Emanuel “El Vaquero” Navarrete is at 130 pounds. The newly crowned three-weight world champion has vacated the WBO featherweight belt to continue his campaign in junior lightweight. Navarrete won the 130-pound WBO belt after defeating Liam Wilson by technical knockout in the ninth round last week at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
“After thoroughly analyzing the situation with my team, we have decided to retain the WBO juniors lightweight belt,” said Navarrete. I’m very pleased with the three title defenses I’ve made in featherweight, but I also believe my future now lies in junior light. We’re chasing the big fights at 130.
“I am so grateful for the support I always receive from promoters, Top Rated and WBO. I will now proudly carry and defend my junior lightweight belt.”
The April 1 matchup between Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez and Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe, originally for the provisional title at 126 pounds, will now fill the void left by Navarrete on the card streamed on ESPN+ channel at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Ramirez, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, faces the toughest test to date in his chances of winning his first world title, while the always-rugged Dogboe will try to claim the belt at second weight class.
