Phoenix, Arizona – Emanuel Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) and Rafael Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) efficiently defended their titles in an evening of rematches by which each fighters carried out higher than the unique.
Navarrete decisively defeated Oscar Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs), dropping him thrice in six rounds. Connecting a devasting physique shot within the sixth spherical that despatched Valdez to the canvas and out for the complete ten rely.
Espinoza and Robeisy Ramirez (14-3, 9 KOs) boxed for six rounds in what was a good contest. Within the sixth spherical, Ramirez signaled to the ref he couldn’t proceed because of his proper eye bothering him. Upon medical analysis, it was found Ramirez suffered a damaged orbital bone.
Debatably, each boxers declare the damage was brought on by a punch or an elbow, with Ramirez claiming the latter. After the combat, Ramirez stated, “He received me together with his elbow twice within the fourth spherical. That’s after I began to see double. I instructed the referee. He did his job. He scolded him, however the harm had been achieved already.”
In post-fight interviews, Espinoza acknowledged he felt the damage was the results of a punch and never an elbow. He feels Ramirez was being overwhelmed together with his strain and energy. There was small distinction in whole punches landed with Espinoza touchdown 58 to Ramirez’s 53 (Compubox). It was a way more technical match than the primary as exchanges had been far more restricted. Espinoza was in a position to join the jab at distance as he utilized strain.
Navarrete acknowledged in post-fight interviews that he intends to discover his choices for future bouts. Whether or not which means staying at 130 or 135, he’ll lean on the choice that’s greatest for him, as, in response to him, he’s reached the second stage of his profession.
A stage whereby he intends to be the very best model of himself and search the very best fights. Navarrete, prior to now, has struggled with making weight and poor conditioning. Within the rematch towards Valdez, we noticed what Navarrete can do when he’s at his greatest.
He additionally recovered from a left-hand damage that allowed him to land tougher punches. Navarrete counseled Valdez for his warrior spirit and feels he nonetheless has loads to supply. As to what’s subsequent for Valdez stays to be seen because the 33-year-old suffered his third lack of his profession. One to Shakur Stevenson and two to Navarrete.
As for Espinoza, he didn’t clearly state that he would up a division to 130. When requested if he intends to remain at 126 or transfer as much as 130, as beforehand reported. He stated, “Actually, I don’t know. I am going to sit down down and discuss to my individuals. I really feel good at 126, however we’ll see what they are saying.”
Espinoza and Navarrete embraced one another backstage and posed for photos collectively. They had been very cordial and pleasant to one another. Navarrete acknowledged after their transient encounter, there was real respect between the 2, and Espinoza congratulated him on his victory and invited him to his house.
Espinoza additionally expressed an curiosity to Navarrete in probably difficult him for his championship. A possible matchup between Navarrete and Espinoza would arrange a nice match between two Mexican warriors who wish to placed on a present. Espinoza needs to be thought-about the most effective within the sport, and going through Navarrete would give him the memorable matchup he seeks, incomes him the respect, admiration, and love from the general public.
