(Jake Donovan, BoxingScene) PHOENIX – Four weight divisions and three title reigns into his career, Emanuel Navarrete one day reached a point when he wondered when he could land at least one major title fight. That was when he took matters into his own hands.The current WBO 130lbs titlist from San Juan Zitlaltepec, Mexico made a point to be ringside for IBF titleholder Eduardo “Sugar” Nuñez’s win over Christopher Diaz last September in the latter’s Los Mochis hometown. More so, he immediately entered the ring to join his countryman, where they engaged in a face-off as a tease to set up a future two-belt showdown. After years of attempting to speak such stakes into existence, Navarrete’s hands-on approach ultimately secured a dream assignment. “I’m really excited about this fight with Sugar Nuñez. More than the fight, the main goal has been to unify these titles,” Navarrete told BoxingScene during a recent media day at 435 Collective in Phoenix to promote his clash with Nuñez. “But I am happy that it begins with him. I studied him for probably six months and knew that he was the one I wanted to fight next. “I was very happy for him that he won that night in Los Mochis.” Navarrete, 39-2-1 (31 KOs; 1 No-Contest) and Nuñez, 30-1 (28 KOs) will meet atop a February 28 DAZN show from Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. To the surprise of nobody, both boxers agreed almost immediately to a head-on collision. Nuñez – who is co-promoted by BXSTRS Promotions and Matchroom Boxing was formally presented with the opportunity shortly after his 12-round, unanimous decision victory over Puerto Rico’s Diaz. He and his side were quick to accept terms. The rest was in Navarrete’s hands. The three-division titlist has not fought since what was ruled at the time as a technical decision win over then-unbeaten Suarez last May in San Diego, California. The fight ended due to a cut suffered by Navarrete, at the time ruled as the result of a clash of heads.Suarez’s team successfully appealed the ruling, to the point where it was converted to a No-Contest. Another out-of-the-ring victory was gained when the WBO ordered an immediate rematch, which left Navarrete in a predicament. The matter extended through the WBO’s annual convention, held in late October in Bogota, Colombia. A final extension was granted to sort out final details, before a purse bid would decide matters.However, the 15-day period was less…
2026-01-26 06:00:00
Emanuel Navarrete: I studied Nunez for six months, knew I wanted to fight him next
