Emanuel ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete outlasted Oscar Valdez in a brutal all-Mexican showdown for the WBO super-featherweight belt.
The 28-year-old gained through unanimous determination in a back-and-forth slugfest in opposition to Valdez on Saturday night in entrance of 10,246 followers at Desert Diamond Area in Glendale, Arizona.
Navarrete’s attain and punch output have been tough puzzles for Valdez to resolve. The native of Nogales, Mexico, tried to seek out openings for counterpunches from his excessive guard stance, utilizing his head and ft to keep away from Navarrete’s sudden bursts of combos.
However because the rounds progressed, Navarrete’s energy made a distinction as his left uppercuts and hooks precipitated swelling beneath Valdez’s proper eye.
Picture:
Emanuel Navarrete (L) and Oscar Valdez (R)
Within the fifth and sixth rounds, Valdez began to attach with counter left hooks. Within the tenth, a battle broke out within the centre of the ring, with each fighters exchanging to win the ultimate rounds.
Navarrete, nonetheless, stored management of the struggle within the championship rounds and retained his title with scores of 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109.
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After the struggle, Navarrete mentioned: “I really feel comfortable to have been a part of this card and of this subsequent nice chapter of Mexican boxing historical past. I’m comfortable and recognize Oscar for the nice struggle that we delivered.
“There was some irritation in my proper hand. And the extra I used it, the extra it harm. However I needed to overcome it.
“I believe the folks can finest discuss what they noticed. They noticed the struggle tonight. I used to be right here combating with Valdez. And I really feel good. Thank God, I gained. I recognize what he did within the ring. He’s a Mexican warrior. If the folks desire a rematch, they’ll demand it.”
Valdez mentioned: “He’s a warrior. I attempted my finest. We gave it our greatest. He’s a warrior. He’s a real champion. I am sorry I upset everybody. I really feel horrible. I wished to present you all an awesome struggle. I hope you loved the struggle. I hope to return robust.”
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