Emanuel Navarrete, the WBO's 122-pound would champion, came on the scene in a serious way when he upset Isaac Dogboe in December 2018. In the rematch, five months later, Navarrete stopped Dogboe in eleven rounds to show that his first win was no fluke.
The victory led to a multi-fight promotional deal with Top Rank, who feature the boxer often on ESPN's various outlets.
After five title defenses, Navarrete has not changed with his mindset of fighting anyone at anytime.
On Saturday night, Navarrete (31-1, 27 KOs), 25-years-old, will continue to stay busy as returns to the ring in a non-title fight against Uriel López (13-13-1, 6 KOs). The contest will take place at the featherweight limit of 126-pounds.
Navarrete explained that his status in Mexico has skyrocketed since capturing his title.
"A lot has changed since I became a champion," said Navarrete to ESPN Deportes. "But speaking of the boxing side, promoters and big companies see me as a great champion, now. And that makes me feel great.
"It's still the same for me. I enjoy preparing for the fight. I give my 100 percent in every fight because every fight is important to me. So I still enjoy everything in almost the same way as when I became champion the first time."
Navarette said that he eventually wants to move up to featherweight and super featherweight, to go after worlds champions like Shakur Stevenson, Josh Warrington, Leo Santa Cruz and undefeated Oscar Valdez.
The Mexican slugger has the height, but it will be interesting to see if he's capable of taking his power up with him.
"Including the belt I have now at junior featherweight, I want to conquer two more divisions," said Navarette. "This is how I look in three or five years, becoming a three division champion."
