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 for Navarrete and Suarez to reach terms for a second fight and more so for Top Rank – who promotes both boxers – to work out a step-aside package for the Filipino contender. Such arrangements were made to the satisfaction of all parties involved, including the WBO who permitted Navarrete to move forward with the unification bout.
“I’m really appreciative of Charly Suarez and his team working with us to allow this fight to happen,” acknowledged Navarrete. “This is a business and I know he could have stood his ground and demanded an immediate rematch instead of stepping aside.
“This was a fight that I badly wanted but also, I know I owe Suarez that rematch after this. This year will be focused on collecting belts, but it’s also important to settle unfinished business with Suarez.”
The upcoming all-Mexico clash marks Navarrete’s first unification bout after a period of more than seven years on the title stage, spanning 16 fights over four weight divisions. He’s held the WBO title at both 122lbs and 126lbs. Neither reign came within sniffing distance of getting a fellow beltholder into the ring.
There was a time where he wondered if it would happen at 130lbs. Navarrete won the vacant WBO belt at the weight in a February 2023 knockout of Liam Wilson, also at Desert Diamond Arena where he returned for an August 2023 points win over Oscar Valdez in their first fight.
Navarrete returned to Arizona, this time to the heart of Phoenix, for his December 2024 rematch with Valdez whom he knocked out in six one-sided rounds. The career-best win came seven months after he dropped a 12-round decision to Denys Berinchyk in their May 2024 vacant IBF 135lbs title fight.
Just one title defense came in 2025, his abovementioned No-Contest with Suarez.
Finally, good news has come for what will mark his first fight of 2026 and fifth defense of his current title.
“I have never gave up on the goal to become undisputed champion,” Navarrete stated. “All I need is that first step, and now I have it with this fight.”
