It’s been nearly a year since Emanuel “El Vaquero” Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) challenged Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight championship, having fought him last May 18 at Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Navarrete lost the match, which he attributed to an injury to his hand. He repaired his hand and then decisively defeated Oscar Valdez in December, leaving no doubt that he’s back at 100 percent. He now returns to San Diego and looks to defend his junior lightweight title against the veteran, Charly Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs).
At 36, Suarez knows this could be his last opportunity at a title. He’ll look to seize the moment and do everything in his power to obtain the title. He has a daunting task, facing a power puncher with an awkward style. Navarrete overpowered Valdez and punished him with his power. Having the use of both hands gave him full use of his arsenal, and it showed in the ring. Dropping Valdez multiple times. Navarrete is a power puncher, throwing an average of 43.4 power punches per round with a 36.4 connect percentage (Compubox). If he sees flaws in his opponent’s defense, his power punch output increases.
Yohan Vasquez was able to push Suarez back in their match. He had him fighting on his back foot. Although he won the match by unanimous decision, it was not Suarez’s best performance. Yohan, with decent power, exposed Suarez’s defensive flaws. Suarez also appeared to slow down towards the late rounds. Navarrete can expose Suarez’s penetrable defense and make him fight on his back foot for the full match.
El Vaquero has throughout his career struggled to make weight for fights. He appeared ready to make the move towards lightweight against Berinchyk, but after the setback of having lost to him, he decided to return to junior lightweight. At yesterday’s weigh-in, his initial weight was 130.4 pounds. It took him an hour and a half with five additional attempts to reach the target weight of 130 pounds. The extra four ounces placed unneeded stress on his body, creating a hectic race against the clock. Navarrete was given two hours to lose the weight and accomplished losing weight before the allotted time. What effect, if any, it has on his in-ring performance remains to be seen. As mentioned before, he’s had weight issues in the past; the four ounces were minimal in comparison to his past struggles.
With both fighters making the weight limit of 130 pounds, it will be for the title. The match itself won’t disappoint in terms of entertainment. Suarez likes to exchange and stay on the inside. The question will be, how long will he hold against a power puncher like Navarrete?
Emanuel looks poised to put on another stellar performance against an aging fighter. His awkward punching angles will pose a difficult challenge for Suarez to defend.
Last Updated on 05/10/2025
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