Emanuel Navarrete vs. Oscar Valdez: Who has the edge going into the fight?

Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) and Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) are expected to deliver another firefight in their rematch Saturday night in Phoenix, Arizona.

With this sequel presenting high stakes, DAZN looks at who has the edge going into the fight by analyzing each Mexican warrior across three key categories.

Boxing style

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Where Valdez is more measured, Navarrete is relentless, fighting forward with a high volume of thumping punches.

It’s through that pressure and frenzied punch output that Navarrete is able to produce combinations toward drowning his opponents out with activity.

That high punch volume was hard for Valdez to deal with during their original clash and it’s going to be difficult for him to resolve in their rematch.

Edge: Navarrete

Counterpunching

Valdez had success last summer when he was willing to punch in traffic with Navarrete on the counterpunch end, especially with his left hook.

That punch found its mark several times across the fight as Valdez did a pointed job of wrapping the hook around Navarrete’s moving guard.

The champion’s incessant offense will make it hard for Valdez to time his counterpunches but that same activity will offer the veteran opportunities to land his counters flush.

Edge: Valdez

Mental warfare

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In outslugging Valdez to take a unanimous decision, Navarrete left his fellow Mexican boxer with a stinging parting shot to remember — the fact that he threw 1,038 punches to Valdez’s 436.

Regardless of the adjustments Valdez might make, he’ll need to account for more offense, something that Navarrete is overflowing with.

That’s not only a difficult physical challenge to get over, but it’s an incredible mental hurdle heading into the rematch.

Edge: Navarrete

So which fighter has the edge going into this fight across three key categories? It’s Emanuel Navarrete, 2-1.