The WBO has ordered negotiations between WBO super-featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete and interim titlist Oscar Valdez.
Both fighters are promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank, and their respective parties have been given 20 days to reach an agreement to fight. A purse bid, starting at a minimum of $150,000, will follow if they fail to agree terms. According to the sanctioning body, they are attempting to consolidate the championship and to terminate Valdez’s status as interim champion.
Mexico’s Navarrete, 29, recently lost a split decision to Denys Berinchyk in his attempt to become a four-division champion by competing for the vacant WBO lightweight title. Since his win over Valdez in August 2023, Navarrete has also fought to a majority draw with the Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceicao.
