Tag: Emanuel Navarrete

Fight Week: Emanuel Navarette returns against Christopher Diaz

FIGHT WEEK HARD-HITTING VOLUME PUNCHER EMANUEL NAVARRETE IS SCHEDULED TO DEFEND HIS NEWLY WON FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST CHRISTOPHER DIAZ ON ESPN AND ESPN+. *** EMANUEL NAVARRETE (32-1, 27 KOs) VS. CHRISTOPHER DIAZ (26-2, 16 KOs) When : Saturday, …

FIGHT WEEK

HARD-HITTING VOLUME PUNCHER EMANUEL NAVARRETE IS SCHEDULED TO DEFEND HIS NEWLY WON FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST CHRISTOPHER DIAZ ON ESPN AND ESPN+.

***

EMANUEL NAVARRETE (32-1, 27 KOs)
VS. CHRISTOPHER DIAZ (26-2, 16 KOs)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uzlw2j-7v8

  • When: Saturday, April 24
  • Where: Silver Spurs Arena, Kissimmee, Fla.
  • TV/Stream: ESPN, ESPN+
  • Division: Featherweight
  • At stake: Navarrete’s WBO title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Edgar Berlanga vs. Demond Nicholson, super middleweights; Josue Vargas vs. Willie Shaw, junior welterweights
  • Prediction: Navarrete UD
  • Background: Navarrete is coming off a close decision over previously unbeaten Ruben Villa to win his title last October, making him a two-division champion. Villa went down twice, which proved to be the difference in the scoring. The 26-year-old Mexican is a high-volume puncher with power. He had stopped his previous five opponents, not counting an unofficial fight during the coronavirus pandemic in Mexico. Navarrete has said he wants to unify the 126-pound titles. Diaz is a capable boxer-puncher who has fallen short in his biggest fights. The Puerto Rican, also 26, lost a wide decision in a competitive fight against Masayuki Ito for a vacant 130-pound title in 2018. Then, after moving down to 126, he was outclassed by Shakur Stevenson and lost another one-sided decision the following year. He’s coming off a unanimous-decision victory over Jason Sanchez last June. Super middleweight prospect Edgar Berlanga, facing Demond Nicholson, will be seeking his 17th knockout in as many fights on the undercard.

[lawrence-related id=14562]

***

JELENA MRDJENOVICH (41-10-2, 19 KOs)
VS. ERIKA CRUZ HERNANDEZ (12-1, 3 KOs)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-sHpROifBg

  • When: Thursday, April 22
  • Where: United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.
  • TV/Stream: NBC Sports Net
  • Division: Featherweight
  • At stake: For Mrdjenovich’s WBA title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Juan Pablo Romero vs. Deiner Berrio, junior welterweights
  • Prediction: Mrdjenovich UD
  • Background: Mrdjenovich vs. Hernandez became the main event when the scheduled main event between Jermaine Franklin and Stephan Shaw fell out because Franklin tested positive for COVID-19. Mrdjenovich will be making the seventh defense of the title she won by outpointing Edith Matthysse in March 26, which earned her a major belt in a third division. The 38-year-old Canadian, a native of Edmonton, is coming off a unanimous-decision victory over Iranda Paola Torres this past December in Los Angeles. Hernandez, a 30-year-old southpaw from Mexico City, will be fighting for a major title for the first time. She has fought outside her native country only once. She last fought in February, when he outpointed Leticia Uribe in Tijuana. Her only loss came in her second pro fight.

Also fighting this week: Heather Hardy (22-1, 4 KOs) of Brooklyn faces Jessica Camara (7-2, 0 KOs) of Canada in an eight-round lightweight fight on Friday in Tampa, Fla. (UFC Fight Pass). Also on Friday, in Barcelona, Spain, Sandor Martin (37-2, 13 KOs) of Spain takes on Kay Prospere (14-1-1, 7 KOs) of the U.K. in a scheduled 12-round bout (DAZN). And on Saturday, in Osaka, Japan, Kenshiro Teraji (17-0, 10 KOs) defends his WBC junior flyweight title against Tetsuya Hisada (34-10-2. 20 KOs).

 

Fight Week: Estrada, R. Gonazlez, Martinez on display in Mexico

A compelling tripleheader featuring Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez and Julio Cesar Martinez is on tap Friday night.

FIGHT WEEK

A look at the coming week in capsules

***

JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA (40-3, 27 KOs)
VS. CARLOS CUADRAS (39-3-1, 27 KOs)

Juan Francisco Estrada (center) is still on top of his game and adding to his legacy. Dale de la Rey / AFP via Getty Images

When: Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Gimnasio TV Azteca, Mexico City
TV: DAZN
Division: Junior bantamweight
At stake: Estrada’s WBC title
Odds: Estrada 2½-1
Also on the card: Roman Gonzalez vs. Israel Gonzalez, junior bantamweights; Julio Cesar Martinez vs. Moises Calleros, flyweights
Prediction: Estrada KO 11
Background: Estrada, No. 10 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list, is one of the most-respected fighters in the world and at the peak of his powers at 30. He has won four consecutive fights since he was outpointed by Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in 2018, including a unanimous-decision victory over Sor Rungvisai in the rematch in April of last year. He can box, he can punch, he can do it all. The Mexican has tangled with the athletic Cuadras before, winning a close unanimous decision that was decided by a 10th-round knockdown in 2017. Cuadras, also Mexican, has won three in a row against so-so opposition since losing back-to-back decisions to Estrada and then McWilliam Arroyo. The plan is for Estrada to meet Roman Gonzalez a second time in a title-unification bout, assuming he beats Cuadras and Gonzalez does the same against Israel Gonzalez on this card. Estrada lost a competitive fight with Gonzalez in 2012, when the Nicaraguan was at his peak.

***

ROMAN GONZALEZ (49-2, 41 KOs)
VS. ISRAEL GONZALEZ (25-3, 11 KOs)

Roman Gonzalez had made his Nicaraguan countrymen proud over the years. Al Bello / Getty Images

When: Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Gimnasio TV Azteca, Mexico City
TV: DAZN
Division: Junior bantamweight
At stake: Gonzalez’s WBA title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Carlos Cuadras, junior bantamweights; Julio Cesar Martinez vs. Moises Calleros, flyweights
Prediction: R. Gonzalez KO 6
Background: Some believed Gonzalez, formerly No. 1 pound for pound, was finished as an elite fighter when he lost back-to-back fights against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai – the second by brutal knockout — in 2017. He knew better. The big-punching Nicaraguan stopped Moises Fuentes, Diomel Diocos and then-unbeaten titleholder Khalid Yafai to reestablish himself as a force in the 115-pound division even though he’s 33. He appears to be set to face Juan Francisco Estrada a second time in a title-unification bout if things go well for both fighters on this card. Israel Gonzalez, from Mexico, is a capable boxer who has come up short in his biggest fights. He was stopped in 10 rounds by Jerwin Ancajas in a 2018 title fight and losing a clear decision to Yafai later that year. He has won his past two fights, including a quality unanimous-decision victory over Sho Ishida this past December in Japan. The Los Cabos fighter is probably in over his head in this fight.

***

JULIO CESAR MARTINEZ (16-1, 12 KOs)
VS. MOISES CALLEROS (33-9-1, 17 KOs)

Julio Cesar Martinez (left) is emerging as an exciting young star. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing USA

When: Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Gimnasio TV Azteca, Mexico City
TV: DAZN
Division: Flyweight
At stake: Miranda’s WBC title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Carlos Cuadras, junior bantamweights; Roman Gonzalez vs. Israel Gonazlez, junior bantamweights
Prediction: Martinez KO 4
Background: Martinez is both fun to watch and a talented boxer-puncher who is trained by Eddy Reynoso. The Mexico City product lost his pro debut – a four-round against Joaquin Cruz – but has won all 16 of his subsequent fights (not including one no-contest), including a ninth-round knockout of Cristofer Rosales to win the vacant 112-pound title this past December. He’s coming off a wide decision over previously unbeaten Welshman Jay Harris on Feb. 29 in Frisco, Texas. Martinez was scheduled to face Maximino Flores but Flores had to pull out after testing positive for COVID-19. Calleros, 31, was stopped by Ryuya Yamanaka in a fight for a vacant strawweight title in 2018 but hasn’t fought at that level since moving up in weight. He has won five consecutive fights against second-tier opposition. Martinez represents a significant step up, which might not bode well for the challenger.

***

SERGEY LIPINETS (16-1, 12 KOs)
VS. CUSTIO CLAYTON (18-0, 12 KOs)

Sergey Lipinets is coming off a second-round knockout of Jayar Inson in July of last year. Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports

When: Saturday, Oct. 24
Where: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
TV: Showtime
Division: Welterweight
At stake: IBF “Interim” title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Xavier Martinez vs. Claudio Marrero, junior lightweights; Malik Hawkins vs. Subriel Matias, junior welterweights
Prediction: Lipinets UD
Background: Lipinets met his match against Mikey Garcia in 2018, losing a wide decision and his 140-pound title in 2018. The Los Angeles-based native of Kazakhstan then moved up to 147 and has won three in a row, over Erick Bone, Lamont Peterson and Jayar Inson to put himself in title contention at his new weight. He’ll be in prime position to challenge for the IBF title, currently held by Errol Spence Jr., if he wins Saturday. Lipinets is a solid boxer but known more for his pressure fighting and durability. He was scheduled to face Kudratillo Abdukakhorov but the Uzbek had to pull out because of visa issues. Clayton is a 2012 Olympian but largely unproven as a professional. The Montreal fighter has built a gaudy record fighting only in Canada against second-level opposition, including an eighth-round stoppage of Diego Ramirez on Jan. 28 in Toronto. He might be biting off more than he can chew in Lipinets. We’ll learn a lot about him on Saturday.

[lawrence-related id=14107,9585,6725,8548,6728]

Fight Week: Estrada, R. Gonazlez, Martinez on display in Mexico

A compelling tripleheader featuring Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez and Julio Cesar Martinez is on tap Friday night.

FIGHT WEEK

A look at the coming week in capsules

***

JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA (40-3, 27 KOs)
VS. CARLOS CUADRAS (39-3-1, 27 KOs)

Juan Francisco Estrada (center) is still on top of his game and adding to his legacy. Dale de la Rey / AFP via Getty Images

When: Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Gimnasio TV Azteca, Mexico City
TV: DAZN
Division: Junior bantamweight
At stake: Estrada’s WBC title
Odds: Estrada 2½-1
Also on the card: Roman Gonzalez vs. Israel Gonzalez, junior bantamweights; Julio Cesar Martinez vs. Moises Calleros, flyweights
Prediction: Estrada KO 11
Background: Estrada, No. 10 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list, is one of the most-respected fighters in the world and at the peak of his powers at 30. He has won four consecutive fights since he was outpointed by Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in 2018, including a unanimous-decision victory over Sor Rungvisai in the rematch in April of last year. He can box, he can punch, he can do it all. The Mexican has tangled with the athletic Cuadras before, winning a close unanimous decision that was decided by a 10th-round knockdown in 2017. Cuadras, also Mexican, has won three in a row against so-so opposition since losing back-to-back decisions to Estrada and then McWilliam Arroyo. The plan is for Estrada to meet Roman Gonzalez a second time in a title-unification bout, assuming he beats Cuadras and Gonzalez does the same against Israel Gonzalez on this card. Estrada lost a competitive fight with Gonzalez in 2012, when the Nicaraguan was at his peak.

***

ROMAN GONZALEZ (49-2, 41 KOs)
VS. ISRAEL GONZALEZ (25-3, 11 KOs)

Roman Gonzalez had made his Nicaraguan countrymen proud over the years. Al Bello / Getty Images

When: Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Gimnasio TV Azteca, Mexico City
TV: DAZN
Division: Junior bantamweight
At stake: Gonzalez’s WBA title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Carlos Cuadras, junior bantamweights; Julio Cesar Martinez vs. Moises Calleros, flyweights
Prediction: R. Gonzalez KO 6
Background: Some believed Gonzalez, formerly No. 1 pound for pound, was finished as an elite fighter when he lost back-to-back fights against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai – the second by brutal knockout — in 2017. He knew better. The big-punching Nicaraguan stopped Moises Fuentes, Diomel Diocos and then-unbeaten titleholder Khalid Yafai to reestablish himself as a force in the 115-pound division even though he’s 33. He appears to be set to face Juan Francisco Estrada a second time in a title-unification bout if things go well for both fighters on this card. Israel Gonzalez, from Mexico, is a capable boxer who has come up short in his biggest fights. He was stopped in 10 rounds by Jerwin Ancajas in a 2018 title fight and losing a clear decision to Yafai later that year. He has won his past two fights, including a quality unanimous-decision victory over Sho Ishida this past December in Japan. The Los Cabos fighter is probably in over his head in this fight.

***

JULIO CESAR MARTINEZ (16-1, 12 KOs)
VS. MOISES CALLEROS (33-9-1, 17 KOs)

Julio Cesar Martinez (left) is emerging as an exciting young star. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing USA

When: Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Gimnasio TV Azteca, Mexico City
TV: DAZN
Division: Flyweight
At stake: Miranda’s WBC title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Carlos Cuadras, junior bantamweights; Roman Gonzalez vs. Israel Gonazlez, junior bantamweights
Prediction: Martinez KO 4
Background: Martinez is both fun to watch and a talented boxer-puncher who is trained by Eddy Reynoso. The Mexico City product lost his pro debut – a four-round against Joaquin Cruz – but has won all 16 of his subsequent fights (not including one no-contest), including a ninth-round knockout of Cristofer Rosales to win the vacant 112-pound title this past December. He’s coming off a wide decision over previously unbeaten Welshman Jay Harris on Feb. 29 in Frisco, Texas. Martinez was scheduled to face Maximino Flores but Flores had to pull out after testing positive for COVID-19. Calleros, 31, was stopped by Ryuya Yamanaka in a fight for a vacant strawweight title in 2018 but hasn’t fought at that level since moving up in weight. He has won five consecutive fights against second-tier opposition. Martinez represents a significant step up, which might not bode well for the challenger.

***

SERGEY LIPINETS (16-1, 12 KOs)
VS. CUSTIO CLAYTON (18-0, 12 KOs)

Sergey Lipinets is coming off a second-round knockout of Jayar Inson in July of last year. Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports

When: Saturday, Oct. 24
Where: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
TV: Showtime
Division: Welterweight
At stake: IBF “Interim” title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Xavier Martinez vs. Claudio Marrero, junior lightweights; Malik Hawkins vs. Subriel Matias, junior welterweights
Prediction: Lipinets UD
Background: Lipinets met his match against Mikey Garcia in 2018, losing a wide decision and his 140-pound title in 2018. The Los Angeles-based native of Kazakhstan then moved up to 147 and has won three in a row, over Erick Bone, Lamont Peterson and Jayar Inson to put himself in title contention at his new weight. He’ll be in prime position to challenge for the IBF title, currently held by Errol Spence Jr., if he wins Saturday. Lipinets is a solid boxer but known more for his pressure fighting and durability. He was scheduled to face Kudratillo Abdukakhorov but the Uzbek had to pull out because of visa issues. Clayton is a 2012 Olympian but largely unproven as a professional. The Montreal fighter has built a gaudy record fighting only in Canada against second-level opposition, including an eighth-round stoppage of Diego Ramirez on Jan. 28 in Toronto. He might be biting off more than he can chew in Lipinets. We’ll learn a lot about him on Saturday.

[lawrence-related id=14107,9585,6725,8548,6728]

Good, bad, worse: It doesn’t get much better than Loma vs. Lopez

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Teofimo Lopez, which takes place Saturday, is one of the best-possible matchups in boxing.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Vasiliy Lomacheko (right) and Teofimo Lopez will meet again on Saturday. Mikey Williams / Top Rank

I don’t usually look ahead in Good, Bad, Worse but I couldn’t resist this week.

Last month, the talented Charlo brothers gave us high-level performances to remember on a pay-per-view doubleheader. This coming Saturday, we have another mouth-watering main event to savor. And you don’t have to pay for it if you get ESPN.

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Teofimo Lopez is about as good as it gets, a matchup of a seasoned boxing magician from Ukraine against a fiery young American with his own gifts who believes his time is now.

Lomachenko, No. 1 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list, fought for a world title in his second pro fight (losing to Orlando Salido) and hasn’t slowed down. Every one of his 13 subsequent fights has been for one world title or another.

Yes, you read that correctly: 14 of Lomachenko’s 15 outings have been title fights. He said when he turned pro that he wanted to take part only in meaningful fights and he meant it.

Some believe that the 32-year-old has shown signs of vulnerability over the past few years, specifically in victories over Jorge Linares and Luke Campbell at lightweight that might’ve been more difficult than expected.

If he has slipped, age could be a factor. So could size. Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) progressed rapidly from 126 to 130 to 135. He’s arguably a small lightweight, which Lopez believes will work in his favor when they’re face to face inside the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas.

Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) has the same number of pro fights as Lomachenko but hasn’t faced the same level of opposition, although he’s coming off a second-round knockout of Richard Commey to win one of the 135-pound titles. And while Lopez had a good amateur career, Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic champion, is considered one of the best amateurs ever.

Lopez, 23, has youth and a combination of other attributes – skill, speed, punching power, hunger – working in his favor. Many believe he has what it takes to beat this, perhaps slightly less formidable version of Lomachenko.

I, for one, can’t wait to see how it all plays out.

***

BAD

Emanuel Navarrete (right) got the job against Ruben Villa done but didn’t look as good as some expected. Mikey Williams / Top Rank

I wouldn’t say that Emanuel Navarrete’s performance against Ruben Villa on Friday was bad. It just wasn’t what we’ve come to expect from him. And he might never be the fighter at 126 pounds that he was at 122.

Navarrete (32-1, 27 KOs) got off to a strong start at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, putting Villa (18-1, 5 KOs) down twice in the first four rounds but then did just enough to hold onto his lead and win a vacant featherweight title. Two judges scored it 114-112, six rounds a piece. The third scored it 115-111.

Villa arguably outboxed in the majority of rounds in which he wasn’t knocked down, demonstrating that a good, experienced technician with some resilience can give Navarrete trouble.

The Mexican stalked his opponent from beginning to end but, aside from the knockdowns, didn’t do much damage. Had Villa countered more often when Navarrete missed the mark – and he missed a lot – he might’ve earned a draw or victory.

Can you imagine what fellow 126-pound titleholder Gary Russell Jr. would’ve done to the version of Navarrete we saw on Friday?

To be fair to Navarrete, he beat a good fighter to win a major title in a second division. That’s a laudable accomplishment.

And it was only his second fight as a full-fledged featherweight, at which Villa has fought his entire career. Navarrete could still grow into the division and become more dominating as he moves forward.

***

WORSE

Few have the Hall of Fame credentials of Floyd Mayweather (left). AP Photo / John Locher, File

I wasn’t a fan of the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s decision to lower the induction threshold from five to three years, which I believe can create a glut of candidates. Hopefully, another change will save the day in voting for the Class of 2021.

Only the top three vote getters are guaranteed induction. The additional change, made the same time the threshold was altered, allows anyone else receiving votes on 80 percent of ballots to also get in.

This year, in my opinion, five first-time candidates are no-brainer first-ballot Hall of Famers: Floyd Mayweather, James Toney, Wladimir Klitschko, Miguel Cotto and Andre Ward, all of whom happened to retire in 2017. There are other worthy names on the list – Rafael Marquez, Diego Corrales and Tim Bradley, for example – but they are a notch below the Top 5.

My hope is that 8 of 10 voters – who are limited to voting for five candidates — will agree with me and place check marks next the names of Mayweather, Toney, Klitschko, Cotto and Ward.

We don’t have to go into Floyd Mayweather’s credentials. He’ll be on the ballot of every responsible voter. Toney, a gifted boxer with a great chin, was a force between middleweight and heavyweight. Cotto, a four-division titleholder, was at the pinnacle of the sport for around 15 years. And Ward, my No. 1 fighter of the 2010s, faced a long list of elite opponents yet retired undefeated.

Of course, any of my five who fail to appear on 80 percent of the ballots this year could still be elected next year or beyond. However, that could create the glut mentioned earlier, where so many deserving candidates are on a single ballot that one or two are left out in the cold.

Vote Mayweather, Toney, Klitschko, Cotto and Ward!

[lawrence-related id=14529,14458]

Good, bad, worse: It doesn’t get much better than Loma vs. Lopez

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Teofimo Lopez, which takes place Saturday, is one of the best-possible matchups in boxing.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Vasiliy Lomacheko (right) and Teofimo Lopez will meet again on Saturday. Mikey Williams / Top Rank

I don’t usually look ahead in Good, Bad, Worse but I couldn’t resist this week.

Last month, the talented Charlo brothers gave us high-level performances to remember on a pay-per-view doubleheader. This coming Saturday, we have another mouth-watering main event to savor. And you don’t have to pay for it if you get ESPN.

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Teofimo Lopez is about as good as it gets, a matchup of a seasoned boxing magician from Ukraine against a fiery young American with his own gifts who believes his time is now.

Lomachenko, No. 1 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list, fought for a world title in his second pro fight (losing to Orlando Salido) and hasn’t slowed down. Every one of his 13 subsequent fights has been for one world title or another.

Yes, you read that correctly: 14 of Lomachenko’s 15 outings have been title fights. He said when he turned pro that he wanted to take part only in meaningful fights and he meant it.

Some believe that the 32-year-old has shown signs of vulnerability over the past few years, specifically in victories over Jorge Linares and Luke Campbell at lightweight that might’ve been more difficult than expected.

If he has slipped, age could be a factor. So could size. Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) progressed rapidly from 126 to 130 to 135. He’s arguably a small lightweight, which Lopez believes will work in his favor when they’re face to face inside the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas.

Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) has the same number of pro fights as Lomachenko but hasn’t faced the same level of opposition, although he’s coming off a second-round knockout of Richard Commey to win one of the 135-pound titles. And while Lopez had a good amateur career, Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic champion, is considered one of the best amateurs ever.

Lopez, 23, has youth and a combination of other attributes – skill, speed, punching power, hunger – working in his favor. Many believe he has what it takes to beat this, perhaps slightly less formidable version of Lomachenko.

I, for one, can’t wait to see how it all plays out.

***

BAD

Emanuel Navarrete (right) got the job against Ruben Villa done but didn’t look as good as some expected. Mikey Williams / Top Rank

I wouldn’t say that Emanuel Navarrete’s performance against Ruben Villa on Friday was bad. It just wasn’t what we’ve come to expect from him. And he might never be the fighter at 126 pounds that he was at 122.

Navarrete (32-1, 27 KOs) got off to a strong start at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, putting Villa (18-1, 5 KOs) down twice in the first four rounds but then did just enough to hold onto his lead and win a vacant featherweight title. Two judges scored it 114-112, six rounds a piece. The third scored it 115-111.

Villa arguably outboxed in the majority of rounds in which he wasn’t knocked down, demonstrating that a good, experienced technician with some resilience can give Navarrete trouble.

The Mexican stalked his opponent from beginning to end but, aside from the knockdowns, didn’t do much damage. Had Villa countered more often when Navarrete missed the mark – and he missed a lot – he might’ve earned a draw or victory.

Can you imagine what fellow 126-pound titleholder Gary Russell Jr. would’ve done to the version of Navarrete we saw on Friday?

To be fair to Navarrete, he beat a good fighter to win a major title in a second division. That’s a laudable accomplishment.

And it was only his second fight as a full-fledged featherweight, at which Villa has fought his entire career. Navarrete could still grow into the division and become more dominating as he moves forward.

***

WORSE

Few have the Hall of Fame credentials of Floyd Mayweather (left). AP Photo / John Locher, File

I wasn’t a fan of the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s decision to lower the induction threshold from five to three years, which I believe can create a glut of candidates. Hopefully, another change will save the day in voting for the Class of 2021.

Only the top three vote getters are guaranteed induction. The additional change, made the same time the threshold was altered, allows anyone else receiving votes on 80 percent of ballots to also get in.

This year, in my opinion, five first-time candidates are no-brainer first-ballot Hall of Famers: Floyd Mayweather, James Toney, Wladimir Klitschko, Miguel Cotto and Andre Ward, all of whom happened to retire in 2017. There are other worthy names on the list – Rafael Marquez, Diego Corrales and Tim Bradley, for example – but they are a notch below the Top 5.

My hope is that 8 of 10 voters – who are limited to voting for five candidates — will agree with me and place check marks next the names of Mayweather, Toney, Klitschko, Cotto and Ward.

We don’t have to go into Floyd Mayweather’s credentials. He’ll be on the ballot of every responsible voter. Toney, a gifted boxer with a great chin, was a force between middleweight and heavyweight. Cotto, a four-division titleholder, was at the pinnacle of the sport for around 15 years. And Ward, my No. 1 fighter of the 2010s, faced a long list of elite opponents yet retired undefeated.

Of course, any of my five who fail to appear on 80 percent of the ballots this year could still be elected next year or beyond. However, that could create the glut mentioned earlier, where so many deserving candidates are on a single ballot that one or two are left out in the cold.

Vote Mayweather, Toney, Klitschko, Cotto and Ward!

[lawrence-related id=14529,14458]

Emanuel Navarrete outpoints Ruben Villa to win 126-pound title

Emanuel Navarette put Ruben Villa down twice en route to a unanimous-decision victory to claim a featherweight title Friday in Las Vegas.

Emanuel Navarette put Ruben Villa down twice en route to a unanimous-decision victory to claim a featherweight title Friday inside the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas.

The scores were 114-112, 114-112 and 115-111.

Naverette (32-1, 27 KOs) is now a two division world titleholder. Villa (18-1, 5 KOs) was fighting for his first major belt.

Navarrete missed a lot punches but most the punches that found the mark were power shots. Villa, an elusive target, moved well and outboxed Navarrete much of the fight but didn’t land enough of his own shots to win the fight.

A full report will follow shortly.

 

Emanuel Navarrete outpoints Ruben Villa to win 126-pound title

Emanuel Navarette put Ruben Villa down twice en route to a unanimous-decision victory to claim a featherweight title Friday in Las Vegas.

Emanuel Navarette put Ruben Villa down twice en route to a unanimous-decision victory to claim a featherweight title Friday inside the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas.

The scores were 114-112, 114-112 and 115-111.

Naverette (32-1, 27 KOs) is now a two division world titleholder. Villa (18-1, 5 KOs) was fighting for his first major belt.

Navarrete missed a lot punches but most the punches that found the mark were power shots. Villa, an elusive target, moved well and outboxed Navarrete much of the fight but didn’t land enough of his own shots to win the fight.

A full report will follow shortly.

 

Emanuel Navarrete, Ruben Villa make weight for title fight

Emanuel Navarrete and Ruben Villa made weight for their featherweight title fight Friday in Las Vegas.

Emanuel Navarrete and Ruben Villa made weight for their featherweight title fight Friday inside the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas.

Navarrete weighed 126.2 pounds on his first try — . 2 over the limit — but registered exactly 126 after stripping down. Villa weighed 125 the first time he stepped onto the scale.

They are fighting for the vacant WBO title.

The big-punching Navarrete (31-1, 27 KOs) is a former junior featherweight titleholder. This will be the Mexican’s second fight as a full-fledged featherweight.

Villa (18-0, 5 KOs) will be fighting for a major title for the first time. He’s from Salinas, Calif.

The main event and a middleweight bout between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Gonzalo Coria will be televised on ESPN. The remainder of the card will be streamed on ESPN+.

Emanuel Navarrete (left) made weight on his second try for his title fight against Ruben Villa. Mikey Williams / Top Rank

Here are the weights for the other fights on the card:

  • Janibek Alimkhanuly (159.6) vs. Gonzalo Coria (158.6), middleweights.
  • Elvis Rodriguez (141.5) vs. Cameron Krael (141.2), junior welterweights.
  • Lorenzo Simpson (156) vs. Sonny Duversonne (154.8), middleweights.
  • Bryan Lua (131.6) vs. Nelson Colon (131.6), lightweights.
  • Rashiem Jefferson (123.8) vs. Steven Garagarza (123.5), junior featherweights.
  • Kahshad Elliott (152.8) vs. Akeem Jackson (151.5), junior middleweights.

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Emanuel Navarrete, Ruben Villa make weight for title fight

Emanuel Navarrete and Ruben Villa made weight for their featherweight title fight Friday in Las Vegas.

Emanuel Navarrete and Ruben Villa made weight for their featherweight title fight Friday inside the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas.

Navarrete weighed 126.2 pounds on his first try — . 2 over the limit — but registered exactly 126 after stripping down. Villa weighed 125 the first time he stepped onto the scale.

They are fighting for the vacant WBO title.

The big-punching Navarrete (31-1, 27 KOs) is a former junior featherweight titleholder. This will be the Mexican’s second fight as a full-fledged featherweight.

Villa (18-0, 5 KOs) will be fighting for a major title for the first time. He’s from Salinas, Calif.

The main event and a middleweight bout between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Gonzalo Coria will be televised on ESPN. The remainder of the card will be streamed on ESPN+.

Emanuel Navarrete (left) made weight on his second try for his title fight against Ruben Villa. Mikey Williams / Top Rank

Here are the weights for the other fights on the card:

  • Janibek Alimkhanuly (159.6) vs. Gonzalo Coria (158.6), middleweights.
  • Elvis Rodriguez (141.5) vs. Cameron Krael (141.2), junior welterweights.
  • Lorenzo Simpson (156) vs. Sonny Duversonne (154.8), middleweights.
  • Bryan Lua (131.6) vs. Nelson Colon (131.6), lightweights.
  • Rashiem Jefferson (123.8) vs. Steven Garagarza (123.5), junior featherweights.
  • Kahshad Elliott (152.8) vs. Akeem Jackson (151.5), junior middleweights.

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Emanuel Navarrete goes for title in second division Friday

Emanuel Navarrete and Ruben Villa will fight for a vacant featherweight title Friday in Las Vegas.

Emanuel Navarrete conquered the 122-pound division. Now he’s poised to win a title at 126, although Ruben Villa might have something to say about that.

Navarrete and Villa are scheduled to meet for a vacant featherweight title in the main event Friday evening inside the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas. The card will be streamed on ESPN+.

Navarrete (31-1, 27 KOs) is coming off a sixth-round stoppage of tough, but overmatched Uriel Lopez on June 20 at the MGM, his first fight as a full-fledged featherweight. He said he’s comfortable at 126, particularly after getting one fight at that weight under his belt.

“My body is doing a lot better,” the Mexico City fighter said at the final news conference on Wednesday. “I’m growing a little bit more. I was getting a little bit difficult making 122. Now, going up to 136, I think I’m more prepared.

“… We’re ready for this weight, we’re ready for this fight.”

Emanuel Navarrete (left) and Ruben Villa will fight for a vacant 126-pound title Saturday. Mikey Williams / Top Rank

Villa (18-0, 5 KOs) obviously is in the biggest fight of his life. The 23-year-old has put together a string of clear victories but will be taking part in only his fourth scheduled 10-round fight. That includes his last fight, a wide decision over Alexei Collado on Jan. 31.

Navarrete is a significant step up in opposition, but Villa is confident.

“My last couple of fights, they’ve been aggressive guys who come to beat me and think they’re going to get me off my game plan but I adapted well,” he said. “We always had good game plans and stuck to game plans, and now we’re here fighting for a world title. I feel like I’m ready. I feel like he’s beatable, and my style is the one to do it.

“He’s an aggressive guy who throws 100 punches a round. I feel like it’s just going to bring the best out of me to do my job as well as I can.”

Villa has found motivation is the current state of affairs – the coronavirus pandemic, the fires near his home in Salinas, Calif., seeing workers toiling in the fields through it all. And he would be the first world champion from Salinas, which also inspires him.

“I just can’t wait to show you guys what I got,” he said. “I want to see the best Ruben Villa. I haven’t even seen him yet. … I’m just excited to perform and, like I said, show you guys what I got.

“I feel like I’ve been slept on. Maybe a lot of people think I don’t belong here, but I’m going to show everyone I’m an elite 126 fighter. Yeah, I’m coming to win and coming to fight.”

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