Navarrete vs. Suarez: Mexico and the Philippines Clash Again in San Diego

Emanuel "Vaquero" Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) is set to defend his WBO junior lightweight world title this Saturday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, taking on undefeated Filipino contender Charly Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) in the latest chapter of the historic Mexico vs. Philippines boxing rivalry.

In the co-main event, Southern California’s own Raymond Muratalla (22-0, 17 KOs) will face Russia’s Zaur Abdullaev (20-1, 12 KOs) for the vacant IBF interim lightweight title.

The main card airs live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, with undercard bouts streaming on ESPN+ beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT.

Undercard Highlights

Andres Cortes (22-0, 12 KOs) returns in a 10-round junior lightweight bout against Salvador Jimenez (14-1-1, 6 KOs) of Spain.

San Diego fan favorite Giovani Santillan (33-1, 18 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Angel Beltran (18-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight showdown.

Rising star Perla Bazaldua (1-0, 1 KO), just 19 years old, makes her Top Rank debut in a four-round junior bantamweight bout against Mona Ward (0-1).

Tickets are available now at AXS.com.

What the Fighters Had to Say:

Emanuel Navarrete:

“I showed against Valdez that I’m back to 100 percent. I’m ready to defend my title and keep moving forward. San Diego wasn’t kind to me last time, but I’m coming to change that.”

Charly Suarez:

“This fight is a blessing. I’ve waited for this moment. I’m bringing everything I’ve learned and ready to make history for the Philippines.”

Raymond Muratalla:

“I’ve been waiting for this. I’m ready to shine on Saturday. A win would mean everything to my family.”

Zaur Abdullaev:

“It’s been five years since I fought in the U.S., and now I’m back to become champion. I’ve studied Muratalla and I’m ready for war.”

Andres Cortes:

“There are levels to this. I’m here to prove I’m elite. If you’re betting, take me by knockout.”

Salvador Jimenez:

“I was born for fights like this. I’ll brawl or box—whatever it takes.”

Giovani Santillan:

“Last year was tough, personally and professionally. But I’m resilient. I’m back in San Diego and hungry for another title shot.”

Perla Bazaldua:

“Signing with Top Rank is a dream. This debut means everything, and I’m ready to show what I’ve got.”

Full Fight Card – Saturday, May 10

Main Card – ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT):

Emanuel Navarrete vs. Charly Suarez – 12 rounds, WBO Junior Lightweight Title

Raymond Muratalla vs. Zaur Abdullaev – 12 rounds, Interim IBF Lightweight Title

Undercard – ESPN+ (5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT):

Andres Cortes vs. Salvador Jimenez – 10 rounds, Junior Lightweight

Giovani Santillan vs. Angel Beltran – 10 rounds, Welterweight

Perla Bazaldua vs. Mona Ward – 4 rounds, Junior Bantamweight

Sammy Contreras vs. Dyllon Cervantes Alvarado – 4 rounds, Junior Welterweight

Albert Gonzalez vs. Ivan Guardado Jr. – 10 rounds, Featherweight

Alan Garcia vs. Cristian Medina – 8 rounds, Lightweight

Sebastian Hernandez vs. Azat Hovhannisyan – 8 rounds, Junior Featherweight