Filipino challenger Juan Miguel Elorde and Mexican champion Emanuel Navarrete finally came face-to-face on Thursday (Friday in Manila) in Las Vegas where their World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-bantamweight title fight takes place on Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila).
“We did the best preparation of my career and have studied Navarrete well. We know how to exploit his flaws, and utilize our strengths,” said Elorde, the massive underdog,” during a press conference.
Navarrete likewise expressed confidence that the WBO crown won’t change hands during a time when Mexicans are celebrating their Independence Day.
Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank added the Navarrete-Elorde showdown to spice up the card since Navarrete haw started to gain a lot of following.
For Elorde (28-1 with 15 KOs), this will be his first time to vie for a world title and it will come against a known puncher in Navarrete (28-1 with 24 KOs).
Navarrete, though heavily favored, insists he is not looking past the largely untested Elorde.
“This opponent is very difficult, a Filipino of high level, but I come psyched, highly trained and motivated to defend my championship in Las Vegas on this special date,” said Navarrete.
“The fans will see a great fight and we will take back the title to Mexico and show Mexican pride,” added the 24-year-old Navarrete, who is eight years younger. (Nick Giongco)
