Oscar Valdez Focused on Disciplined Approach in Navarrete Rematch

Oscar Valdez has had over a year to analyze what went wrong in his unanimous decision loss to Emmanuel Navarrete. Two months before the rematch, the 33-year-old former champion vows to deliver the most disciplined fight of his career.

Since defeating Valdez, Navarrete has failed to score a victory in two subsequent bouts: a majority draw with Robson Conceicao and a unanimous decision defeat to Denys Berinchyk.

Nonetheless, Valdez is an underdog against the younger Navarrete’s aggressive punch output which overwhelmed Valdez in their first encounter.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to fight for the WBO world title against a great fighter like ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete. Although we lost the first fight, we stayed disciplined and focused on returning stronger,” Valdez said. “I know it’s a tough challenge, but not impossible. With that in mind, we returned to the gym and studied what we did wrong in the first fight to avoid making the same mistakes. I’m excited and confident that we will be victorious this time.”

Navarrete outthrew (1038 to 436 punches) and outlanded (216 to 140) Valdez in a dominant showing. While most characterize the initial encounter as Navarrete outslugging Valdez, the latter credits his opponent’s cerebral approach as the decisive factor.

“Even though it was a sluggish fight, it was really more like a chess game,” Valdez told BeatsBoxingMayhem earlier this year. “I expected something different from him. I was expected him to come forward immediately and I was going to outbox my opponent. Those were my thoughts… His style may look ugly, may look awkward, but it’s effective. He has a good jab, distance, and awkward shots from different angles. And it works! I feel off my game plan but it’s very true what Mike Tyson said — we all have a game plan until we get hit in the face.”

Navarrete-Valdez II and co-feature Rafael Espinoza vs. RobeisyRamirez II will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ on December 7 at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.com.