Conventional boxers have a certain way that they go about their business in the ring. Normally, they set up their power shots behind a strong, stiff jab, use their hands and feet to play defense and work on the inside. Emanuel Navarrete, however, is anything but conventional.

His use of incredibly weird angles, along with his bemusing offensive shot selection, has led to the sort of results that could one day see him inducted into the Hall of Fame.

With world titles in two separate weight classes, Navarrete recently went for the trifecta. In the second month of the new year, the Mexican star peeled himself up off the canvas against Liam Wilson before scoring a ninth-round stoppage win, while simultaneously grabbing a 130-pound title.

Prior to bouncing Wilson’s head off the deck, Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs) knew who was next up on the queue. Oscar Valdez, a former multi-divisional champion in his own right, will be facing Navarrete in the first defense of his title.

There’s a quiet confidence that normally protrudes from the pores of Navarrete. He doesn't talk any trash, nor does he believe in being flippant towards his opponent. But, he never walks into a ring with any doubts. This time around, there’s a dubious look etched upon his face.

“I don’t know if I’m 100% convinced that I can win the fight,” said Navarrete to FightHype.com during a recent interview.

The chip on the shoulder of Valdez seems to be getting bigger and bigger as the day's tick by. At the midway point of 2022, Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs) suffered the first defeat of his career, a lopsided decision against Shakur Stevenson.

What could Valdez do? Nothing essentially. He simply sat back on the sidelines, sequestered from the rest of humanity, and began focusing on his own life. Things have been great for Valdez in that regard. He recently settled down and got married before ultimately returning to the ring and scoring his first victory of the year against Adam Lopez.

Navarrete, in the meanwhile, is letting fear and apprehension take control. There are no days off for Navarrete as he ramps up preparation. The new training regimen that he’s putting his body through is one that Navarrete hopes will push him to another level. It isn’t easy but the 28-year-old believes that it could be worth it.

“I have worked a lot. Not a day goes by where my body doesn't hurt but I do try to rest one day. I think all of that hard work will give us a favorable result.”