By Ronnie Nathanielsz
US Olympian Jose Navarro who was virtually robbed of the WBC super flyweight title when he lost a bitterly controversial split decision to then reigning champion Katsushige Kawashima of Japan is confident he will capture the title the second time around.
Navarro who this time battles two-time world champion Masamori Tokuyama, a Japan-based North Korean who regained the title by a unanimous decision over Kawashima last July 18 after losing it in a stunning first round TKO on June 28, 2004 had also previously retained the title with a controversial decision over the Philippines former world champion Gerry Penalosa who was at that time trained by Freddie Roach.
Navarro recently sparred with flashy Filipino southpaw Z “The Dream” Gorres who is the OPBF No.1 and WBO No. 4 ranked super flyweight and will battle former OPBF champion Waenpetch Chuwatana for the vacant title in Mandaue City on March 18.
Navarro and Gorres went toe-to-toe during sparring at the Wild Card Gym of Roach and both fighters appeared to have benefited from it. Gorres showed this clearly when he scored a convincing unanimous decision over rugged Mexican Jose Alfredo Tirado at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on a Guilty Promotions fight card recently.
Navarro arrived in Tokyo for his February 27 title clash with Tokuyama and was reportedly in great shape and high spirits. Navarro was given the crack after the WBC reviewed his extremely controversial loss to then champion Kawashima who appeared to gave been clearly beaten by the young Navarro.
In an email to Viva Sports/Manila Standard the WBC said “a great fight is anticipated between two-time defending champion Tokuyama and mandatory contender Jose Navarro who lost a disputed decision a year ago.”
Navarro is coming off a fifth round KO of Juan Alfonso Keb Baas last September 9 following a third round TKO win over Miguel del Valle on Nay 26.
Gorres’ trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor earlier reported that Gorres held his own against the world’s No. 1.
