It’s the month of the WBO “super champion” status requests as first Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) is granted the status, and now you can add super featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) to the list of those that hold the title of “super champion.” Earlier today, the WBO announced that Navarrete’s request was reviewed and approved to become the super champion at super featherweight. For those that don’t know, Navarrete has up to 18 months to satisfy any mandatories, and if he chooses to fight for the WBO lightweight title, he could do so while not being ranked at that weight class.
In a letter sent out to the press by the WBO, it said “Having carefully reviewed and appraised the facts stated herein, having reviewed the relevant provisions, and having examined our governing rules and regulations, this Committee resolves as follows: 1. The WBO Championship Committee hereby rules as follows: The request is hereby granted to designate Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete as “WBO Super Champion” status in the WBO Jr. Lightweight Division.”
WBO World Championship Committee Resolution In the Matter of Jr. Lightweight Champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete https://t.co/G30HVho5gU
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) September 22, 2023
This move is Top Rank playing chess and positioning their fighters for the inevitable vacating of titles in the division above their current weight class. For Navarrete he is now in the position to fight for the WBO title at lightweight once current champion Devin Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) inevitably vacates the title. The number one contender for the WBO is Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs), so this sets up a fight between Stevenson and Navarrete for the WBO title as early as next year.
Navarrete is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Oscar Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) in August and will return in November to defend his title against Robson Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs). Navarrete is staying busy as activity matters, and if he is going to face Stevenson soon, a fight with Conceicao should serve as a good fight to keep him sharp. Navarrete is slowly building a Hall of Fame type of resume, and the Stevenson fight is now likely given the elevation to “super champion.”
