WBO Orders Navarrete to Defend Title

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has officially ordered Mexican WBO super featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) to defend his title against interim champion and compatriot Oscar Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs).

The parties have 20 days to negotiate the fight; otherwise, a purse bid will be scheduled.

Navarrete and Valdez previously faced off in August 2023, where Navarrete won by unanimous decision.

In May, taking advantage of his status as WBO super champion, Navarrete moved up to lightweight (61.2 kg) to compete for the vacant title against Ukrainian Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs), but lost by split decision.

Oscar Valdez secured a technical knockout victory over Australian Liam Wilson (13-3, 7 KOs) in the 7th round in March.