On May 10 (May 11 Japan time), the official weigh-in for the Top Rank event scheduled at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California, took place. WBO World Super Featherweight Champion Emanuel Navarrete (Mexico), who holds a record of 39 wins (32 KOs), 2 losses, and 1 draw, initially weighed in at 130.4 pounds—0.4 pounds over the division limit. He quickly stripped down completely and stepped back on the scale, but only managed to reduce his weight to 130.3 pounds.
His challenger, the WBO No.1 ranked contender Charlie Suarez (Philippines), who is undefeated with 18 wins (10 KOs), successfully made weight at 129.9 pounds.
Navarrete was granted a two-hour grace period to make weight. He immediately began cutting weight, but on his third attempt, he still weighed 130.2 pounds—still over the limit—with just 45 minutes remaining.
Struggling to shed the final ounces, Navarrete hurried off the scale and worked to drop the remaining 0.2 pounds. There was serious concern over whether he could make the weight in time.
With only a few minutes left, Navarrete returned to the weigh-in area and stepped on the scale again. The official instructed him to “exhale,” and after a deep breath out, he finally hit the 130-pound super featherweight limit
Navarrete appeared noticeably gaunt at the initial weigh-in, and even after finally making weight, his expression clearly reflected the toll of the grueling cut. There are concerns about how this two-hour weight-cutting battle will affect his performance in the ring against an undefeated challenger. Even if Navarrete manages to defend his title, he is expected to move up in weight class.
In the co-main event, the IBF Interim World Lightweight Title will be contested. Ranked No. 2 in the division (with the No. 1 spot currently vacant), Zaur Abdullaev of Russia (20 wins, 12 KOs, 1 loss) weighed in at 134.6 pounds. No. 4 ranked Raymond Muratalla of the U.S. (undefeated in 22 fights with 17 KOs) came in at 134.4 pounds. Both fighters cleared the scale on their first attempts while wearing boxing shoes.
Current IBF Lightweight World Champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (Ukraine, 18 wins, 12 KOs, 3 losses) has not fought since reclaiming the world title on May 12 last year in Perth, Australia, where he scored an 11th-round TKO victory (2:49) over George Kambosos Jr. (Australia, 22 wins, 10 KOs, 3 losses). His future remains uncertain.
The IBF has mandated that Lomachenko must defend his title by October 8 (Japan time October 9). If negotiations do not progress with the winner of Abdullaev vs. Muratalla, the IBF has announced that it will issue a formal fight order on August 8 (Japan time August 9).
I’m worried about Navarrete’s condition, but I hope it turns out to be a great fight!
This article has been translated and published with permission from BOXING MASTER.
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