Oscar Valdez vs. Emanuel Navarrete: Betting Odds, Predictions & Fight Preview

Welcome to December, and fight fans prepare for the busiest month of the year. Boxing promoters aim to cash in on the Christmas nights out, attracting both dedicated and casual fans. Fighters are eager to get one more bout in to push them up the rankings and boost their bank balance. It’s a hectic time for those involved in professional sports but a great time of year for armchair fans and online bettors.

The main attraction from this weekend’s schedule comes from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, where legendary promoter Bob Arum for Top Rank brings a competitive seven-fight program, including two major title fights. Rafael Espinoza battles Robeisy Ramirez over 12 rounds for the WBO world featherweight title, and that fixture will keep fans on the edge of their seats. But it’s the chief support that gets our full attention this weekend, and that’s where you’ll find the betting value.

Emanuel Navarrete fights Oscar Valdez over the championship distance in Phoenix to decide who will end the year as the WBO world super featherweight champion. Navarrete is the current betting favorite with all major online sportsbooks, and traders expect him to win with a bit to spare. But fight fans know they can take nothing for granted in this sport as bouts can and often do change with a single punch. That’s why it pays to follow the predictions of a boxing betting expert, and WSN provides just that.

Our dedicated boxing writer and former professional fighter, Frankie Monkhouse, walks you through the betting ahead of Saturday’s bout. He examines the form of both fighters, updates readers on the latest betting odds, makes his predictions, and flags up the best market for your stake. Keep reading as we dive into our Navarrete vs Valdez betting preview and predictions.

Valdez vs. Navarrete Betting Odds

Betting traders have had their say on Saturday’s fight and offer Navarette as the most likely winner, with bet365 Sportsbook offering odds of -300, available on the website and smartphone app. You can go against the bookies and support Valdez at +240 or sit on the fence and try your luck on the draw at +1400.

For more insights, check out our curated list of the best boxing betting sites.

Valdez Has Won Two of Four

Mexican fighter Oscar Valdez arrives with an impressive fight CV detailing 32 wins against just two defeats, with 24 of his victories coming inside the distance. The 33-year-old is currently ranked number one in his country and number five in the world at his weight, a list topped by Masanori Rikiishi. 

Another impressive victory on Saturday would help nudge Valdez up the pecking order, setting up more big fights next year. He has a chance to end the year on a high and enter the new year in a commanding position. But will he grab the opportunity before a huge audience at the venue and the millions more following the fight live on television?

Valdez’s record shows he has lost just two fights since making his professional boxing debut back in 2012. But it’s worth mentioning each of those losses have come in his last four outings. He was beaten by Shakur Stevenson on points in Las Vegas early in 2022 before bouncing back to Adam Lopez. 

Valdez then lost on points to Saturday’s opponent before getting back on track with the seventh-round stoppage of Liam Wilson in Glendale last time out. Will Oscar claim his revenge by beating Emanuel when the pair renew rivalries? He lost the first fight on the scorecards by ten, eight, and four rounds, showing he must improve drastically if he’s to close the gap and add another win to his CV.

Navarrete Is Winless in Two

Like the man starting in the opposite corner on fight night, Emanuel Navarrete is a Mexican fighter going in on the back of a sketchy run of form. The 29-year-old brings a record of 38 wins against two defeats and a draw, with 31 victories by KO/TKO and both losses coming on the scorecards. He’s ranked second in Mexico and eighth in the world but knows another win this weekend would make him the number one super featherweight in his homeland. Does he have what it takes to replace Valdez? We’ll find out on fight night.

Despite an impressive record, Navarrete is winless in his two most recent fights. He suffered a majority decision draw with Robson Conceicao. He aimed to make a quickfire return to winning ways but was beaten in his most recent fight when he lost a split decision to Denys Berinchyk. That fight went down to the wire, with one judge scoring for Emanuel while the other two judges sat at ringside had it in Denys’ favor.

A draw and a defeat means Navarrete’s last positive result was that points decision over Saturday’s opponent. Navarrete knows he has the measure of his rival and proved it last summer, but he must be at his best once again to prove it was no fluke. If the rematch is anywhere near as exciting as the first meeting, fans are in for a treat. Both men will go on the attack, and this bout will catch fire early.

Use WSN365 for $1,000 Safety Net Bet at bet365

More of the Same From Navarrete

Saturday’s fight has all the makings of an early Christmas cracker that could provide fans with another pulsating 12 rounds. But who will win? Will Navarrete do the double over his countryman and get his career back on track, finishing the year as a world champion? Perhaps you prefer the chances of Valdez, who is in Phoenix looking for revenge after that points loss last time the pair crossed paths.

The manner in which Navarrete won against Valdez last time encourages me to stick with the betting favorite. You can back him in the fight-winner market, possibly as a single or in your weekend parlays. But I prefer to shoot for greater odds and back Navarrete on points in the method of victory market at +100.

Grab $1,000 Safety Net Bet at bet365

How to Watch Valdez vs. Navarrete

• Location: Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona

• When: Saturday, December 7

• Time: 8:30 pm ET

• Streaming: ESPN+