Boxing’s Biggest Questions: Navarrete-Valdez, Taylor-Serrano, Jake Paul?

Breaking Down Boxing’s Biggest Questions: Navarrete-Valdez Rematch, Taylor-Serrano Trilogy, and Jake Paul’s Next Move

Boxing fans, buckle up! The next few months are shaping up to be a whirlwind of action, drama, and intrigue. From highly anticipated rematches to potential blockbuster trilogies, the sport is delivering storylines that have everyone talking. Let’s dive into the biggest questions surrounding the boxing world right now, starting with the rematch between Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez.

Navarrete vs. Valdez II: Can Valdez Avenge His Loss?

Mark your calendars for Dec. 7, because Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez are set to run it back in a rematch of their August 2023 clash. That first fight ended in a one-sided decision victory for Navarrete, who retained his WBO junior lightweight title. This time, Valdez is determined to flip the script.

Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) enters the fight after a tough split-decision loss to Denys Berinchyk in May, where he challenged for the WBO lightweight title. Meanwhile, Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) rebounded from his loss to Navarrete with a seventh-round TKO win over Liam Wilson in March, earning him the mandatory challenger spot.

Valdez has been vocal about his desire to correct the mistakes he made in their first fight. “I was a bit disappointed with my performance against Navarrete,” Valdez told ESPN. “He’s an awkward fighter, a volume puncher. … I made a few mistakes and I would change a few things looking back, but you learn from your mistakes.”

For Valdez to succeed, he’ll need to neutralize Navarrete’s size and power. Navarrete’s two-inch height and six-inch reach advantages were pivotal in their first encounter. Valdez will need to adopt a more patient, box-and-move strategy to avoid another punishing defeat. Additionally, Navarrete’s recent struggles—he’s coming off a split-decision loss and a majority draw in his last two fights—could play a role. Will cutting back down to 130 pounds affect Navarrete’s energy levels? We’ll find out soon enough.

Taylor vs. Serrano III: Is a Trilogy Inevitable?

After two razor-thin decisions, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano seem destined for a trilogy fight. Their most recent bout on Nov. 15 saw Taylor edge Serrano in another close decision, leaving fans clamoring for a third showdown. Taylor is now 2-0 against Serrano, but both fights were so competitive that many believe Serrano deserved at least one win.

“I’m 100% interested,” Serrano said after the rematch, which was part of the undercard for Jake Paul’s win over Mike Tyson. Serrano has also called for changes to the fight format, including three-minute rounds and a 12-round fight, which she believes would favor her style.

Financially, a trilogy makes perfect sense. Their second fight reportedly drew over 74 million live viewers globally on Netflix, and both fighters earned purses exceeding $6 million. A third fight could be even bigger, especially if it’s held at a venue like Dublin’s Croke Park, which has a capacity of 82,300. Taylor has expressed interest in fighting at the iconic Irish stadium, and her promoter, Eddie Hearn, has plenty of time to make it happen.

• First fight: April 2022, Taylor wins by split decision.
• Second fight: November 2024, Taylor wins by unanimous decision (95-94 on all scorecards).
• Potential third fight: Could take place in 2025, possibly in Dublin or Saudi Arabia.

With so much money and interest on the line, it’s hard to imagine this trilogy not happening.

Jake Paul vs. a Top Boxer: Real or Not?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Will Jake Paul finally face a top-tier boxer in 2025? The short answer: Not real.

Paul doesn’t need to fight a top boxer to keep his momentum going. His recent win over Mike Tyson was more spectacle than sport, but it generated massive business, including a record-breaking $181 million gate. Tens of millions of fans tuned in to watch Paul’s glorified sparring session with the Hall of Famer, solidifying his status as one of the most popular fighters in the world.

While Paul has expressed interest in winning a cruiserweight title, don’t expect him to face elite competition anytime soon. Fighters like Artur Beterbiev and Daniel Dubois have called him out, but from a business perspective, there’s no reason for Paul to take such a risk. For now, he’ll likely continue to focus on high-profile, low-risk matchups that keep the cash flowing.

What’s Next for Shakur Stevenson and Vergil Ortiz Jr.?

Shakur Stevenson was set to face William Zepeda in February, but an arm injury has delayed the fight. When it does happen, Zepeda could be Stevenson’s toughest test yet. Zepeda’s relentless pressure and body punching could pose problems, but Stevenson’s footwork and defensive skills make him the favorite.

Meanwhile, Vergil Ortiz Jr. is rumored to be facing Jaron “Boots” Ennis in February. Both fighters are offensive powerhouses, and this matchup could be a coin flip. The winner would be well-positioned in the stacked 154-pound division, potentially setting up a future clash with Terence Crawford.

Boxing fans, the next few months are going to be a wild ride. Stay tuned for more updates as these storylines unfold!