference in this fight.”

“My top priority is to defeat Ramirez on December 7. After that, we’ll see who I can unify with. For now, my sole focus is beating Ramirez.”

Robeisy Ramirez 

“In camp, my father got really sick. He almost passed away. That affected me a lot. My father is in Cuba, and I can’t go back. I couldn’t visit him in the hospital. So, that affected me greatly.”

“That was not the best version of me in the first fight. And despite that, I was still able to deliver a great show. So, I do not doubt the second fight will be better.”

“He didn’t surprise me in the first fight. We all know how Mexican fighters are. They never give up. But, given my personal issues, I was not in the best condition. Nevertheless, if the judges saw that he deserved the decision, that’s fine.”

“I have characterized myself as a fighter who gets up whenever he is knocked down. I have a champion mentality and will be a champion again.”

“Everyone knows that I am a warrior. And I have the Cuban school of boxing. But as the Mexicans say, I also have the huevos to stand in the center of the ring and go to war.”

“A victory would put me where I belong. We have to see how this fight will unfold, but unification showdowns and fights against the best of the division are always on the table.”

The Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez II junior lightweight world title showdown and Espinoza-Ramirez co-feature 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.  

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 7, 2024) — Nearly seven months after falling short in his first attempt at an interim world title, welterweight contender Giovani “El Gallo de Oro” Santillan is set to reignite his charge towards the top of the division.

Santillan will square off against Ghana’s Frederick Lawson in a 10-round showdown on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Santillan-Lawson joins a stacked undercard streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+.

The ESPN-televised doubleheader (10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT) will feature a pair of world title rematches. In the main event, Emanuel “El Vaquero” Navarrete defends his WBO junior lightweight world title against Oscar Valdez in an all-Mexican duel.

In the co-feature, WBO featherweight world champion Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza defends his strap against Cuban star Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez.

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

Santillan (32-1, 17 KOs) steadily climbed the welterweight rankings during his 12-year career. He had a standout 2023, defeating longtime contender Erick Bone in July before shocking the boxing world with a six-round demolition of Alexis Rocha in October. His performance solidified his place among the welterweight elite, earning him a crack at the WBO interim title against Brian Norman Jr. in May. Santillan was knocked out in the 10th round, and Norman was later elevated to full champion. Lawson (30-5, 22 KOs) fell to Vergil Ortiz Jr. in January and Rocha in March after beating Estevan Villalobos last April.

A trio of undefeated Mexican-American talents has also been added to the ESPN+ undercard that also includes heavyweight standout Richard Torrez Jr. (11-0, 10 KOs) and junior welterweight phenom Emiliano Fernando Vargas (12-0, 10 KO) in eight-rounders:

Featherweight powerhouse Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez (11-0, 7 KOs) will take on Argentina’s Gerardo Antonio Perez (12-6-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round showdown. Gonzalez, the latest hard-hitting standout from the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, signed a long-term promotional deal with Top Rank in August. He is 4-0 with four knockouts in 2024 and returns following a third-round stoppage over Edgar de la Cruz Gonzalez in September.
 
Fast-rising junior bantamweight dynamo Steven “Kid Dynamite” Navarro (4-0, 3 KOs) makes his fifth appearance of 2024 in a six-rounder versus Puerto Rico’s Gabriel Bernardi (7-1, 3 KOs). A decorated amateur standout, Navarro made his pro debut in April and signed with Top Rank later that month. He made his Top Rank debut with a six-round unanimous decision against Juan Pablo Meza in June before notching TKO wins over Israel Camacho in August and Oscar Arroyo in September. 

Welterweight prospect Art Barrera Jr. (6-0, 4 KOs) will see action in a six-round tilt against an opponent to be named. Barrera seeks to earn his fifth triumph of the year after decisioning Javier Mayoral in July.

# # #

 
About Footprint Center

Located in downtown Phoenix, Footprint Center is a world-class sports and entertainment venue that is home to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and the industry’s biggest and brightest concerts and shows. For more information, visit FootprintCenter.com and follow for news and updates on Instagram, Facebook and X.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May. 18, 2024) — Well, that was quite the encore.

On the day Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usrk captured the undisputed heavyweight title, his countryman, Denys Berinchyk, stunned the boxing world. Berinchyk defeated Emanuel Navarrete by split decision to win the vacant WBO lightweight world title Saturday evening at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) prevailed by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Navarrete won on the third card, 116-112. Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) failed in his attempt to become the sixth four-division, Mexican-born world champion.

Navarrete began as usual by launching forward with wild shots, often leading with uppercuts or left hooks from the outside. Berinchyk responded by using his footwork to find his distance and pepper the Mexican with quick counterpunches. 

Berinchyk’s offense didn’t hurt Navarrete, but they were enough to prevent him from implementing a sustained body attack in the early rounds. 

Urged by his corner, Navarrete upped his offense in the last half of the fight, but the 36-year-old Olympian continued to make him miss before connecting with compact, effective punches. 

“This is great, my friend. This is great. Great boxing,” Berinchyk said. “Great fight. Navarrete, muchas gracias.”

Navarrete said, “It was something new for me. Like I always said, it would be difficult. Denys is a great fighter. He made me struggle a lot. And you saw what happened. But I’m happy with how I fought. I know that I need to improve.

“I’m not sad. I know it was a test. I needed to do more, but I know that I can do more. So, I congratulate him on his win. I’m happy because I tried things out at 135 pounds, and I know I will be strong at this division.”

Brian’s Song

Brian Norman Jr. (26-0, 20 KOs) captured the WBO Interim welterweight world title with a 10th-round knockout over hometown favorite Giovani Santillan (32-1, 17 KOs).

Santillan was the aggressor, but Norman’s quick counters and clinching nullified his offense. Santillan tried to make the most of it by punching inside the clinch, but this provided the openings for Norman to counter.

In the eighth, Norman hurt Santillan with a left hook. This changed the tide decisively to Norman’s favor, as he rallied with combinations in the following stanza. In the 10th, Norman landed a counter uppercut that dropped Santillan, who rose off the deck to be dropped by another, more devastating uppercut that floored him and ended the fight.

Norman was ahead on all three scorecards, 89-82, 88-83 and 86-85.

Norman said, “He was pressing but not hitting s**t. I made him miss and made him pay. I like going to other people’s hometowns and taking what they have. Whoever they have next for me, I’m ready for the challenge.”

Torrez Flattens Moore in 5

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez (10-0, 10 KOs) faces his stiffest test to date and passed with flying colors.

The 24-year-old southpaw heavyweight scored a fifth-round TKO win against the previously unbeaten Brandon Moore (14-1, 8 KOs). After an early feeling-out process, Torrez began to connect with jabs to the body before unloading his straight left. Moore tried to prevent his forward attack with footwork and a stiff jab, but Torrez often countered with a right hook and found his way in.

After dropping him early in the fifth, Torrez began to pummel Moore, forcing referee Thomas Taylor to halt the contest at 1:39.

Torrez said, “I give Moore a lot of respect. Anyone who goes toe-to-toe like that deserves my respect. I expected a lot from him, but I followed the game plan and got the job done. He took some really good shots, but at the end of the day, you can only take so much.”Junior Welterweight: Emiliano Fernando Vargas (10-0, 8 KOs) battered Angel Varela (10-3, 7 KOs) en route to a sixth-round stoppage. Vargas was much quicker, countering frequently and switching to southpaw to land even more offense. After too many unanswered shots from the 20-year-old phenom, referee Ray Corona halted the bout at 1:01.

Lightweight: Team USA standout Jonny Mansour (1-0) made a successful pro debut by outpointing Anel Dudo (3-6-1) across four rounds of action. The San Diego native won with three scores of 40-36.

Junior Welterweight: Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (13-0, 11 KOs) earned an eight-round points win over Wilfredo Flores (10-3-1, 5 KOs). Scores: 80-72 3x.

Junior Lightweight: Jonathan Lopez (15-0, 11 KOs) notched an eighth-round TKO win over Edgar Ortega (14-3-2, 7 KOs). The time of the stoppage was 2:39.

Welterweight: Art Barrera Jr. (5-0, 4 KOs) went the four-round distance for the first time in his pro career, defeating Levy Garcia Benitez (3-2-1, 2 KOs) via unanimous decision. Scores: 40-35 3x. 

 •  Emanuel Navarrete 135 lbs. vs. Denys Berinchyk 134.8 lbs
(Vacant WBO Lightweight World Title – 12 Rounds)

   •  Giovani Santillan 146.4 lbs vs. Brian Norman Jr. 146.5 lbs
(Vacant WBO Interim Welterweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7:10 p.m. ET/4:10 p.m. PT)

•  Richard Torrez 229.9 lbs vs. Brandon Moore 229.4 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

•  Jonny Mansour 134 lbs vs. Anel Dudo 130.8 lbs
 (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)
 
•  Emiliano Fernando Vargas 139.6 lbs vs. Angel Varela 140 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Alan Garcia 137.8 lbs vs. Wilfredo Flores 136.9 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Jonathan Lopez 127.1 lbs vs. Edgar Ortega 127.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Art Barrera Jr. 146 lbs vs. Levy Garcia Benitez 143.9 lbs
 (Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

*The Charlie Sheehy-Manuel Jaimes bout was canceled due to Sheehy coming in overweight. 

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 16, 2024)— Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) is one step away from making history, but first, he needs to face an unbeaten Ukrainian Olympian.

Navarrete will attempt to become a four-division world champion when he fights Denys Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs) for the vacant WBO lightweight world title this Saturday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

The 12-round welterweight co-feature will see hometown hero Giovani Santillan (32-0, 17 KOs) taking on fellow unbeaten contender Brian Norman Jr. (25-0, 19 KOs) in a fight that will now be for the vacant WBO Interim world title. If Santillan wins, he will become only the second San Diego-born world champion in history, following Paul Vaden in 1995.

Navarrete-Berinchyk & Santillan-Norman headline a loaded card featuring nine fights in total, including unbeaten heavyweights Richard Torrez Jr. (9-0, 9 KOs) and Brandon Moore (14-0, 8 KOs) clashing in an eight-rounder. Torrez, a U.S. Olympic silver medalist, is taking a big step up against former amateur standout Moore.

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

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Emanuel Navarrete

“Just having the opportunity to add a new title in a new division, it’s something that I never thought of. It’s something that I never dreamed of. It’s something new and achieving it would fulfill a personal goal. It will enrich my personal achievements, and it will make me satisfied with what I’ve done in my career.” 

“Each fight is different. Each opponent is different. Denys is an Olympian. He has a lot of experience in boxing. That’s the part we have to defeat. That’s the hardest part on Saturday. However, we always work the same. We always strengthen certain things that have been seen as weak in previous fights. But we always put a lot of energy into each training camp. We always have that mentality to work at 100 percent, and this camp wasn’t the exception. We worked hard, and Saturday will be a great fight night for all those watching at Pechanga Arena.”

Denys Berinchyk

“I’m happy for Emanuel that he was the king in three divisions, but this is my division. You will see a great, exciting fight on Saturday night.”

Giovani Santillan

“I’ve been looking forward to something like this happening ever since my first fight at Pechanga San Diego back in 2021. I’ve been saying that I want to bring world title fights for myself here in San Diego. Me being born and raised here, it’s an honor for this to happen. I’m excited. I just found out this morning {that the fight would be for the WBO Interim title}. I’m ready.”

“Business as usual, but I’ve had to earn my spot. It took me a lot of hard work, a lot of years to get here, and I’m planning on staying here and getting that world title Saturday night.

“{Returning home} means everything to me, especially after my last performance and now with being a world title fight, and for it to be here in my hometown so that my friends, family, and supporters have a chance to come see me live.”

“He’s a good fighter, and he knows everything that’s on the line. So, I know that with him being undefeated, I’m expecting a war this Saturday. I’m expecting a big fight. This is going to be a great fight for the fans for sure.”

“I’ve been training very hard for this. It has been a long camp. I knew about this date. I didn’t know who exactly I was going to be fighting, but I’ve known about this date since back in February. So, I’ve been in camp since then sparring hard. I’m as ready as can be for this fight.”

Brian Norman Jr.

“We’re in his hometown. Everything is against me in this fight. But once again, this is where I shine the best. I thrive off of negativity. I love this opportunity. I love this moment. I’m 23 years old. He’s pretty much 10 years older than me, so I’m supposed to be the baby in this situation, but best believe, we’re coming to throw down.”

“He’s number one, plain and simple. You saw what he did to Alexis Rocha to earn his spot, so I have to earn mine. He did his thing. Time for me to do mine.”

Richard Torrez Jr.

“Growing up, I used to be a tall guy. I stopped growing in my freshman year of high school. I was 6’2 then, so I had to learn and adjust to the heavyweight division. In the amateurs, I fought a lot of really tall guys, and I’m kind of excited to have a taller opponent again. It’s pretty fun to be able to get inside, stay inside, and show what I can do.”

“Inside the ring, I’m a different beast. I like to think that my conditioning, tenacity, and the hard effort I put in are going to be something there. What my coaches used to say back in the day is that I like to take my opponents to hell and back, and that’s what I’m doing in this fight. So, I’m really excited to have a willing and able opponent. I know you. You want to go all out. You’re not one of those guys who is going to sit in the ring, so I’m really excited to see how this fight plays out.”

Brandon Moore

“It’s about that time. A lot of people over here in San Diego don’t know who I am. In {Lakeland}, Florida, I run the city over there. A lot of people are excited to see me be put on the big stage so I can put on a show for the people.”

“No disrespect to Richard, but he’s a southpaw that comes forward really, really hard. I think that I’ll be able to handle that with my skill level. We’re going to find out. He’s undefeated. I’m undefeated. This is one of our biggest fights.”

Emiliano Fernando Vargas

“We just went back to the drawing board. This is another opportunity to put on another showcase here in California, and I’m excited to do it. I haven’t been back to California since my pro debut, and I’m excited. The fans are beautiful here. The tickets are selling like hotcakes, so I’m excited.”

On his family dynamic

“It’s something so special for me because this sport is so lonely. Boxing brings us close together.  It’s a beautiful sport, but at the same time, it can get ugly, and we know that. My father wouldn’t be putting me in here, and I wouldn’t be in this sport if I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. In this sport, people lose their lives. I know that I have an opportunity to extend the legacy that my father left for me.”

Alan Garcia

“Me being where I’m from, you don’t see a lot of fighters make it, in general, out of Kansas. To be on the big stage and be under the greatest promotional company, Top Rank, and represent Kansas on my back means a lot to me. I continue representing Kansas. I go home after every fight and then I’m right back to camp. I just want to get better and better and show what people from Kansas are made of.”

Saturday, May 18

Emanuel Navarrete vs. Denys Berinchyk, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Lightweight World Title

Giovani Santillan vs. Brian Norman Jr., 12 Rounds, Vacant WBO Interim Welterweight World Title

ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Brandon Moore, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Art Barrera Jr. vs. Levy Garcia Benitez, 4 rounds, junior welterweight

SAN DIEGO (May 14, 2024) — As Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) prepares to make history, he’s received overwhelming support from some of Mexico’s most revered boxing legends.

Canelo Alvarez, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Leo Santa Cruz, and Jorge “El Travieso” Arce have all extended their support to the 29-year-old fighting pride of San Juan Zitlaltepec, who will attempt to join this elite group of Mexican boxers who have captured world titles in four different weight divisions.

To watch the video featuring the Mexican legends, click HERE.

Navarrete will fight Ukrainian Olympian Denys Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs) for the vacant WBO lightweight world title this Saturday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

“It is an honor to have the backing of such esteemed champions who have inspired me to chase greatness,” said Navarrete. “Their words have motivated me to push harder and leave everything in the ring to achieve this milestone for my country and my fans.”

The support from these legends highlights the unity and camaraderie within the Mexican boxing community.

SAN DIEGO (May 14, 2024) — As Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) prepares to make history, he’s received overwhelming support from some of Mexico’s most revered boxing legends.

Canelo Alvarez, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Leo Santa Cruz, and Jorge “El Travieso” Arce have all extended their support to the 29-year-old fighting pride of San Juan Zitlaltepec, who will attempt to join this elite group of Mexican boxers who have captured world titles in four different weight divisions.

To watch the video featuring the Mexican legends, click HERE.

Navarrete will fight Ukrainian Olympian Denys Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs) for the vacant WBO lightweight world title this Saturday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

“It is an honor to have the backing of such esteemed champions who have inspired me to chase greatness,” said Navarrete. “Their words have motivated me to push harder and leave everything in the ring to achieve this milestone for my country and my fans.”

The support from these legends highlights the unity and camaraderie within the Mexican boxing community.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (April 9, 2024) —Heavyweight prospect Richard Torrez Jr., the U.S. Olympic silver medalist who has knocked out every man he’s faced, hopes to extend his streak of fallen foes. Torrez steps up against fellow unbeaten Brandon Moore on Saturday, May 18 at Pechanga Arena San Diego.

The eight-round televised opener joins a loaded bill headlined by the vacant WBO lightweight world title showdown between Mexican three-weight world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete and Ukraine’s Denys Berinchyk. The 12-round welterweight co-feature, a match of undefeated contenders, will see San Diego native Giovani Santillan fight Brian Norman Jr.

Navarrete-Berinchyk, Santillan-Norman and Torrez-Moore will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“Richard Torrez Jr. is one of the most explosive and powerful young heavyweights I’ve seen, and he’s in for a big test against Brandon Moore,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “These are two unbeaten, skilled big men and a great addition to an already loaded card at Pechanga Arena San Diego.”

Torrez (9-0, 9 KOs), from the Central Valley town of Tulare, California, has been a whirlwind during his two-plus years as a pro. He has five first-round knockouts on his ledger, including a first-round TKO over Don Haynesworth last month in Glendale, Arizona. The high school valedictorian who can complete a Rubik’s cube in minutes hopes to solve his most difficult professional puzzle. Moore (14-0, 8 KOs), a 6-foot-6 boxer-puncher from Lakeland, Florida, signed with Top Rank last year. He has since won a pair of eight-round shutouts, turning away Robert Simms last November and overcoming a hard-charging Helaman Olguin in March.

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

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (April 3, 2024) — San Diego-born welterweight contender Giovani “Gallo De Oro” Santillan has an opponent for his homecoming. The WBO No. 1-ranked fighter at 147 pounds will take on fellow unbeaten Brian Norman Jr. in a 12-round showdown on Saturday, May 18 at Pechanga Arena.

Santillan-Norman will be the co-feature to the vacant WBO lightweight title tilt between Mexican three-division world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete and Ukraine’s Denys Berinchyk.

And, in the eight-round televised opener, heavyweight knockout artist Richard Torrez Jr. (9-0, 9 KOs) returns against an opponent to be named. Torrez fought last Friday on the Oscar Valdez-Liam Wilson/Seniesa Estrada-Yokasta Valle card in Glendale, Arizona, stopping Don Haynesworth in the opening round.

Navarrete-Berinchyk, Santillan-Norman and Torrez’s return will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Friday, April 5 at 10 a.m. PT via AXS.com.

“Brian Norman Jr. is a highly skilled young fighter,” Santillan said. “I get so much motivation from my city, and fighting at Pechanga Arena is always special. May 18 will be a great night, and I can’t wait to give my fans another victory.”

Norman said, “This is the big fight I have been waiting for. It’s time to show the world what I’m about.”

Santillan (32-0, 17 KOs) upset Alexis Rocha last October to earn the WBO No. 1 ranking. He returns to Pechanga Arena, the site of two of his greatest triumphs. In October 2021, Santillan notched a 10-round decision over Angel Ruiz on the Navarrete-Joet Gonzalez undercard. The following August, he turned away the game Julio Luna on the Navarrete-Eduardo Baez bill. He hopes to make it three for three in front of the hometown fans. Norman (25-0, 19 KOs), a former U.S. amateur star, is a six-year pro taking a sizable step up in class. He went 3-0 in 2023, capping off the year with a one-sided verdict over Quinton Randall on the Shakur Stevenson-Edwin De Los Santos card in Las Vegas. Norman made his 2024 debut in March, fighting to a no contest with Janelson Bocachica after Bocachica suffered a severe cut on his forehead.

In undercard action, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+:

• Lightweight phenom Emiliano Fernando Vargas (9-0, 7 KOs) will see action in a six-rounder, Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs) returns in an eight-rounder at lightweight, and Robert Garcia-trained junior welterweight Art Barrera Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs) looks to make it five straight in a four-rounder. Vargas, Garcia, and Barrera were all victorious on March 29 in Glendale, Arizona.
   
• Bay Area lightweight prospect Charlie Sheehy (9-0, 5 KOs) takes on Manuel Jaimes (15-1-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Sheehy is coming off February’s shutout decision over Abdel Sauceda, while James has won three in a row since the lone defeat of his career.
   
• Junior lightweight prospect Jonathan Lopez (14-0, 10 KOs) looks to break the four-fight winning streak of Mexican veteran Edgar Ortega (14-2-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Lopez, who is trained by Eddy Reynoso, went 5-0 in 2023 and defeated Eduardo Baez via 10-round decision last June. 
   
• San Diego-born lightweight Jonny Mansour will make his highly anticipated pro debut in a four-rounder. Mansour was a top amateur, winning a National Golden Gloves crown in 2023 and capturing a 2020 National Championships silver medal.

SAN DIEGO (March 19, 2024) — Emanuel “El Vaquero” Navarrete hopes to join an elite circle of his Mexican countrymen, but he’ll have to venture into a new weight class against one of its top contenders.
 
Navarrete will take on Ukraine’s Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight world championship on Saturday, May 18 at Pechanga Arena San Diego. The fighting pride of San Juan Zitlaltepec will attempt to join Mexican-born warriors Erik Morales, Jorge Arce, Juan Manuel Marquez, Leo Santa Cruz, and Canelo Alvarez in becoming a four-weight world champion.
 
In the welterweight co-feature, San Diego’s Giovani Santillan, the WBO No. 1 contender, returns in front of the hometown fans against an opponent to be named.
 
Navarrete-Berinchyk and Santillan’s return will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, ticket information will be announced shortly.
 
“The San Diego boxing fans are passionate, and we are thrilled to be bringing Emanuel Navarrete back to Pechanga Arena as he bids to become a four-weight world champion,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “We are also excited to showcase San Diego’s hometown hero, Giovani Santillan, a wonderful young man who I believe will be a welterweight world champion before long.”
 
Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) captured his first world title by upsetting Isaac Dogboe for the WBO junior featherweight crown in December 2018. After five defenses, he moved up to featherweight, where he handed Ruben Villa his first pro defeat to become a two-weight champion. The 29-year-old defended his belt three times before climbing up to junior lightweight to stop Liam Wilson in the ninth round to secure the WBO strap. Navarrete made two defenses in this third weight class, decisioning former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez in an all-Mexican showdown in August and dropping Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição twice en route to a majority draw in November.
 
Navarrete said, “Capturing a world title is a unique challenge, but the possibility of doing it four weight classes is a goal that fills me with motivation and gratitude. It will be an honor to join that select group of Mexican warriors who have made their mark in boxing history. And to be able to do it in front of fans in San Diego and from Tijuana will be an unforgettable experience. Feeling their support and energy in the ring will propel me to do my best and secure this victory for Mexico.”
 
Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs), a 2012 Olympic silver medalist on the same team as Vasiliy Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk, began his professional career in 2015. Berinchyk overcame stiff tests on his ascent up the lightweight ladder. In 2021, he vanquished Jose Sanchez via third-round TKO in March and decisioned Isa Chaniev across 12 rounds in December. After a one-year break, he defeated Yvan Mendy to win European honors. He followed up the Mendy win last August with a convincing decision over former world title challenger Anthony Yigit in Poland. The 35-year-old will have his first world title opportunity as he makes his U.S. debut.
 
Santillan (32-0, 17 KOs), who turned pro in May 2012, has steadily ascended the welterweight rankings. In 2022, he stopped Jeovanis Barraza in the seventh round before making his second Pechanga Arena appearance by giving Julio Luna his first pro loss on the undercard of Navarrete’s featherweight title defense against Eduardo Baez. He returned in July 2023 to best Erick Bone via 10-round decision. In his last outing, he stunned the boxing world with a one-sided, six-round demolition of number one contender Alexis Rocha at Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Santillan is on the precipice of becoming the second San Diego-born world champion, following Paul Vaden, who captured the IBF junior middleweight world title in 1995.
 
“After my last win, I’m excited to keep the ball rolling. I showed everyone what I could do and earned the WBO No. 1 ranking. I am looking forward to continuing with those types of performances and showing why I deserve a title shot,” Santillan said. “I want to gain more fans in San Diego, grow the fan base in my hometown, and pave the way for other fighters from my city. There hasn’t been a San Diego-born champion in a long time, and I want to be the next one.”