Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete returns to Pechanga Arena this Saturday determined to turn bad memories into another highlight reel. One year ago the Mexican fan‑favorite saw a 12‑year, 34‑fight unbeaten run snapped there by Denys Berinchyk in a failed bid for a lightweight crown. Now back at his natural fighting weight, the three‑division champion will defend his WBO junior‑lightweight title against the Philippines’ 18‑0 Olympian Charly Suarez.
Navarrete rediscovered his rhythm in December with a crushing sixth‑round knockout of Oscar Valdez, avenging a controversial draw from the previous year. He insists that version is the man Suarez will face. “Life gives you second chances,” Navarrete said. “I’m motivated, not angry. I want to show San Diego the best of me.”
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Suarez is making his first trip to world‑title level but carries deep amateur pedigree from the 2016 Rio Games and the World Series of Boxing. Driven by a now‑or‑never mindset, the south‑paw believes timing and ring IQ can eclipse Navarrete’s trademark volume punching. Navarrete’s camp, aware of the Mexico‑Philippines rivalry, has trained for a technical chess match rather than the brawls that usually define the champion’s nights.
Saturday’s ESPN double‑header marks Navarrete’s fourth visit to “America’s Finest City,” where he is 3‑1.
Image Credit: Top Rank