Self styled ‘Vaquero’ Emanuel Navarrete is set to make a quick turnaround in his third defense of his WBO Junior Featherweight title against Juan Miguel Elorde, from the Philipines on Sept. 14 this Saturday (tomorrow) which is part of the Tyson Fury-Otto Wallin card in Las Vegas, T-Mobile Arena.
The Mexican is making his second ring appearance in a space of two months but is still relishing the opportunity.
“I was very surprised {to get the offer to fight on short notice}, but I knew it was a great opportunity so we took it. My mentality was I had to train harder and not take a long break because we knew the opportunity that was in front of us.” Navarrete said.
Navarrete took the opportunity to extend his thanks to boxing guru and the owner of Top Rank Bob Arum for the chance to unseat Ghana’s Royal Storm Dogboe.
“I want to thank Bob Arum. He gave me the opportunity to fight for the title against {Isaac} Dogboe, then the rematch, then De Vaca. Now I’m here, a big card. I just want to tell {Bob}, if he lets me, I want to fight in December, too. I will give it my all and show everyone I’m doing things the right way.”
“I want to do my best at 122 {pounds}, and the biggest thing in the division is to unify titles. If my body permits it, I’m going to stay here and unify titles. But if not, I am going to move up, and I have a great career in front of me.” He hinted of a possible move from the 122 division.
On his part, Bob Arum had some complimentary words to say about Navarrete.
“If you’re a fighter, you want to fight as much as possible. This kid here, if he could, {if it wasn’t for} injuries and so forth, would fight eight times a year and be happy.” Arum expressed.