Initially, it was reported that Emanuel Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs) and Oscar Valdez (30-1, 23KOs) would fight for the vacant WBO junior lightweight title on February 3 in Glendale, Arizona, broadcasted by ESPN as the main event. But, according to Top Rank, Oscar Valdez has suffered another injury, delaying his much-anticipated return to the ring.
"Only a week after the vacant WBO junior lightweight title fight between former featherweight and junior lightweight titlist Oscar Valdez and reigning WBO featherweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete was set for February 3, Valdez suffered an undisclosed training injury that forced him to withdraw from the fight," Top Rank said.
All in all, Emanuel Navarrete will meet Liam Wilson (11-1, 7 KOs) in a fight for the WBO junior lightweight title in Arizona. It will also be supported by an intriguing co-feature between Jose Pedraza and Arnold Barboza Jr., who are both ranked in ESPN's top ten at junior welterweight.
Recall, that Navarrete has prevailed in five of his most recent contests. The last time when he faced Eduardo Baez for the WBO World Featherweight Championship was on August 20, 2022, in Pechanga Arena in California, he won by knockout in the fourth round
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