Emanuel Navarrete set to return to the ring in August 24.
3KingsBoxing has learned WBO super bantamweight champion Emanuel Navarrete (27-1, 23KO) returns August 24 to make the second title defense against #11 ranked Francisco De Vaca (20-0, 6KO).
Top Rank/ESPN will air the bout.
Navarrete burst onto the boxing scene on December 8, 2018 when he pounded Isaac Dogboe en route to an upset decision to capture the WBO title.
Subsequently, his first defense was an immediate rematch. It was well enough the 24 year-old from Mexico City defeated Dogboe again. However, he also improved in the return bout by stopping his foe in the twelfth round.
The undefeated De Vaca currently ranks 11th with the WBO. The upcoming fight represents a huge step up in class.
He resides in Phoenix where he’s fought all but one of his professional bouts. A look at his resume suggests he may not be ready for the likes of the power-punching champion.
The best known opponent is former world bantamweight title challenger Christian Esquivel.
De Vaca’s resume is severely lacking when it comes to quality opposition. When searching for video of the 24 year-old fighter, the only known footage available is him engaging in some amateur bouts, as well short clips of him shadow-boxing in the gym!
On paper, this looks to be little more than a stay busy, relatively easy title defense for Navarrete against a very nondescript foe.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
