Navarrete vs. Suarez: A New Chapter in Mexico-Philippines Boxing Rivalry

The storied boxing rivalry between Mexico and the Philippines continues as Mexican three-division champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete defends his WBO junior lightweight title against undefeated Filipino challenger Charly Suarez on Saturday, May 10, at Pechanga Arena San Diego.

The co-main event features a clash for the interim IBF lightweight world title between Southern California’s Raymond Muratalla and Russia’s Zaur Abdullaev.

Navarrete-Suarez and Muratalla-Abdullaev will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Tickets, promoted by Top Rank, go on sale Friday, March 28, at 12 p.m. PT via AXS.com.

“San Diego is an incredible fight town, and we are excited to return with Emanuel Navarrete, one of Mexico’s great champions,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Charly Suarez is a determined, undefeated contender who has an entire nation supporting him. Raymond Muratalla is a top-tier lightweight, but Abdullaev is on an impressive winning streak. This will be a night of great fights.”

Navarrete Seeks Redemption

Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) returns to the scene of one of his toughest setbacks. Last May at Pechanga Arena, he moved up in weight to fight for the WBO lightweight title but suffered a split-decision loss to Denys Berinchyk. Back at 130 pounds, Navarrete looked dominant in his last bout, stopping Oscar Valdez in six rounds last December. This will be his 16th world title fight since shocking Isaac Dogboe in 2018 to claim the WBO junior featherweight belt.

“I’m at a new stage in my career, and I’m motivated for another title defense,” Navarrete said. “Suarez is undefeated for a reason, and I respect his skills. But I owe the San Diego fans a win, and on May 10, I’ll deliver.”

Suarez Eyes History

Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs), a former Olympian, has made waves in the pro ranks. In March 2023, he stunned Paul Fleming with a 12th-round stoppage in Australia, earning a contract with Top Rank. Since then, he’s racked up three wins in the U.S., including a knockout over Jorge Castañeda last September. If victorious, he would join Melvin Jerusalem and Pedro Taduran as the Philippines’ reigning world champions.

“I am grateful for this opportunity,” Suarez said. “Navarrete is a monster, but I believe I am better. On May 10, I will prove it.”

Muratalla and Abdullaev Clash for Interim Lightweight Title

Muratalla (22-0, 17 KOs), fighting out of Fontana, California, has steadily risen through the lightweight ranks. His recent victories include a knockout of Jeremia Nakathila and a decision win over former world champion Tevin Farmer. Last November, he stopped Jesus Perez in two rounds to earn this title shot.

“I’ve worked my whole life for this,” Muratalla said. “Abdullaev is tough, but I’m ready. Winning this title will mark the beginning of my era.”

Abdullaev (20-1, 12 KOs) has won nine straight fights since his 2019 loss to Devin Haney. His impressive run includes stoppages of Jorge Linares and Roman Andreev, as well as decision wins over Dejan Zlatičanin and Roger Gutierrez.

“I’m coming to America to take this belt,” Abdullaev declared. “Muratalla is a top contender, but I have the skills to win.”

Undercard Action

The ESPN+ undercard will feature local favorite Giovani Santillan (33-1, 18 KOs) taking on Angel Beltran (18-2-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout. Santillan, looking to rebuild after a TKO loss last May, rebounded with a first-round knockout in December. Beltran, from Mexicali, Mexico, recently stopped Jose Quintero Velarde in three rounds.

With a mix of rising stars and world-class talent, May 10 promises to be an action-packed night for boxing fans.