LAS VEGAS, NV (November 17, 2023) – Undefeated super featherweight, Andres “Savage” Cortes (20-0, 11 KOs), based in Las Vegas and promoted by Top Rank Inc., has boldly thrown down the gauntlet, expressing his desire to face Mexico’s WBO world champion Emanuel Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs), and WBC champ O’Shaquie Foster (21-2, 12 KOs). Cortes’ call for a high-stakes showdown comes in the wake of Navarrete’s recent draw against Robson Conceicao (17-2-1, 8 KOs) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas last night.

“I believe I could have stopped Conceicao if I were given the chance,” said Cortes. “Navarrete is not invincible. He showed last night that he can be beaten. My style, power, and hunger make me a significant threat in this division. I’m ready for any challenge and with my recent victories, I’ve earned the right to face him.”

The determined young fighter is convinced that he is the most avoided fighter in the super featherweight division. He vows to continue working his way up the rankings to garner a world title opportunity. Cortes believes a fight with O’Shaquie Foster can be made easily being that he just signed with his promoter Top Rank.

“My record speaks for itself. I’ve consistently proven myself in the ring, yet I’m continuously avoided by other fighters in the division,” Cortes stated. “Navarrete is the champion, and I respect that, but I’m here to prove that I am the best and to claim what’s rightfully mine. Foster just signed with Top Rank so that fight can be made with ease. I want both of these champions. I’ve earned it.”

Cortes has positioned himself as a force in the super featherweight ranks. His call-out of Navarrete and Foster aims to assert his dominance and position himself for a title shot against the world champions.

“One thing I know I can guarantee is a lot of action when I step in the ring,” concluded Cortes. “What we saw in the main event last night was unacceptable for boxing fans. Whenever I fight, you can count on me throwing a lot of punches and going for the knockout. No boring ass fights in me.”

Follow all the action as Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos fight for the vacant WBC Lightweight Championship. The action begins at 10:30 PM ET with The WBO Junior Lightweight Title bout between Emanuel Navarrete and Robson Conceicao.

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Round 1: Short left from Stevenson..Left to body..

ROUND 2 Jab from Stevenson..De Los santos lands a body shot…

ROUND 3 2 Jabs from Stevenson…

ROUND 4 Triple Jab from Stevenson..Jab to body from De Los Santos..Left to body from Stevenson

ROUND 5 Body shot from De Los Santos..

ROUND 6 De Los Santos lands a double jab to the body…

ROUND 7 Jab from Stevenson

ROUND 8 Good jab from De Los Santos..Good Jab from Stevenson..

ROUND 9 Nice right from Stevenson..Good exchange…Right Hook from Stevenson

ROUND 10 Right hook from Stevenson..Right hook..Another right hook…

ROUND 11 Double right hook from Stevenson..

ROUND 12  1-2 from Stevenson..Right from De Los Santos…

116-112 TWICE AND 115-113 FOR STEVENSON

Round 1 Conceicao lands a combination…Body shot

ROUND 2 Right to body from Navarrete..Right from Conceicao..4 punch combination from Navarrete

ROUND 3 Navarrete has small cut on bridge of nose..3 Punch combination from Navarrete..Counter from Conceicao..

ROUND 4 Right to body from Navarrete..Short right and LEFT UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES CONCEICAO..Right drives Conceicao off balance

ROUND 5 Short right and sweeping left from Navarrete…Combination…Left to body from Conceicao..

ROUND 6 Counter right from Conceicao..RightCombination from Navarrete..1-2..Good hook..Conceicao cut on the bridge of his nose.

ROUND 7 BIG RIGHT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES CONCEICAO

ROUND 8 Right from Conceicao.  Blood from mouth of Conceicao…Left hook hurts Conceicao…

ROUND 9  Doctor checks Conceicao before round…1-2 from Conceicao…Right to body from Navarrete…Body shot..Another..

ROUND 11 Right from Conceicao..Combination from Navarrete

ROUND 12 1-2 from Conceicao..Short right…

114-112 NAVARRETE…113-113 ON 2 CARDS…DRAW

In a fight that was void of action, Shakur Stevenson became a three-division world champion as he captured the WBC Lightweight Title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Edwin De Los Santos at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Not much happened in the fight as neither guy pushed forward. Stevenson was able to jab more effectively, while the handful of times that De Los Santos tried to press, he was ineffective as the elusive Stevenson was never in range.

Stevenson landed 65 of 209 punches. De Los Santos was 40 of 316.

Stevenson picked it up over the final six-rounds and won by scores of 115-113 and 116-112 twice.

Stevenson, 133.8 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 21-0. De Los Santos, 134.3 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 16-2.

Stevenson said, “I had a bad performance tonight. That’s all I’m really focused on. I wasn’t feeling too good, so I’ll live with it. It’s okay. I came here and got the victory, and that’s all I wanted to do.

“I just didn’t feel good. I didn’t feel good before the fight. Honestly, I had already told myself that if I feel like this in the ring and if it’s not going well, I’m going to make sure that I box and get the victory.”

De Los Santos said, “We all know what happened. He came for a track meet. He didn’t come to fight. I showed that I am on a higher level because he never stood and fought like he does with other fighters.

“I did my job. He came to survive. That’s what he did. They gifted him the title, but I’m the people’s champion.”

Navarrete and Conceicao Fight to Draw

Emanuel Navarrete and Robson Conceicao fought to a 12-round majority draw in a bout for Navarrete’s WBO Junior Lightweight title.

In round two, Navarrete had a small cut on the bridge of the nose. In round four, Navarrete dropped Conceicao with a left uppercut. In round six, Cinceicao was cut on the bridge of his nose.

In round nose, Navarrete landed a perfect right to the body that put Conceicao down.

Navarrete landed 116 of 47 punches. Conceicao was 213 of 852.

Navarrete, 130 lbs of San Juan, MEX won by a 114-112 score, while two cards were even at 113-113.

Navarrete is 38-1-1. Conceicao, 129.3 lbs of Bahia, BRA is 17-2-1.

Navarrete said, “The decision is well-deserved. Robson is a great fighter. He left his heart in the ring. There were some details with regard to technique, but we accomplished what we said we would do. We gave a great show for the fans. And, at least, I am very happy to come away with the title.
 
“He deserves the rematch, but that decision doesn’t depend 100 percent on me. But, if it does happen, I would train even better. He knows how I fight, and I know how he fights, so it would make for an excellent fight.”
 
Conceição said, “It was a hard fight. He is very strong. It was a difficult. But I know what I did tonight.
 
“It was a good fight. It deserves a rematch. If we do get the rematch, we will both train harder and will give an even better fight.”

Brian Norman Jr. remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Quinton Randall in a battle of undefeated welterweights.

In round four, Norman was cut over his right eye.

Norman landed 74 of 281 punches. Randall was 71 of 299.

Norman, 146.4 lbs of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93 and is now 25-0. Randall, 145.3 lbs of Houston is 13-1-1.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with an eight-round split decision over Max Ornelas in a bantamweight bout.

In round two, Diaz dropped Ornelas with a leaping and wide left hook. In round three, it was a jab that put Ornelas on the canvas.

In round five, Diaz began to swell over his right eye.

Diaz, 117.7 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 78-72, 77-73 and Ornelas took a card by a 76-74. score.

Diaz is now 10-0. Ornelas, 117.9 lbs of Las Vegas is 15-2-1.

Troy Isley won an eight-round unanimous decision over upset-specialist Vladimir Hernandez in a middleweight bout.

Isley, 159.7 lbs of Alexandria, VA won by scores of 77-75 on all cards and is now 11-0. Hernandez, 156.8 lbs of Ciudad, MEX is 14-6.

Emiliano Fernando Vargas stopped Brandon Mendoza in round two of their six-round lightweight bout.

Vargas, 135.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Mendoza, 134.9 lbs of Los Angeles is 6-3.

In round one, Vargas dropped Mendoza with a left hook that was followed by a right Hand. A second knockdown was ruled after the round when a right hand made the right glove of Mendoza touch the canvas. In round two, Vargas landed a double right over the top that put Mendoza down and the fight was stopped at 57 seconds.

In a battle of undefeated heavyweights, Jackson Murray won a six-round unanimous decision over Steven Torres.

In round three, Murray dropped Torres with a right hook to the side of the head.

Murray, 230.7 lbs of Sydney, AUS won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 6-0. Torres, 240.7 lbs of Reading, PA is 6-1-1.

Abdullah Mason stopped Jose Cardenas in round two of their six-round lightweight fight.

In round one, Mason dropped Cardenas with a double left. In round two, Mason dumped Cardenas with a perfect one-two and the fight was stopped at 1:55.

Mason, 134.4 lbs of Cleveland is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Cardenas, 134.6 lbs of Laredo, TX is 7-2.

Hugo Micallef stopped Sergio Odabai after round four of their six-round junior welterweight bout.

Micallef, 142.7 lbs of Monte Carlo, MON is 9-0 with two knockouts. Odabai, 141.7 lbs of Vienna, AUS 6-2-1.

Giovanni Sarchioto remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage over Lucas de Abreu in a six-round super middleweight fight.

Sarchioto dropped de Abreu twice in round three. The first coming from a series of right hands. Sarchioto finisehed off de Abreu with a hard right that put his backside and the fight was stopped at 2:06.

Sarchioto, 167 lbs of Atazio, ITA is now 9-0 with eight knockouts. de Abreu, 166.3 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA 14-5.

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 13, 2023) – Pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs) and Dominican slugger Edwin De Los Santos (16-1, 14 KOs) hosted their public workouts today ahead of their vacant WBC lightweight world title showdown this Thursday, Nov. 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 
 
In the world championship co-feature, Mexico’s Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) defends his WBO junior lightweight strap against Brazilian two-time world title challenger Robson Conceição (17-2, 8 KOs).
 
Stevenson-De Los Santos and Navarrete-Conceição will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.
 
At Monday’s media workout, this is what the fighters had to say.
 

Shakur Stevenson

“I can’t wait. It’s going to be very exciting. You’ve got the tough Edwin De Los Santos, but I’m here to whoop his a**!”

“We can’t think about what comes after. I’m not worried about after. We’ve got a job to do Thursday night. I’m coming here to get my belt.”

“I think that Edwin is a good fighter. I think he’s more of a boxer than what he’s trying to act like. So, he’s going to try to move around. And I’m going to figure him out by the fourth round.”

Edwin De Los Santos

“We are not here to hesitate. We are here to fight. We accepted the fight, and we are going for it. I think at one point I was being underestimated. But now he has accepted the reality that he is going to have a very tough fight.”

“I feel very good because it is one of my dreams to be in Las Vegas and fight for a world title, which will happen this November 16.”

Emanuel Navarrete

“I’m happy to be here with all of you and because you are all joining me at this public workout. And well, it’s going to be one more fight. I’m going to defend my title at 130 pounds.”

“Obviously, we know who I am fighting. We know he is a real fighter. He is very strong and it will be difficult. But like always we are going to defend the title with the heart of a Mexican warrior.”

“Being in Las Vegas is a dream for many athletes, not just boxers. I think it’s the epicenter of the most important shows in the world. I think that being here for me is an honor, and I feel very grateful to be in front of all of you.”

Robson Conceição

“The day before what was going to be my last fight, I learned about this very good opportunity. I accepted it immediately. My team and I decided not to fight in order to better prepare for this fight on November 16th.”

“It’s a very important moment for my career to be in this huge event. There are many good athletes who are participating in this event. We have Shakur Stevenson. We have Emanuel Navarrete, whom I admire a lot. He is a great champion. But this is my third opportunity. In the Olympic Games, I was able to win on my third attempt. And I will do the same in this third chance at a world title.”
 

Thursday, November 16

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

Shakur Stevenson vs. Edwin De Los Santos 12 rounds, Vacant WBC Lightweight World Title

Emanuel Navarrete vs. Robson Conceição, 12 rounds, Navarrete’s WBO Junior Lightweight World Title 
 

ESPN+ (5:40 p.m. ET/2:40 p.m. PT)
Brian Norman Jr. vs. Quinton Randall, 10 rounds, WBO International Welterweight Title

Giovanni Sarchioto vs. Lucas de Abreu, 6 rounds, super middleweight 

Top Rank presented by AutoZone: Stevenson vs. De Los Santos will be presented live this Thursday, November 16, at 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ from T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada.

In the main event, Shakur Stevenson will attempt to become a three-weight world champion when he takes on Dominican puncher Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC lightweight world title.

Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs), from Newark, New Jersey, earned a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics and debuted as pro in 2017. He won titles in two divisions in his first five years in the paid ranks. In 2019 he toppled Joet Gonzalez to win the vacant WBO featherweight world championship. From there, he captured the WBO junior lightweight title in 2021 and went on to add the WBC strap to his collection in 2022 with a 12-round decision over Oscar Valdez.

De Los Santos (16-1, 14 KOs) is a hard-hitting southpaw from the Dominican Republic. He debuted in 2018 and notched his first 13 victories in his home country. In his U.S. debut, he suffered a razor-thin split decision loss to William Foster III. He hasn’t lost a fight since. This will be De Los Santos’ first shot at a world title.

In the world championship co-feature, Mexico’s Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete defends his WBO junior lightweight strap against Brazilian two-time world title challenger Robson Conceição.

Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) captured his first world title by defeating Isaac Dogboe for the WBO junior featherweight crown in December 2018. In February, Navarrete became a three-division champion by defeating Liam Wilson via ninth-round TKO for the WBO junior lightweight world title. Navarrete looks to make the second defense of his strap as the possibility of a title opportunity in a fourth weight division emerges on the horizon.

Conceição (17-2, 8 KOs) made history as Brazil’s first Olympic boxing gold medalist, turning pro under the Top Rank banner less than three months after the 2016 Rio Games. He’s made two valiant attempts at a world title, one in 2021 against Oscar Valdez and another in 2022 against Shakur Stevenson. Conceição will now get a third opportunity to call himself a world champion in the pro ranks.

The undercard, featuring a battle between unbeaten welterweights as well as a host of emerging prospects, streams exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:40 p.m. ET / 2:40 p.m. PT.

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna.

Special Programming:

Prior to Thursday’s event, ESPN will air three special programs:

• Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Best of Shakur Stevenson: a one-hour look back at Shakur’s greatest fight moments.
• Blood, Sweat, & Tears: Stevenson vs. De Los Santos: a 30-minute all access preview inside both fight camps prior to Thursday’s battle.
• Trading Leather: Shakur Stevenson & Ochocinco: a 30-minute interview between Shakur and former All-Pro NFL superstar, Chad Ochocinco Johnson.

Program Schedule (All times ET)

The programs will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App, on?ESPN.com?and on ESPN+. 

ESPN.com

Out Wednesday: How Shakur Stevenson became the most avoided boxer in the sport

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

Stevenson vs. De Los Santos (All Times ET)

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 8, 2023) — For Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição, he hopes the third time will be the charm.

Conceição will have his third world title opportunity when he takes on WBO junior lightweight world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete on Thursday, Nov. 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Navarrete-Conceição will serve as the co-feature to the vacant WBC lightweight title clash between pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson and Dominican slugger Edwin De Los Santos.

Stevenson-De Los Santos and Navarrete-Conceição will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Sampson Boxing, tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.

Conceição (17-2, 8 KOs) made history as Brazil’s first Olympic boxing gold medalist, turning pro under the Top Rank banner less than three months after the 2016 Rio Games. In September 2021, he earned his first shot at a world title against Oscar Valdez, who was then the unbeaten WBC champ at junior lightweight. Although he lost a close points verdict, he proved to be a worthy title contender. Conceição put up a spirited showing against Stevenson last September in a bid for the WBC and WBO titles. Conceição, who earned the gold medal in his third attempt at Olympic glory, aims to repeat that accomplishment as a pro. Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) is a three-division world champion from Mexico and has won 33 consecutive bouts.

Following a recent training session, this is what Conceição had to say:

“I have the utmost respect for a great champion like ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete. He is a good person and a tremendous fighter, and I am sure that we will have a great battle. He has something that is the thing I want most in my professional life. I’m not coming to play. I’m coming for his title. Navarrete, I’m very sorry.”

“I won my gold medal in my third Olympic Games. Now, I will win my world title in my third opportunity. I will take his title to Brazil, and it will be a bigger national celebration than when I won Olympic gold in Rio 2016. I will join the select group of Olympic champions to win a world title as a professional.”

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 6, 2023) —Tickets for the special world title doubleheader headlined by the vacant WBC lightweight world title showdown between Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos — Thursday, Nov. 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas — ARE ON SALE NOW. 
 
In the world championship co-feature, Mexico’s Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete defends his WBO junior lightweight strap against Brazilian two-time world title challenger Robson Conceição.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Sampson Boxing, tickets can be purchased at AXS.com.
 
This world title twofer — broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT — kicks off the highly anticipated race week in Las Vegas. 
 
Undercard action includes Brian Norman Jr. (24-0, 19 KOs) against Quinton Randall (13-0-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round battle of unbeaten welterweights, U.S. Olympian Troy Isley (10-0, 4 KOs) versus noted spoiler Vladimir Hernandez (14-5, 6 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight clash, Floyd Diaz (9-0, 3 KOs) fighting Max Ornelas (15-1-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder at bantamweight, and lightweight sensation Emiliano Fernando Vargas (7-0, 6 KOs) returning in a six-rounder at lightweight against Chilean veteran Cristian Olivares (10-0, 5 KOs).

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 4, 2023) — Undefeated prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas is set to return in a six-round special attraction on Thursday, Nov. 16, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 19-year-old Vargas, the son of former junior middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas, will make his sixth appearance of the year in a lightweight fight against fellow unbeaten Cristian Olivares. Vargas-Olivares and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.

The ESPN-televised doubleheader (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT) is headlined by the vacant WBC lightweight world title showdown between Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos and the WBO junior lightweight world title battle between Emanuel Navarrete and Robson Conceição.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Sampson Boxing, tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 6 at 12 p.m. PT via AXS.com.

Vargas (7-0, 6 KOs) made his pro debut last May and has racked up six victories after signing with Top Rank later that year. After decisioning Francisco Duque in February, “El General” secured three consecutive second-round stoppage wins, including a body shot knockout against Rafael Jasso in May at MGM Grand Garden Arena. In his last fight, he obliterated Alejandro Guardado via third-round TKO. Olivares (10-0, 5 KOs) heads into his stiffest challenge following a unanimous decision victory against Franco Facundo Huanque in January.

Vargas said, “Las Vegas is my hometown, and I can’t wait to fight on such a loaded card. This is going to be a huge sports week in Las Vegas, and I am honored to be part of it. I want to be Prospect of the Year, and I’m going to make a statement on November 16.”

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 27, 2023) — After being ghosted by multiple prospective opponents, boxing’s pound-for-pound prince finally found a willing foe.

Shakur Stevenson will attempt to become a three-weight world champion when he takes on Dominican puncher Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC lightweight world title Thursday, Nov. 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

In the world championship co-feature, Mexico’s Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete defends his WBO junior lightweight strap against Brazilian two-time world title challenger Robson Conceição.

This world title twofer — broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT — kicks off the highly anticipated race week in Las Vegas. 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Sampson Boxing, tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 6 at 12 p.m. PT via AXS.com.

“This is a huge week for Las Vegas and a tremendous platform for Shakur Stevenson to show, once again, why he is well on his way to reigning as the sport’s pound-for-pound king,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Many fighters turned down the opportunity, but Edwin De Los Santos eagerly accepted. Emanuel Navarrete and Robson Conceição fighting for supremacy at 130 pounds adds to a spectacular card that is loaded from top to bottom.”

Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs), from Newark, New Jersey, won titles in two divisions in his first five years in the paid ranks. After earning a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, he debuted as pro in 2017 and compiled a 12-0 record before toppling Joet Gonzalez to win the vacant WBO featherweight world championship in October 2019. Two years later, he captured the WBO junior lightweight title with a 10th-round TKO over Jamel Herring before adding the WBC strap to his collection with a 12-round decision over Oscar Valdez in April 2022. The 26-year-old southpaw defeated Conceição last September before moving up to lightweight and scoring a sixth-round stoppage win over Japanese contender Shuichiro Yoshino in April. 

Stevenson said, “Edwin De Los Santos is a good fighter and he’s going to come to fight. I give him credit for actually taking this fight when so many other so-called ‘fighters’ ran from it. I’m the biggest boogeyman in boxing, and on November 16, the world will see why when I put on another great performance for the fans. Come out to T-Mobile Arena or tune in to ESPN and watch me become a three-division world champion.”

De Los Santos (16-1, 14 KOs) is a hard-hitting southpaw from the Dominican Republic. He debuted in 2018 and notched his first 13 victories in his home country. In his U.S. debut, he suffered a razor-thin split decision loss to William Foster III. He hasn’t lost a fight since. In 2022, he took two unbeaten records, knocking out Luis Acosta with a left hand in the second round and dropping Jose Valenzuela twice before stopping him in round three. In his last fight, De Los Santos dominated Joseph Adorno over 10 rounds in July. This will be De Los Santos’ first shot at a world title.

De Los Santos said, “I want to thank Top Rank, the WBC, ESPN and my promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, for this opportunity to put on a great fight and win my first world championship. I am a proud Dominican warrior who fights for my people! Shakira, I’m going to kick your ass.”

Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) captured his first world title by defeating Isaac Dogboe for the WBO junior featherweight crown in December 2018. He made five defenses before moving up to featherweight, where he beat Ruben Villa for the vacant WBO title in October 2020. The 28-year-old defended his belt three times before moving up to 130 pounds. In February, Navarrete became a three-division champion by defeating Liam Wilson via ninth-round TKO for the WBO junior lightweight world title. He solidified his dominance at 130 pounds with an emphatic 12-round decision win against Valdez in August. Navarrete looks to make the second defense of his strap as the possibility of a title opportunity in a fourth weight division emerges on the horizon.

Navarrete said, “I am very happy to be able to defend my title again in 2023. My motivation is to continue achieving great victories for Mexican boxing and to bring glory to this beautiful nation. Conceição is a complicated opponent, but I want to be the best 130-pounder in the world, and for that I must face the best. I have never shied away from any rival. Whoever they put in front of me, ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete will always be ready to battle.”

Conceição (17-2, 8 KOs) made history as Brazil’s first Olympic boxing gold medalist, turning pro under the Top Rank banner less than three months after the 2016 Rio Games. In September 2021, he earned his first shot at a world title against Valdez, who was then the unbeaten WBC champ at junior lightweight. Though losing a close points verdict, he proved himself as a worthy title contender. Less than five months later, he traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and upset the previously unbeaten Xavier Martinez over 10 rounds. Conceição then had his second opportunity at a world title, an unsuccessful but valiant effort against Stevenson last September. Conceição will now get a third opportunity to call himself a world champion in the pro ranks.

“This is great opportunity in front of a great champion. I needed three Olympics Games to finally capture gold and become Olympic champ, and it looks like history is repeating itself. On November 16, I will fight to the end, and I will not miss this opportunity to become a world champion and once again bring gold to Brazil.”

The ESPN+-streamed undercard will be highlighted by a battle between unbeaten welterweights as well as a host of emerging prospects. 

Undefeated standouts Brian Norman Jr. (24-0, 19 KOs) and Quinton Randall (13-0-1, 3 KOs) will collide in a 10-round welterweight battle. Norman has boxing in his blood. His father, Brian Norman Sr., was a light heavyweight contender in a career spanning 30 bouts. The younger Norman is on the path to contender status as well, having bested Rodrigo Coria in January and Jesus Campos in May. Randall tallied a sixth-round TKO victory against Terry Chatwood in June and an eight-round decision versus Willie Jones in July.

In an eight-round junior featherweight duel between two of Las Vegas’ top prospects, Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (9-0, 3 KOs) and Max Ornelas (15-1-1, 5 KOs) will battle for intra-city bragging rights. Diaz returns after beating Luis Fernando Saavedra on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard in May, while Ornelas is coming off a highly controversial split decision loss against Hector Valdez last October. 

U.S. Olympian Troy Isley (10-0, 4 KOs) steps up in class in an eight-round middleweight fight against Mexico’s Vladimir Hernandez (14-5, 6 KOs). The 25-year-old had an impressive 2022 in which he scored five victories. He heads into the biggest fight of his career after one-sided wins over Roy Barringer in April and Antonio Todd in July. Hernandez holds wins over Mexican action star Alfredo Angulo and former unified world champion Julian Williams. In August, he handed touted prospect Lorenzo Simpson his first pro defeat.

19-year-old lightweight phenom Abdullah Mason (10-0, 8 KOs) will make his fifth appearance of 2023 in a six-round fight against Texas’ Jose Cardenas (7-1, 5 KOs). Mason, from Cleveland, Ohio, is 4-0 with three knockouts this year.

Junior lightweight contender and Las Vegas native Andres Cortes (20-0, 11 KOs) takes on Nicaragua’s Freddy Fonseca (30-6-1, 20 KOs) in a 10-round tilt. Cortes was last seen notching his best victory to date, a seventh-round stoppage win over Xavier Martinez in July.

Kazakh Olympian Ablaikhan Zhussupov (4-0, 3 KOs) returns in a welterweight clash scheduled for eight rounds versus Mark Dawson (11-1-1, 4 KOs).

GLENDALE, Ariz. – It was promoted as if it was the beginning of a rivalry. There was talk of history.

Emanuel Navarrete-versus-Oscar Valdez Jr., looked as if it could be the next Erik Morales-Marco Antonio Barrera.

It wasn’t.

It was all Navarrete, who retained his junior-lightweight title Saturday night with a unanimous decision over Valdez in an ESPN-televised bout Saturday night before a roaring crowd of 10,246 at Desert Diamond Arena.

Navarrete scored early and scored often to rule the cards – 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109.

Valdez battled back, time and again, but his evident aggression didn’t do much to impress the judges.

In part, that was because Valdez never had enough power to really hurt Navarrete. (38-1, 31 KOs). The first sign of that was there in the closing seconds of the second round. Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) delivered a left hand.

The blow landed and echoed throughout the arena. But Navarrete reacted with what almost looked like a sly smile. It said: You can’t hurt me.

In the end, Valdez couldn’t. In the end, that’s why Navarrete walked away, still the World Boxing Organization’s 130-pound champion.

“I feel happy to have been part of this card and in this next great chapter of Mexican boxing history,’’ said Navarrete, who retained a title he won in a controversial stoppage of Australian Liam Wilson in February, also at Desert Diamond. “I am happy and appreciate Oscar for the great fight that we delivered.”

It was a great fight, closer perhaps than the scorecards indicated. Even some history might have played out in a ferocious 10^th, a round as good as any in 2023. Navarrete and Valdez went back and forth. The crowd went wild. For three minutes, It was as if the fans were witnessing a remake of the first Barrera-Morales fight.

But Navarrete’s long looping punches, superior reach and busy work rate were always there, always the prevailing factor. Valdez simply couldn’t get to him, especially with his signature punch, a counter left.

Meanwhile, Valdez paid with a nasty injury. Late In the fifth round, a dark mark appeared beneath his right eye. It was big enough to be a target. And that’s what it was for Navarrete, who for the next seven rounds turned the eye into a grotesque mess. By the 12^th, Valdez was virtually a one-eyed man. It was serious enough perhaps for the ringside doctor or the referee to end it after about the eighth or ninth.

But nothing – not Valdez’ closing eye or Navarrete’s predatory precision – would interrupt the bout’s momentum. Valdez and Navarrete promised blood, guts and guile. They delivered, especially over the last three rounds.

From 10^th to 12^th, the fight was a mix of desperate and dramatic. Valdez was hurt. But he had been hurt before. He’s known in part for a night in March 2018 when he sustained a fractured jaw midway through a featherweight fight. For six, maybe seven rounds, he spit up blood onto rain-swept canvas in Carson, Calif.

Then, he was strapped to a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance. He was beaten up, but he was the winner by unanimous decision.

The blood from his eye Saturday night was a sign that he might repeat that epic. But he didn’t. Five years and lots of bruising fights later, Valdez, now 32, could not overcome the injury or the 28-year-old Navarrete.

After it was all over, the wounded Valdez left the ring and hugged a friend as if he was in tears. He had said before the fight that victory over Navarrete meant the world to him. His world collapsed Saturday night.

“I’m sorry I disappointed everyone,’’ said Valdez, who heard chants of “Oscar “Oscar” from fans who made the trip up to Glendale from his Mexican hometown of Nogales, just south of Tucson. “I feel terrible. I wanted to give you all a great fight. I hope you enjoyed the fight. I hope to return strong.”

After he entered his dressing room, a broken Valdez collapsed onto a stool. Video shows him hugging his dad, Oscar Valdez Sr. and all-time Mexican great Julio Cesar Chavez. They tried to console him. But there was little consolation. The defeat hurt Valdez more than the battered eye. Tears mixed with the blood.

It’ll take a while for Valdez to regain his strength and confidence. It’s not clear how long it’ll take for the eye to heal. Then, he’d probably have to fight a tune-up, test the eye and himself – before there could be any reasonable talk of a rematch.

By then, Navarrete might have moved on to title unification bouts against the other junior-lightweight belt holders. Late Saturday, Navarrete was even asked about still another jump in class to lightweight against emerging pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson.

For both Valdez and Navarrete, there were questions after the bloody battle. For Navarrete, there were options, possibilities.

For Valdez, there was only defeat

Delgado wins easy, but hears only boos

Lindofo Delgado remained unbeaten. Remained unliked, too

Delgado (18-0, 13 KOs), a slickly-skilled junior-welterweight from Mexico, scored most of the points and got all of the boos after winning a dull unanimous decision over fellow Mexican Jair Valtierra (16-3, 8 KOs) in the final bout before Valdez-Navarrete.

The restless crowd was anxious for the kind of fireworks it expected in Valdez-Navarrete. But there was none from Delgado, who was content to play it safe in an otherwise dominant scorecard victory.

Richard Torrez scores first-round stoppage

Richard Torrez has been learning some new footwork in the dance studio lately.

He danced all over Willie Jake Jr.

Torrez (6-0, 6 KOs). a heavyweight from central California and an Olympic silver medalist, needed very little time to do a number on his latest dance partner, finishing Jake within 90 seconds of the opening bell.

Torrez landed a beautifully-delivered right hand as he stepped back. It landed and Jake (11-4-2, 3 KOs) fell forward. Seconds later at 1:22 of the first, he was finished, a loser by TKO.

 “It’s great to be back in the ring after so much time off,” Torrez said. “There are still things we need to work on, and I know that. We’re going back to the gym tomorrow. It’s up to my team to decide when my next fight is. They tell me to jump, and I say, ‘How high?’ 

“I’m just excited to follow the process.”

Emiliano Vargas flashes star power, wins second-round stoppage

Emiliano Vargas was born with a well-known name. Add some charisma and punching power to the name, and he possesses all of the elements for stardom

Stardom began to look imminent Saturday.

A huge crowd had already arrived, filling the lower bowl of the Arena when Vargas (6-0, 5 KOs) entered the ring. Then, it roared when it witnessed what he did. Vargas, the youngest son of retired great Fernando Vargas, blew out Jorge Luis Alvarado (3-6-1, 2 KOs)

With a sudden burst of power, Vargas put Alvarado in a place he’d never been: On

the canvas. Then, Vargas went southpaw and delivered successive shot, finishing him for TKO win at 2:17 of the second,  

Rest of the Navarrete-Valdez Undercard 

The undercard’s crosstown rivalry belonged to Sergio Rodriguez (8-0-1, 7 KOs), who left little doubt about who’s the best middleweight in Phoenix. In the second round, Rodriguez dropped Ayala (9-4-1, 3 KOs), also of Phoenix, with a powerful right that sent him crashing down. The back of his head bounced off the canvas. Still, Ayala got up. He was hurt. A few seconds later, he was finished. He went down again, forcing the referee to end at 1:02 of the round.

It wasn’t exactly a clash of titans, but Antonio Mireles (8-0, 7 KOs), a heavyweight from Des Moines, finished it with authority.  He pinned Dajuan Calloway’s Butterbean-like upper body up against the ropes. Already weary, the 391-pound Calloway (7-3, 7 KOs) , of Cleveland, looked defenseless. The ref ended it at 1:48 of the sixth round.

First Bell: Welterweight Ruvalcaba opens show with second-round TKO 

 It was the opener. It didn’t last long.

Four minutes and 11 seconds after first bell, the first fight on the ESPN card featuring Navarrete-Valdez was over.

Riccardo Ruvalcaba (9-0-1, 8 KOs) , a welterweight from Ventura CA. scored three knockdowns, flooring Adrian Orban (6-4, 4 KOs) , of Hungary, with a liver shot in the opening round. 

Orban was on the canvas two more times in the second, prompting the referee to end it just as a crowd of fans entered the air-conditioned arena after a long wait in 112-degree temperatures on the hot sidewalks surrounding the building.

By Norm Frauenheim

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez Jr. fight is a tough call, so tough that neither Marco Antonio Barrera nor Erik Morales will pick a winner.

Navarrete-Valdez has been marketed as a possible successor to the Barrera-Morales trilogy, an iconic rivalry in Mexican boxing.

It’s no coincidence that both Barrera and Morales have been a big part of the promotion. They were featured in the ESPN promo, Hecho en Mexico.

They were on the stage at the formal news conference Thursday.

Barrera sat next to Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs), the challenger and a slight betting favorite tonight (7 p.m./ ESPN) at Desert Diamond Arena.  Morales sat next to Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs), the World Boxing Organization’s junior-lightweight champion.

“It’s complicated,’’ Morales said Friday after both fighters made weight, although Navarrete needed two trips to the scale to make the 130-pound mandatory. Valdez was at 129.8.

It’s complicated, perhaps, because of the divergent styles.

Navarrete, long and lanky, is awkward. His punches come from all kinds of angles, all with great velocity.

If one is a trademark, it’s his uppercut. If it travels through Valdez’ upraised gloves, splitting his disciplined defensive posture, it could end, then and there.

However, Navarette’s long, often wild-swinging style opens him up to a precisely-delivered hook.  Valdez’ left is one of the best in the business.

Navarrete got dropped by a right hook from little-know Australian Liam Wilson in the fourth round last February, also at Desert Diamond. He got up and won by ninth-round TKO, but only after he spit out his mouthpiece, forcing a controversial 27-second delay.

Complications are Morales’ way of saying anything can happen. Either fighter can win.

But there’s friendship, too.

“They are my amigos,’’ Barrera said through an interpreter. “I’ve talked to both. I like both of them a lot. I just can’t pick a winner.’’

Barrera was at Valdez’ side as they stepped onto the stage for the weigh-in. Morales was alongside Navarrete, who spent some of his time training at Morales’ gym in Tijuana.

“The winner will be the public,’’ said Barrera, who might have a future as a politician.  

By: David Galaviz

Glendale, AZ —Locally-known fighters, both from Phoenix, have been on a collision course. The build up has been heating up over time. On Saturday night on the the Navarrete-Valdez card at Desert Diamond Arena, they both have the chance to steal the show. In the second bout of the night Eduardo “Chi Chi” Ayala 9-3-1(3KOs) takes on Sergio “Checo” Rodriguez 7-0-1 (6KOs). At Thursday’s press conference both stated that they are excited for this opportunity and look to prove they’re next name fighter to represent Phoenix in the world of boxing. With both of fighters coming up with Iron Boy Promotions, it was destined for them to face off in the ring and what better opportunity than on a Mexican-headlined card, which some say could be the Fight of the Year. At the press conference, Ayala and Rodriguez both stated how this was a great opportunity and the chance to settle a rivalry. With having many friends in common, it will be a challenge to see these warriors go at it. For many in the stand — especially Phoenix boxing fans, this is the local headline attraction. 

Ayala stated that “this is a fight to help him propel his career and land a promotional deal with Top Rank. With his experience fighting on a bigger stage plays to his advantage” Ayala is coming off a close fight with Nico Ali Walsh on the Navarrete-Liam Wilson card back in February. Ayala won over the crowd that night as they chanted “Chi Chi Chi” through out the fight. 

Rodriguez when asked how is he feeling, “he says he is ready and is excited and performing at a arena is not a distraction”

At the weigh-ins on Friday afternoon at Marriott Resort at The Buttes, both fighters came in at the contract weight of 161LBs. Ayala at 160lbs and Rodriguez at 161LBs, Originally he came in at 161.3, than jumped back on the scale minus his boxers and made the official weight. 

This is a fight with explosive potential. It’s the second fight on the card Desert Diamond Arena Doors open at 4:45pm and the first bout will start at 5pm, Stay tuned to 15rounds.com for more information.

   •  Emanuel Navarrete 130 lbs. vs. Oscar Valdez 129.8 lbs
(Navarrete’s WBO Junior Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Referee: Wes Melton
Judges: Lisa Giampa, Chris Wilson and Zach Young

   •   Lindolfo Delgado 140.7 lbs vs. Jair Valtierra 139.4 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)
Referee: Chris Flores
Judges: Dennis O’Connell, Craig Harmon and Esther Lopez

•  Richard Torrez Jr. 235.4 lbs  vs. Willie Jake Jr. 249.6. lbs 
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)
Referee: Robert Hoyle
Judges: Dennis O’Connell, Lisa Giampa and Esther Lopez

(ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)

•    Emiliano Fernando Vargas134.8 lbs  vs. Jorge Luis Marquez Alvarado  133.7 lbs 
 (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

•  Antonio Mireles 270.7 lbs  vs. Dajuan Calloway 391.7 lbs 
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

•  Eduardo Ayala 160 lbs vs. Sergio Rodriguez 161 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Ricardo Ruvalcaba 141.6 lbs vs. Adrian Orban 141.5 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight— 6 Rounds)

By Norm Frauenheim –

TEMPE, Ariz. — – Oscar Valdez Jr. looked to his right. Looked to his left.

He was surrounded by the history he witnessed and the history he still hopes to make.

To his left, there was Marco Antonio Barrera. To his right, there was Erik Morales.

Barrera and Morales, the historical faces of a defining chapter in Mexican boxing, were there Thursday on a stage on either side of Valdez and Emanuel Navarrete in a Tempe ballroom for a news conference, a platform perhaps for the next chapter.

“Just having Morales and Barrera here says something,’’ said Navarrete, who didn’t have to say much more.

Expectations are huge for Saturday night when Valdez and Navarrete will meet in an intriguing junior-lightweight fight on the other side of Phoenix in Glendale at the Desert Diamond Arena.

In terms of ferocity and drama, the Barrera-Morales trilogy nearly a quarter of century ago stands alone. It’s the example, the Mexican model for blood, guts and guile.

Don’t expect an exact remake. Neither Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs) nor Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs) was foolish enough to promise that.

But the blood and guts, they vowed, will be there in a ESPN showdown for the World Boxing Organization’s 130-pound belt, which was won by Navarrete last February in a controversial stoppage of Liam Wilson, also at Desert Diamond.

For both, the promotional link to Barrera-Morales is an opportunity to make their own history. Each will pursue it with a key element that has been missing so far.

Like Morales and Barrera, Navarrete and Valdez look as if they could be partners in the kind of long-term rivalry that turns forgettable into memorable.

“For me, this fight means the world,’’ said Valdez, who mentioned Julio Cesar Chavez, Ruben Olivares on a long list of Mexican legends. “With all of these great names, it’s been my biggest dream to be on that imaginary list. What I’ve done so far is not much.’’

What he’s done includes titles at a couple of weights. He’s a former featherweight champion. He a former junior lightweight champion. It’s the former part that bothers him. Motivates him, too.

He got blown out by Shakur Stevenson, losing his 130-pound version of the championship puzzle. There’s no shame in that. Stevenson is well on his way to pound-for-pound prominence. He might be a step below Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue. But Stevenson doesn’t figure to be there for long.

Still the defeat, a one-sided decision in January 2022, haunts Valdez, a Mexican Olympian who was born in Nogales and still has family in Tucson. It was his first defeat. Still his lone loss

It’s been painful, maybe even more painful than his epic victory over Scott Quigg on a rainy night in an outdoor ring in Carson, Calif., in March 2018.

Quigg broke his jaw midway through the bout. Quigg was three pounds heavier than the featherweight limit at the official weigh-in the day before opening bell. Management told Valdez not to fight. But Valdez said no way. He came to fight, and fight he did.

But he paid for his stubborn will. He also won a unanimous decision on a long, chilly night. For most of the bout, the blood from his shattered jaw spilled from his mouth and onto the canvas in front of his stool. Despite the rain, the blood stain was still there about an hour after he had been carried out on a stretcher.

It was a moment when you wondered whether Valdez would ever answer another opening bell. He did, of course He’s about to answer one more.

“You can send Valdez to the canvas, you can break his jaw, but still he comes at you,’’ Navarrete said.

Valdez has fought eight times since that epic night. He’s gone 7-1, losing to Stevenson and then beating Adam Lopez in a rematch last May.

I asked him after that news conference Thursday, what hurt more? The loss to Stevenson or the broken jaw?

“Good question,’’ Valdez said. “The thing about the broken jaw was that the fans were still there for me. They were applauding me. They were wishing me well. They were telling me to get well. They were telling me they couldn’t wait see me in the ring again.

“After losing to Shakur, I was kind of alone. I had a lot of questions. I had to work my way through that by myself. I’m better for it now. But it was tough.’’

Nothing much about Valdez’ stubborn resilience surprises his manager, Frank Espinoza, anymore. He’s seen him get up. He’s seen him endure. He’s also seen him get caught up in too many close fights. But about his will, Espinoza has no doubt.

“Hey, a broken jaw is really painful,’’ Espinoza said. “But I’m not surprised that losing is more painful than a busted jaw for Oscar.’’

Put it this way: Valdez’ jaw healed. Only a victory will correct the record and maybe make some history.

GLENDALE, Arizona (Aug. 10, 2023) — Emanuel Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs) and Oscar Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs) are ready for an all-Mexican duel.

Navarrete will put his WBO junior lightweight world title on the line against former two-division world champion Valdez this Saturday, August 12, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, rising contender Lindolfo Delgado (17-0, 13 KOs) will square off against Jair Valtierra (16-2, 8 KOs). U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (5-0, 5 KOs) will open the televised tripleheader in a six-round heavyweight tilt against Willie Jake Jr. (11-3-2, 3 KOs).

Navarrete-Valdez, Delgado-Valtierra, and Torrez-Jake will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) will feature the returns of unbeaten lightweight phenom Emiliano Fernando Vargas and heavyweight southpaw Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles.

Vargas (5-0, 6 KOs) will fight Mexico’s Jorge Luis Marquez Alvarado (3-5-1 2 KOs) in a four-rounder. Mireles will take on hard-hitting Ohio native Dajuan Calloway (7-2, 7 KOs) in a six-rounder.

In a six-round middleweight battle between two of Phoenix’s crowd favorites, Sergio Rodriguez (7-0-1, 6 KOs) and Eduardo Ayala (9-3-1, 3 KOs) will clash for intra-city bragging rights. Rising junior welterweight prospect Ricardo Ruvalcaba (9-0-1, 8 KOs) will make his fourth appearance of 2023 in a six-rounder against Adrian Orban (6-3, 4 KOs).

At Thursday’s press conference, Navarrete and Valdez were joined by Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales. The Mexican legends will present the winner of Navarrete-Valdez with a commemorative jacket designed by Tijuana-born fashion designer Kiko Baez.

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

Below is what the fighters had to say:

Emanuel Navarrete 

“We all know that this fight is raising a lot of expectations. It would be totally fraudulent if Valdez and I didn’t give 100 percent in this fight. We all know that everyone expects a war in the ring. We have all that it takes to make for a great fight.”

“I have said that the fight with Valdez was necessary for my career because of everything it represents. The rivalry between Mexicans is something essential. It’s a good thing for the fight. But boxing fans have also put a lot of pressure on me, saying that my career was missing that cherry on top. They said that I needed an impressive and iconic fight where I exert much more of myself. The fight with Valdez is that kind of fight.”

“Obviously, the fact that Barrera and Morales are here indicates that our promoter wants to tell us something. We have to do something at least similar to what they did. That is the goal. Everything is set so that we can deliver a great fight. I see Valdez, and I see that he’s ready. We’re two days away from getting into the ring, and it’s going to be a great night on Saturday.”

Oscar Valdez
 
“This fight means the world to me. The loss to Shakur Stevenson sparked something different in me. It woke something up. It made me realize how much I missed boxing and how much I love the sport. The year away from boxing made me miss it so much. I also miss being a world champion. So, it also means the world to me to have another opportunity to become a world champion again.”
 
“Camp was great. It can be in Lake Tahoe, San Diego, Guadalajara or even China. camps are always the same for me. We train hard for each fight, but for this fight we trained even harder. We trained not only harder, but smarter. We have to be smart in this fight. We had a perfect camp. Eddy Reynoso and my team have done a great job, and we’re ready for this fight.”
 
“It’s an honor for Barrera and Morales to be here. It means the world to be because I grew up in the era of Barrera and Morales. These two don’t know how much they inspired me. That was the era that I grew up watching. They are warriors.”
 
“I want to win. I want to be a world champion again. I want to show the fans a good fight. So, I am ready.”

Marco Antonio Barrera

“I’m happy to have been invited for this tremendous fight. Every time there is a Mexican boxer in the ring, you will see a war. And on this occasion, Valdez and Navarrete know what’s going to happen in the ring. I think it will be the type of fight that all Mexicans know how to deliver.” 
 
“Fights between Mexicans will always be exciting. Here we have two Mexicans in the ring who want to be in one of the most historic fights between Mexican boxers. That’s what they are looking to do.”
 
Erik Morales
 
“This is a great opportunity for these two Mexican boxers to demonstrate that Mexican boxing is always very exciting. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with both separately. Both have said that there will be a great war. So, I’ve some to see this great war.”
 
“Mexicans fight because they have a big heart and for pride. The belts don’t matter. Nothing matters. The only thing that matters is determining who is the best fighter from Mexico.”

Lindolfo Delgado 
 
“I would like to have some belts soon. I’d like to fight for a world title soon. I want to do what I have always dreamed of doing, which is to be a champion. But first thing’s first. I have to work hard and concentrate on this next fight.” 
 
“I’ve come with a strong desire to do something impressive in this fight. I know that I have a strong opponent in front of me who has come to win. But I want to deliver a great show so that the people can enjoy it. That way, I can continue being on great cards like this one.”
 
Jair Valtierra 
 
“I’m very excited to be part of such a big card. I know that is an opportunity for people to get to know me, and I will take advantage of it.”
 
“A victory this Saturday would elevate my career to an elite level. It will be the start of my story in professional boxing as a big name. I feel more than ready for this fight.”
 
Richard Torrez Jr.
 
“I’m feeling great. Camp was a long camp. But I’m excited that it’s fight week because we get to really focus on the fight now. We hit the gym last night when we got here. It’s a must for us now. We usually go out and run and then afterward we’ll shadowbox. It’s a way to acclimate and get used to the area. No matter where you are, it’s good get acclimated, and that first workout right after the flight is the right way to do it.”
 
Emiliano Fernando Vargas
 
“This has become a lifestyle. I’ve been in camp pretty much this whole year. I love what I do. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love going to the gym. I love feeling tired. I love pushing that extra mile. At the end of the day, to be able fight in front of thousands of fans on ESPN is a blessing.”
 
Sergio Rodriguez 
 
“I feel great. I feel honored to get another opportunity here with Top Rank. It’s a highly anticipated fight between two of Phoenix’s best middleweights. So, it’s a good way to start the Navarrete vs. Valdez card.”
 
Eduardo Ayala 
 
“It’s a great feeling and a great opportunity to be fighting at home. A victory would mean a lot to me. Sergio and I have a lot of friends in common. They’ve been hyping it up for a while, so it would mean a lot.”
 
“Well, firstly, it gives me happiness to know that they want to emulate what I did in boxing. They want expand the list of great Mexican boxers. And that’s what these kinds of fights do. It expands the list of Mexican boxers.”

Saturday, August 12

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

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

Lindolfo Delgado vs. Jair Valtierra, 10 rounds, Junior Welterweights

Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Willie Jake Jr., 6 rounds, Heavyweights

 
ESPN+ (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)

Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Jorge Luis Marquez Alvarado, 4 rounds, Lightweights

Sergio Rodriguez vs. Eduardo Ayala, 6 rounds, Middleweights
 
Ricardo Ruvalcaba vs. Adrian Orban, 6 rounds, Junior Welterweight   

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Aug. 9, 2023) — Lightweight contender Raymond Muratalla suffered a training injury and has been forced to withdraw from his ESPN-televised co-feature this Saturday, Aug. 12, against fellow unbeaten Diego Torres at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The 10-round junior welterweight tilt between rising contender Lindolfo Delgado and Jair Valtierra is the new co-feature and will be televised directly before the WBO junior lightweight world title showdown between reigning champion Emanuel Navarrete and former two-weight world champion Oscar Valdez.

Navarrete-Valdez, Delgado-Valtierra, and the heavyweight showdown between Richard Torrez Jr. and Willie Jake Jr. will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

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

Delgado (17-0, 13, KOs) represented Mexico at the 2016 Rio Olympics and won his first 11 bouts by stoppage. He made his Top Rank debut in June 2021 and outlasted then-unbeaten puncher Omar Aguilar by decision last August in a 2022 Fight of the Year contender. Delgado fought at Desert Diamond Arena in February, knocking down veteran Clarence Booth en route to a one-sided decision victory. Valtierra (16-2, 8 KOs), from Leon, Mexico, lost an eight-round decision to Muratalla last July. He returned in February against the unbeaten Nestor Bravo, and the bout was ruled a no contest in the fourth round after a head clash opened a cut near Bravo’s right eye.

Top Rank presented by AutoZone: Navarrete vs. Valdez will be presented live this Saturday, August 12, at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ from Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Arizona.

In the main event, three-division world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will defend his WBO junior lightweight world title against former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez.

Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs), the fighting pride of San Juan Zitlaltepec, Mexico, captured the WBO junior featherweight world title by defeating Isaac Dogboe in December 2018. After five defenses, he moved up to featherweight and defeated Ruben Villa for the vacant WBO title in October 2020. The 28-year-old defended his crown against Christopher Diaz, Joet Gonzalez and Eduardo Baez. In February, he became a three-division world champion with a ninth-round knockout victory over Liam Wilson.

Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs), from Nogales, represented Mexico at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. The 32-year-old captured his first world title in July 2016 with a second-round stoppage win over Matias Rueda. In February 2021, he became a two-division world champion with a 10^th-round knockout against Miguel Berchelt. Valdez suffered his first loss to Shakur Stevenson in April 2022 and is coming off a unanimous decision victory against Adam Lopez in May.

In the co-feature, undefeated lightweight contender Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (18-0, 15 KOs) takes on unbeaten Mexican standout Diego Torres (17-0, 16 KOs) in a 10-round clash.Muratallahas stopped 12 of his last 13 opponents and is on track to have his most impressive year yet. Torres is a young powerhouse who’s set to celebrate his 26^th birthday by making his long-awaited U.S. debut.

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (5-0, 5 KOs) will open the tripleheader in a special feature, six-round heavyweight tilt against Willie Jake Jr. (11-3-2, 3 KOs).

The undercard Streams Exclusively on ESPN+ at 7:15 p.m. ET / 4:15 p.m. PT.

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore will call the action with Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr. Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna?will serve as reporters.

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Navarrete vs. Valdez (All Times ET)

Original Programming:

Ahead of their upcoming bouts, ESPN will air two original programs: The Gentleman Boxer: Richard Torrez Jr. and Hecho en Mexico: Navarrete vs. Valdez 

The Gentleman Boxer: Richard Torrez Jr. is a 30-minute candid look at the rising American heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. (5-0, 5 KO) ahead of his upcoming special feature bout in Arizona. Fight fans will get to know the charismatic 24-year-old California native who took home a silver medal for the United States at the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Hecho en Mexico: Navarrete vs. Valdez is a 30-minute cinematic presentation of the two Mexican warriors who will go “mano a mano” in the Arizona desert. The show previews the marquee main event between three-division world champion and defending WBO junior lightweight world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (37-1, 31 KO) and the former Mexican Olympian and two-division world champion Oscar Valdez (31-1, 23 KO).

In addition to the air times below, both programs will be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App and on ESPN.com and ESPN+.

(All times ET)

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LAS VEGAS, NV (August 8, 2023) – In a move that underscores his commitment to climb the ranks of the super featherweight division, Top Rank’s undefeated boxing sensation Andres Cortes (20-0, 11 KOs) has announced his intention to square off against the victor of the highly anticipated showdown between Emanuel Navarrete (37-2, 31 KOs) and Oscar Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs). The monumental clash is set to take place this Saturday, August 12, at the Desert Diamond Arena.

Fresh off his most astonishing victory to date, Cortes secured a seventh-round stoppage against Xavier Martinez (18-2, 12 KOs) that propelled him to victory and saw him seize the prestigious WBC USA Silver title at super featherweight. The triumphant win not only solidified his unbeaten record but also positioned him as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive world of boxing.

“My recent victory was a defining moment for me, and I am more than ready to take on the best in the division,” said Cortes ahead of the Navarrete vs. Valdez showdown. “Navarrete and Valdez are both remarkable fighters, and I’ll be watching their clash closely. I have the utmost respect for both of them but make no mistake—I want to face the winner. I believe I have what it takes to emerge victorious and prove myself as a true contender and a world champion.”

Cortes has established himself as a super featherweight powerhouse on the rise. His skill, resilience, and grit have made him a standout in the division, and he’s determined to continue his ascent by securing a bout against the winner of Navarrete vs. Valdez.

“I feel I’ve earned the right to fight the winner of this fight.” continued Cortes. “I’ve never turned down a fight and did everything my promoter told me to do. I’m grateful to Top Rank for getting me to this point in my career and now I’m ready to become a world champion. All I need is the opportunity.”

Cortes’ rapid rise and drive have positioned him on a collision course with boxing’s elite, promising fans a thrilling spectacle when the time comes for his next showdown.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Aug. 8, 2023) – The protagonists of one of boxing’s most iconic trilogies will be in attendance this week as Mexico prepares to crown a new king.

Mexican legends Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales will be on hand for the fight week festivities leading up to the WBO junior lightweight world title showdown between reigning champion Emanuel Navarrete and former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez this Saturday, August 12, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

Navarrete-Valdez, the Raymond Muratalla-Diego Torres lightweight co-feature, and the heavyweight showdown between Richard Torrez Jr. and Willie Jake Jr. will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

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

The Barrera-Morales trilogy began on Feb. 19, 2000, as reigning WBC super bantamweight world champion Morales secured a razor-tight split decision victory against WBO champion Barrera in a historic back-and-forth tussle that was named Ring Magazine Fight of the Year. Part 2 took place on June 22, 2002, with Barrera capturing the WBC featherweight title via unanimous decision in a verdict that had pundits and fans split.

In their November 2004 rubber match, Barrera emerged victorious for a second time, dethroning then-WBC super featherweight champion Morales by majority decision in another Ring Magazine Fight of the Year. Since then, their trilogy has inspired future generations, including Navarrete and Valdez, who will go toe-to-toe as they attempt to etch their names among the most storied all-Mexican showdowns.

“To know that two legends from an important Mexican trilogy will be there during fight week gives us some added pressure,” Navarrete said. “They set the bar really high. What they did is difficult to do, let alone surpass. But Valdez and I have what it takes to leave a similar mark.”

“The fans want to see a fight like the ones between Morales and Barrera,” Valdez said. “Every time there is a fight between Mexicans, it’s a great battle, and this won’t be the exception. I always tell people that I grew up during the era of Morales and Barrera. They inspired me to be the fighter that I am today. So, to leave something similar in history would mean the world to me.”

The full suite of Navarrete vs. Valdez fight week events will stream live on Top Rank’s YouTube, Twitter and Facebook pages, in addition to various ESPN platforms.

Thursday, Aug. 10: Navarrete vs. Valdez Final Presser
4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT
Streaming live on ESPN+ and Top Rank’s YouTube, Twitter & Facebook pages

* Barrera and Morales will chat about the historical significance of Saturday’s fight.

Friday, Aug. 11: Navarrete vs. Valdez Official Weigh-In
3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT
Streaming live on ESPN+ and Top Rank’s YouTube, Twitter & Facebook pages

* Barrera and Morales will pose alongside Navarrete and Valdez during the weigh-in and face-off.

Saturday, Aug. 12: Navarrete vs. Valdez Fight Night
10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Main card airing live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. Undercard action begins at 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT on ESPN+.

* Barrera and Morales will be seated ringside. After the fight, they will present the winner with a special gift.

On Saturday, August 12, live from Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, three-division world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete puts his WBO junior lightweight world title on the line against former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez.  Richard Torrez Jr. will open with a special feature, a six-round heavyweight tilt against Willie Jake Jr.

The main card airs at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and simulcast on ESPN+, with the undercard at 6:45 p.m. ET/ 3:45 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish).

Ahead of their upcoming bouts, ESPN will air two original programs: The Gentleman Boxer: Richard Torrez Jr. and Hecho en Mexico: Navarrete vs. Valdez 

The Gentleman Boxer: Richard Torrez Jr. is a 30-minute candid look at the rising American heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. (5-0, 5 KO) ahead of his upcoming special feature bout in Arizona. Fight fans will get to know the charismatic 24-year-old California native who took home a silver medal for the United States at the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Hecho en Mexico: Navarrete vs. Valdez is a 30-minute cinematic presentation of the two Mexican warriors who will go “mano a mano” in the Arizona desert. The show previews the marquee main event between three-division world champion and defending WBO junior lightweight world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (37-1, 31 KO) and the former Mexican Olympian and two-division world champion Oscar Valdez (31-1, 23 KO).

In addition to the air times below, both programs will be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App and on ESPN.com and ESPN+.

(All times ET)

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LAKE TAHOE (Aug. 3, 2023) – Mexico’s two-division world champion, Oscar Valdez, is more motivated than ever for what could mark the beginning of a historic rivalry.

Valdez will challenge three-division world champion and countryman Emanuel Navarrete for his WBO junior lightweight world title on Saturday, August 12, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

Navarrete-Valdez, Raymond Muratalla-Diego Torres and Richard Torrez Jr.-Willie Jake Jr. will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

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

Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs), from Nogales, represented Mexico at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. The 32-year-old captured his first world title in July 2016 with a second-round stoppage win over Matias Rueda. In February 2021, he became a two-division world champion with a 10th-round knockout against Miguel Berchelt. Valdez suffered his first loss to Shakur Stevenson in April 2022 and is coming off a unanimous decision victory against Adam Lopez in May.

Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs) captured the WBO junior featherweight world title by defeating Isaac Dogboe in December 2018. After five defenses, he moved up to featherweight and defeated Ruben Villa for the vacant WBO title in October 2020. In February, the 28-year-old native of San Juan Zitlaltepec became a three-division world champion when he stopped Liam Wilson in nine rounds.

After a recent training session in Lake Tahoe, this is what Valdez said:

“I’m excited. It’s getting close. It’s one of the most important fights of my career because it means everything for me to come back and win that title. I feel blessed to have this opportunity, and I’m taking advantage of it every single day so that I can accomplish my dream.”

“We all know that Navarrete has an awkward style. We might not have the perfect sparring that can emulate his style. But we try to imitate him in the mittwork and strategy. He’s not your typical fighter that throws straight shots.”

“I like training here in Lake Tahoe. It’s isolated from everybody. We’re up in the mountains. We’re training in great weather and at a great altitude. I love it here. It’s nice and relaxing. There’s no anxiety here. There’s clear air. It’s perfect for being focused on camp.”

“I always tell people that I grew up during the era of Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. Those two fighters inspired me to be the fighter that I am today. So, to leave something similar in history would mean the world to me.”

“I’m more motivated for this fight than any other fight I’ve been in. People are excited about this fight. Everywhere I go, I get the same question: ‘When are you going to fight Vaquero?’ And that’s because we all know that a war is coming.”

#

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 2, 2023) – Three-division world champion Emanuel “Vaquero”  Navarrete is ready for an all-Mexican war. 

Navarrete puts his WBO junior lightweight world title on the line against former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez on Saturday, August 12, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

Navarrete-Valdez, Raymond Muratalla-Diego Torres and Richard Torrez Jr.-Willie Jake Jr. will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

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

Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs), the fighting pride of San Juan Zitlaltepec, captured the WBO junior featherweight world title by defeating Isaac Dogboe in December 2018. After five defenses, he moved up to featherweight and defeated Ruben Villa for the vacant WBO title in October 2020. The 28-year-old defended his crown against Christopher Diaz, Joet Gonzalez, and Eduardo Baez. In February, he became a three-division world champion with a ninth-round knockout victory over Liam Wilson.

Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs), from Nogales, represented Mexico at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. The 32-year-old captured his first world title in July 2016 with a second-round stoppage win over Matias Rueda. In February 2021, he became a two-division world champion with a 10^th-round knockout against Miguel Berchelt. Valdez suffered his first loss to Shakur Stevenson in April 2022 and is coming off a unanimous decision victory against Adam Lopez in May.

After a recent training session at The BXNG Club in San Diego, this is what Navarrete said:

“The training camp has been intense. The preparation was very tough. Fortunately, we were able to carry it out quite well. I had always done things in a conventional way, but now we have included a physical trainer, Francisco Javier Orozco. This fight with Valdez merited that change, and I will come into this fight much better physically.”

“Winning this fight would boost my career significantly. Personally, I would feel complete. What has been missing in my career is precisely a victory against someone like Valdez. It would fill me with pride to be part of such an iconic fight between Mexicans and come out victorious.”

“People know that I throw a lot of punches and that I’m always in attractive fights. Now, with Valdez, I believe it will be twice as spectacular. Valdez is a fighter who doesn’t hold back. We always see him moving forward and throwing punches.”

“He says he’s going to knock my head off, but let’s see whose head comes off first. Let’s see what Valdez has to offer, and let’s see how much he can endure and how much I can endure, too.”

GLENDALE, Ariz. (July 6, 2023) – Undefeated contender Raymond “Danger” Muratalla is ascending the lightweight ladder without any delay. 

The 26-year-old Muratalla, who blasted out Jeremia Nakathila in only two rounds in May, makes his third appearance of 2023 in a 10-round clash against unbeaten Mexican standout Diego Torres on Saturday, August 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. 

Muratalla-Torres will serve as the co-feature to the junior lightweight title showdown between WBO world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete and former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez. U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. opens the televised tripleheader in a six-round heavyweight tilt against Willie Jake Jr. 

Navarrete-Valdez, Muratalla-Torres, and Torrez-Jake will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $50 are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

Muratalla (18-0, 15 KOs) is quickly becoming a major threat in his division. He made his pro debut in 2016 in Mexico, and two years later he debuted in the U.S. He has stopped 12 of his last 13 opponents, and he is on track to have his most impressive year yet. In March, he survived a first-round knockdown to stop Humberto Galindo with a body shot in round nine. In May, he opened the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko pay-per-view broadcast with his devastating showing against Nakathila. 

Muratalla said, “I couldn’t be more excited to get back in that ring on such a great card. I can’t wait to put on another great performance for the fans. I believe this is my time now, and I will continue to show the hard work that’s being put in.”

Torres (17-0, 16 KOs) is a 25-year-old powerhouse from Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. The oldest of four boxing brothers, he began his pro career in 2019 and unleashed a streak of 13 knockout victories. In February 2022, he took on fellow Zapopon native Jonathan Escobedo Martinez, going the 10-round distance for the first time in an all-action slugfest. Torres is 3-0 with three knockouts since the Martinez war. In his last fight, he beat Jose Segura Torres via fifth-round TKO in March. Torres is now set to celebrate his 26^th birthday by making his long-awaited U.S. debut. 

“I am very excited about this fight. I think this is a big opportunity for me,” Torres said. “Fighting against another undefeated fighter is something that I was looking for. It is my way of showing that I am made for this, and I am here to achieve great things. I am not afraid. I’m going to give it my all and come out with a great victory.”

GLENDALE, Ariz. (June 27, 2023) – Tickets go on sale TODAY for the August 12 junior lightweight title showdown between WBO world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete and former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. will open the televised tripleheader in a six-round heavyweight tilt against Willie Jake Jr. The bout was initially scheduled for March, but Torrez tore his oblique in training.

Navarrete-Valdez, a to-be-announced co-feature, and Torrez-Jake will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $50 go on sale TODAY at 12 p.m. PT via Ticketmaster.com.

Torrez (5-0, 5 KOs) made his pro debut last year with a second-round stoppage win against Allen Melson. He scored three additional knockouts in 2022 before making his triumphant 2023 debut by blasting out James Bryant in the opening round. Jake (11-3-2, 3 KOs), from Indianapolis, Indiana, is a seven-year pro who has won three straight fights.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard includes some of the sports brightest young talents.

Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado (17-0, 13 KOs), a 2016 Mexican Olympian, puts his unbeaten record on the line against compatriot Jair Valtierra (16-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Last August, Delgado authored a career-best victory over then-unbeaten prospect Omar Aguilar and is coming off a decision win over Florida veteran Clarence Booth at Desert Diamond Arena in February.

Undefeated lightweight prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas (5-0, 4 KOs) will face an opponent to be named in a four-rounder. “El General” began his 2023 campaign with a decision win over Francisco Duque in February at Desert Diamond Arena. He then stopped Edgar Uvalle in two rounds in April before beating Rafael Jasso via second-round knockout the following month on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard.

In a six-round super middleweight dual between two of Phoenix’s crowd favorites, Sergio Rodriguez (7-0-1, 6 KOs) and Eduardo Ayala (9-3-1, 3 KOs), will meet for intra-city bragging rights.

Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (8-0-1, 2 KOs), who trains out of the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, will fight Isaiah Wise (11-2-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight clash.

Rising junior welterweight prospect Ricardo Ruvalcaba (9-0-1, 8 KOs) will make his fourth appearance of 2023 in a scheduled six-rounder. Ruvalcaba scored first-round knockouts against Kenny Williams in January, Marco Cardenas in March and Ramon Duarte Marquez in May.

Heavyweight knockout artist Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (7-0, 6 KOs) returns in a six-rounder against Dajuan Calloway (7-2, 7 KOs). In March, the 6-foot-9, 270-pound southpaw rose off the canvas to edge Patrick Mailata by split decision.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (June 7, 2023) – The showdown of the summer heads to the desert in a battle that has all the makings of an instant action classic.
 
Three-division world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will defend his WBO junior lightweight world title against former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez in an all-Mexican duel Saturday, August 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Navarrete and Valdez seek to etch their names among the celebrated catalog of Mexican rivalries that includes Marco Antonio Barrera-Erik Morales, Ruben Olivares-Chucho Castillo and Rafael Marquez-Israel Vazquez.
 
Navarrete-Valdez will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, ticket information will be announced shortly.
 
“Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez are proud warriors, and this is a fight that is destined to go down as a classic,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “The fight fans at Desert Diamond Arena and everyone watching on ESPN are in for a real treat. The winner of this fight etches his name among the great Mexican fighters. I can’t wait.”
  
Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs), the fighting pride of San Juan Zitlaltepec, captured his first world title by defeating Isaac Dogboe for the WBO junior featherweight crown in December 2018. He made five defenses before moving up to featherweight, where he beat Ruben Villa for the vacant WBO title in October 2020. The 28-year-old defended his belt with victories over Christopher Diaz, Joet Gonzalez and Eduardo Baez before moving up to 130 pounds. In February, Navarrete joined an elite list of Mexican three-division champions — including Morales, Barrera and Julio Cesar Chavez — by defeating Liam Wilson via ninth-round TKO for the WBO junior lightweight world title. 
 
Navarrete said, “After so much time, this fight will finally take place. Obviously, I am 100 percent motivated because Valdez is still a big threat, and a fight against him could possibly be the start of a new Mexico vs. Mexico rivalry like the one between Barrera and Morales.”
 
Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs), from Nogales, represented Mexico at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. As a pro, he captured the WBO featherweight world title against Matias Rueda in 2016 and made six successful defenses. He moved up to junior lightweight and defeated Adam Lopez in 2019 and Jayson Velez in 2020 before taking on his toughest challenge, a WBC title tilt against Miguel Berchelt in February 2021. Despite disadvantages in height, reach and power, Valdez counterpunched his way to three crushing knockdowns, the last of which earned him a 10^th-round KO. After a competitive fight against Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição later that year, Valdez suffered his first defeat in a title unification battle against Shakur Stevenson in April 2022. He bounced back by defeating Lopez in a rematch in the co-feature to the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko super fight last month, and he now hopes to equal Navarrete as a three-time world champion.
 
Valdez said, “I’m excited to return to the ring, especially because it’s for a world title against ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete. Being a world champion is something that I always dreamed of. I already did it two times, and this is yet another opportunity. So, I’m excited and prepared both mentally and physically for this new opportunity. And I like that it’s between two Mexicans because it’s a win-win for Mexico. It’s a guaranteed war when there are two Mexicans in the ring.”

(Feb. 10, 2023) – Emanuel “El Vaquero” Navarrete is staying at 130 pounds.
 
The newly crowned three-division world champion has vacated his WBO featherweight title in order to continue his campaign at junior lightweight. Navarrete captured the WBO 130-pound crown by defeating Liam Wilson via ninth-round technical knockout last week at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. 
 
Navarrete said, “After closely analyzing the situation with my team, we have decided to keep the WBO junior lightweight title. I feel very happy with the three title defenses that I made at featherweight, but I am also convinced that my future is now at junior lightweight. We are going after the big fights at 130.”
 
“I’m grateful for the support that I have always received from my promoter, Top Rank, and the WBO. I will now proudly carry and defend my junior lightweight belt.”
 
The April 1 showdown between Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez and Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe, initially for the interim title at 126 pounds, will now fill the vacancy left by Navarrete atop an ESPN+-streamed card at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Ramirez, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, faces his toughest test to date in his first world title opportunity, while the always rugged Dogboe will attempt to earn a belt in a second weight class. 

GLENDALE, AZ – Some Mexican history was the plan. The plan survived.

So did Emanuel  Navarrete.

Navarrete was forced to come back from the edge of losing Friday night to an unlikely Australian, LIam Wilson, a determined young fighter from Brisbane who was given no chance on either side of the equator.

Wilson arrived in Arizona after a training camp that included stops in Washington DC and London. He had punched his passport, all in an attempt to punch out the favored and feared Navarette. Wilson promised to win. He wasn’t kidding, but he couldn’t hold off Navarette, who regained his focus and ferocity just in time to win a vacant junior-lightweight title.

Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs) did it in a wild ninth round. He moved forward, threw punches as if he was motivated  by a mix of desperation and determination. For Wilson, a big right hand from Navarrete was the beginning of the end. It dropped Wilson, who collapsed onto the canvas in a thud that echoed throughout Desert Diamond Arena.

Wilson got to his feet. But his eyes were dazed and his defenses were down. Referee Chris Flores stopped it at 1:57 of the ninth. Flores ended it just as Wilson’s corner man was climbing up the steps. He was about to throw in the towel.

The crowd went wild. It was a celebration. It was also an expression of relief. Five rounds earlier, it looked as if Navarrete was about to lose. He was on the canvas in the fourth looking tired and beaten.

“But it was that Mexican spirit that never lets me down,” said Navarrete, who stormed back and fulfilled his goal of putting his name in Mexican history as the country’s 10th boxer to win a world title at a third weight.  “The satisfaction of winning like this is enormous. I think that I needed this test in order to be able to say my career is more complete. 

“Now that I know that I can hit the canvas and get back up and keep fighting, I’m more than happy because I know that I can continue forward.”

 The crowd went silent in the fourth when the long-armed Navarette fell to the canvas and tumbled, head over heels, like a bowl full of cooked spaghetti. He was clearly hurt after Wilson (11-2, 7 KOs) landed two rights and a huge left.

“I just wanted to be [patient,” said Wilson, who also thanked Arizona after his gutsy performance.

Navarrete could also thank his good fortune. He was lucky. Had Wilson’s punches landed earlier the round, he might have been finished, then and there. He also was helped by Flores, who took several seconds to pick his mouth piece off the canvas and put it back in his mouth. Navarrete’s trip to the canvas happened with about 42 seconds left in the fourth. There wasn’t enough time left for Wilson to finish the job. Thanks in part to Flores, there also was just enough time for Navarrete to escape

To survive. 

Arnold Barboza moves closer to title shot with solid decision

Arnold Barboza Jr. has been searching for a fight that would finally secure him a shot at a world title.

The search has been frustrating. Often futile.

But Barboza )28-0, 10 KOs) appeared to take a significant step toward completing the mission. The junior-welterweight from Southern California scored a solid victory over the decorated Jose Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KOs), a former two-time champ, in the final fight before ESPN’s main event between Emanuel Navarrete and Liam Wilson Friday night at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ.

The win — by unanimous decision – allowed Barboza to state his case.  He was asked  if he was closer to a world title.

“Of course,” he said, after winning 96-94, 97-93, 96-94 on the cards. 

A possibility is Regis Prograis, the WBC champion.

“We’ll see what happens,” Barboza said. “But I feel like I’ve paid my dues.”

In beating Pedraza, the unbeaten Barboza becomes a lot harder to ignore. Or duck. Barboza controlled most of the 10 rounds against the skilled Pedraza, a Puerto Rican who returned to an arena where he upset Raymundo Beltran in August 2018. Pedraza had his moments, but he never could completely elude a sharp right hand that landed again. And again. 

Punching Power: Richard Torrez Jr. delvers it for quick stoppage

He reads Plato. He punches with power.

The puncher-philosopher, Richrd Torrez Jr., delivered the power suddenly and definitively on the Navarrete-Wilson undercard Friday at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ.

Torrez (5-0 5KOs), a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, flashed heavyweight credentials, driving James Bryant (6-3, 4 KOs) into the ropes with an uppercut-right hand combo in the closing seconds of the first round

“From the knuckles through the hand, it was a solid shot,” said Torrez, who reads the great philosophers when he isn’t in the gym.

Bryant, of Reading PA, never recovered. He walked to his corner on unsteady feet. His trainer took one look at him and ended it before the bell for the second round ever sounded

Unbeaten Andre Cortes wins shutout

There were boos from restless fans. They wanted more.

Las Vegas junior-lightweight Andres Cortes heard them. And delivered.

Cortes (19-0, 10 KOs) injected some energy into an otherwise dull bout with aggressiveness that woke up the crowd and stunned Luis Melendez (17-3, 13 KOs) in the last fight before the main ESPN telecast of Navarrete-Wilson featured card at Desert Diamond Arena.

The sudden intensity from Cortes was enough for him to score a runaway decision over the Puerto Rican. He won it in a shutout, 100-90 on all three scorecards

Unknown Phoenix fighter gets up from knockdown, tests Ali Walsh late in loss 

It’s one of boxing’s majestic names. It comes with crushing expectations. It can intimidate, both the man who has it and the man who faces it. But it didn’t scare or stop Eduardo Ayala, an unknown Phoenix middleweight who got up from a knockdown and went on to engage in a hard-fought battle with Nico Ali Walsh, Muhammad Ali’s grandson.

Ayala told a couple of Phoenix sportswriters before the bout Friday that he wasn’t fighting a name. He was just another guy, another fighter, Ayala said. Ali Walsh looked as if he might have been a little bit more than just that in the second round. A thundering left hook put Ayala flat on the canvas.. 

But he recovered, then endured a succession of shots from the Las Vegas middleweight who inherited the greatest expectations. Ayala would not go away. He wouldn’t win either. Ali Walsh (8-0, 5 KOs) won a unanimous decision (59-54, 60-53, 59-54), one that was all but assured with the early knockdown.

But Ayala (9-3-1, 3 KOs) won over the crowd in the third fight on the Navarrete-Wilson card at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ. As both fighters hugged after the sixth and final round, fans who had chanted the familiar “Ali.Ali” were chanting “Ayala, Ayala.”  

Lindolfo Delgado stays unbeaten, dominates in decision win

Mexican junior-welterweight Lindolfo Delgado employed defense, careful footwork and power in the second bout on an an ESPN-televised card featuring Emanuel Navarrete-Liam Wilson Friday night at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz.,

 It was a triple-edged attack that proved to be  too much for Clarence Booth of Saint Petersburg, Fla.

Delgado (17-0, 13 KOs), who had trainer Robert Garcia in his corner, repeatedly landed crisp counters that echoed through the arena and backed Booth (21-7, 13 KOs) into the ropes, onto the canvas for an eighth-round knockdown and – in the end — into defeat. Delgado won on all three cards, a decision, one-sided and unanimous.

  •  Emanuel Navarrete 129.2 lbs. vs. Liam Wilson 126.3 lbs
(Vacant WBO Junior Lightweight Title — 12 Rounds)

   •   Arnold Barboza Jr. 139.2 lbs vs. Jose Pedraza 138.7 lbs
(Barboza’s WBO Intercontinental Title — 10 Rounds)

•  Richard Torrez Jr. 222.2 lbs vs. James Bryant 253.4 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT)

•    Andres Cortes 131.2 lbs vs. Luis Melendez 130.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight— 10 Rounds)

•  Nico Ali Walsh 159.8 lbs vs. Eduardo Ayala 160.9 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Lindolfo Delgado 142.1 lbs vs. Clarence Booth 142.4 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•    Emiliano Fernando Vargas 133.4 lbs vs. Francisco Duque 135.4 lbs
 (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

By Norm Frauenheim –

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Fighters often talk about their journey. Liam Wilson does, too, but his journey has been more than a metaphor. It’s about the miles.

Wilson has crossed the Pacific once and Atlantic twice. His training camp started at home in Australia, then moved to Washington DC, then to London, back to DC and then finally to a Phoenix suburb at an arena next door to where the Super Bowl will be staged in about 10 days.

“A ring is the same everywhere,’’ Wilson said Wednesday without a hint of jet lag.

It is.

But Wilson’s path to this one at Desert Diamond Arena crisscrossed time zones and continents, all in an attempt to upset Emanuel Navarrete, who hasn’t been beaten anywhere in more than a decade.

It started with a training camp at home in Brisbane. It continued in Washington DC for five weeks. Then, there were about 10 days in London, followed by a couple of more weeks in DC and now Arizona.

Let’s just say Liam Wilson does the road work. London wasn’t on the original itinerary. But a visa issue, he said, forced him across the pond. The issue was resolved, he says. He’s got the visa and now he intends to get a belt, the World Boxing Organization’s vacant junior-lightweight version in an ESPN fight this Friday (7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. PT).  

Oddsmakers don’t like his chances. Even at Aussie books, he’s down and under at about 8 1/2-to-1. In the US and UK, the odds are even more one-sided, mostly because few have seen him fight. He’s fighting for the first time in the US. Navarrete was asked Wednesday what he knew about the Aussie.

“Not much,’’ said Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs), still a featherweight champion who had initially planned to fight Oscar Valdez Jr. in his first bout at 130 pounds.

But Valdez, a former Mexican Olympian who went to school in Tucson, withdrew because of an undisclosed injury. Enter Wilson (11-1, 7 KOs), who already had his bags packed in anticipation of an American debut against Archie Sharp on the Tim Tszyu-Jermell Charlo card on Jan 28 in Las Vegas. But that date was scuttled when Charlo announced he had broken his left hand.

It all added up to opportunity for Wilson, who has shown he’s willing to go an extra mile. The odds might suggest he’s nothing more than lost baggage against Navarrete, already well-known in a boxing market dominated by Mexican-American and Mexican fans. They know who he is. Navarrete has already appeared in Arizona, blowing away Isaac Dogboe in Tucson in a May 2019 rematch.

It’s the unknown, however, that can often turn into an advantage. Navarrete concedes he won’t know much about Wilson at opening bell. But Dogboe didn’t know much about Navarrete when the Mexico City fighter surprised him, taking his junior-featherweight title in a unanimous decision in December 2019 in New York in their first fight.

Wilson, perhaps, has traveled too far not to learn everything he can about his feared foe, who still hopes for a bout against Valdez.

In part, he went to Washington DC to train because of Dogboe. The entertaining Dogboe, who calls himself The Royal Storm, has been training in a DC gym. Wilson decided to train there just to pick his brain about what to expect from Navarrete. Dogboe’s only two loses are to Navarrete, a two-division champion who hopes to become only the 10^th Mexican to win a world title at a  third weight

“Dogboe told me he’s dangerous,’’ said Wilson, who told his late dad that he would one day win a world title. “He told me to watch out for his lead hand and upper cut. He’s unorthodox. That’s what makes him dangerous.

“But I’m here to win. I haven’ done it yet. But I’m here, on my own journey.’’

A journey he promises to win.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Feb. 1, 2023) — The Top Rank on ESPN 2023 schedule continues with a star-studded bill FRIDAY evening at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The main event is a battle for the vacant WBO junior lightweight world title, as Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs) seeks to become a three-weight world champion against Australian upstart Liam Wilson (11-1, 7 KOs).

The 10-round junior welterweight co-feature sees former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-4-1, 14 KOs) attempt to end the unbeaten run of top contender Arnold Barboza Jr. (27-0, 10 KOs). In the ESPN-televised opener, heavyweight U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs) battles James Bryant (6-2, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Navarrete-Wilson, Barboza-Pedraza, and Torrez-Bryant will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m ET/7 p.m. PT. 

The undercard — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT — features middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (7-0, 5 KOs) against Phoenix native Eduardo Ayala (9-2-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder and lightweight phenom Emiliano Fernando Vargas (2-0, 2 KOs) against Francisco Duque (1-1) in a four-rounder.

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

Emanuel Navarrete

“For me and my team, being a three-division world champion will be the culmination of yet another goal in my career. We know that it won’t be easy. But, by doing that, I’ll feel that I have done something good in my career, and I’ll be satisfied with what I have achieved in my 10 years as a professional boxer.”

“My team and my corner have been fundamental to my development. They are people who are very humble. My family is very humble and reserved. More than being humble, it’s a way of life. I appreciate that part of me, and I always try to be a better person.”

“Liam Wilson comes with a strong desire to win the world title. And that’s why I’ve been focused on him 100 percent.”

Liam Wilson

“This is a chance to fulfill my dream and become a world champion. I’ve done 17 years of hard work for this moment. I’ve put in a lot of hard work. I’ve fought whoever they’ve put in front of me. I’m ready for Friday night.”

“I’ve taken one hard fight after another. Against Matias Rueda, I fought with one hand. I broke my hand midway through the fight. But I showed my resilience. The fight proved to myself, my country and the world that I have what it takes to become world champion and that I have to be in those fights.”

“This means everything. This is what me, my team, my promoter, my manager and my trainers have worked for. We’ve taken the risks and challenges, and I know that on fight night I have a tough fight ahead of me. Navarrete is a great champion, but I do plan on giving him the fight of his life. I’m going to win.”

Arnold Barboza Jr.

“We’ve been training really hard. We have a very tough fight in front of us. We are not looking past this fight. For this camp, we went back to the drawing board. We’ve seen our mistakes. We’ve been training hard, and we’re ready.”

“This is no question the biggest test of my career. We have nothing but respect for Pedraza and everything he’s done. We’re looking forward to this fight. It’s going to be a great fight. I’m looking forward to testing myself, and it’s going to bring out the best of me.”
 
“We trained at high altitude at Big Bear. Camp started there. My father did a great job of putting a plan together and bringing in the sparring partners that we needed. We’re ready to go.”

Jose Pedraza

“Barboza is a great boxer. He is an elite boxer. By beating him, I will position myself towards a world title opportunity.”
 
“What is most important to me is to be able to create new fans, international fans as well. Wherever you go, those fans will recognize you and admire you. That makes one feel great. When it comes to my family, my family is everything. The first thing I do after finishing a fight is to be with my family.”
 
“I’m the kind of boxer who is always underestimated, but that’s a motivation to shut mouths.”

Richard Torrez Jr.

“I switched it up a little bit. I have some really good coaches at the Olympic training center. Billy Walsh, who is an Olympic head coach, and my dad. They communicate really well. There’s nothing like being up in the altitude, getting some training with a lot of elite guys. Being able to be there and get conditioned was really great.”

Nico Ali Walsh

“It’s tough to say who is my toughest opponent because everyone shows up differently come fight night. So, we will see. I don’t know if the crowd will be on his side. People like you when you’re winning. So, if you’re doing well, then the crowd will cheer for you.”

“Boxing is tough. It’s a love-hate relationship because obviously I love boxing. I see the outcomes of my work and it’s great. But it’s very tough. It’s not fun going through training camp. That kind of stuff is not fun. But the fight days make it worth it, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

Eduardo Ayala

“I really thought this would be at Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas. But when they told me it was going to be in [my home state of] Arizona, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. It’s just amazing being here.”
 
“I look at this like it’s just my next fight on my road. The ‘Ali’ last name is definitely a plus. It’s the fight of my life. In boxing, anything can change with just one fight. Regardless, it is a great last name, but I make things so that it has less pressure on me.”
 
Emiliano Fernando Vargas

“I’m blessed to be here. This is another opportunity to showcase my skills. I’m excited. There’s nothing like Arizona fights. I know my father fought down here. Arizona has amazing fans, so I can’t wait to feel that emotion. I’m pumped and ready to go. I’m ready for another statement victory.”

Friday, February 3

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

 
Emanuel Navarrete vs. Liam Wilson, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Junior Lightweight World Title

Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. Jose Pedraza, 10 rounds, Barboza’s WBO Intercontinental Junior Welterweight Title

Richard Torrez Jr. vs. James Bryant, 6 rounds, Heavyweight

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)

Andres Cortes vs. Luis Melendez, 10 rounds, Junior Lightweight

Xavier Martinez vs. Yohan Vasquez, 10 rounds, Junior Lightweight