Former three-division titleholder Emanuel Navarrete scored a career-best win against Oscar Valdez sixteen months ago, but his career has been sidetracked ever since.

Following the Valdez fight, Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) came away with a majority draw and a hand injury that required surgery against Robson Conceicao in November 2023 despite knocking the Brazilian down twice; Valdez defeated Conceicao by unanimous decision two years earlier. In his most recent bout, Navarrete lost a split decision to Denys Berinchyk in May, missing out on the vacant WBO lightweight crown and the chance to become a beltholder in a fourth division.

Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs), on the other hand, rebounded impressively following the one-sided loss to Navarrete by dismantling Liam Wilson in March, securing a seventh-round stoppage to claim the vacant WBO junior lightweight title.

Navarrete now wants to reclaim the belt he once held by moving back down to 130 pounds to challenge Valdez on December 7 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

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

"There is a lot of pride at stake, especially in a Mexico vs. Mexico battle. When you have that dynamic, there’s always going to be pride. Valdez and I know that adds more significance to this fight.

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

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