Charly Suarez and Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete  face off at their weigh in | Photo courtesy Top Rank BoxingSAN DIEGO – The storied boxing rivalry between Mexico and the Philippines returns to the spotlight this Saturday, May 11, as Mexican star Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete defends his WBO junior lightweight world title against undefeated Filipino contender and former Olympian Charly Suarez at Pechanga Arena San Diego.

Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs), a three-division world champion, looks to bounce back in San Diego after losing his previous fight there in a bid for a lightweight title. Now back at 130 pounds, Navarrete is determined to keep his belt and continue his championship run.

“We know what happened the last time I was in San Diego. We did not get the victory. We lost against Denys Berinchyk in our attempt to win a title at 135 pounds. But now, defending at 130 pounds, we want to let the people know I’m ready to move forward with my career,” said Navarrete during Thursday’s press conference.

“I prepared for a great fight. We know that Suarez is coming for my title. So I want a great fight so everyone can see I’m ready to continue on the path of victory,” he added.

“My performance against Oscar Valdez was my way of showing that I’m now at 100 percent. There’s no doubt about that now. So, all we have to do is prepare well to achieve my goals,” said Navarrete. “We have to defend my title first. We’re going to work hard and take the title home. After, we’ll see if I stay at 130 or move up again.”

Charly Suarez and Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete  face off at their weigh in | Photo Courtesy Top Rank Boxing

Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs), who represented the Philippines in the 2016 Rio Olympics, brings with him a decorated amateur career and a perfect professional record. The Davao native has long been considered one of the country’s top boxing technicians and is now fighting in the biggest bout of his life.

“I prayed for this fight. And here it is. The opportunity has come, and I have taken it. And we won’t lose,” Suarez said.

“I’m bringing all my amateur experience into this fight. This is it. The world title shot is here, so I’m ready and I’m excited for the fight on Saturday.”

“This is a good opportunity for me to represent my country and to show the world that Filipinos are good at boxing and that Filipinos and Mexicans put on great fights,” Suarez added.

The official weigh-in on Friday confirmed both fighters made weight: Navarrete at 130 lbs. and Suarez at 129.9 lbs. This amidst Navarrete initially did not make the weight and came back less than two hours later to make weight.

The world title fight headlines a card promoted by Top Rank, airing LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

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

The undercard, streaming on ESPN+ from 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT, includes:

    •    Andres Cortes (22-0, 12 KOs) vs. Salvador Jimenez (14-1-1, 6 KOs) in a junior lightweight bout

    •    San Diego’s own Giovani Santillan (33-1, 18 KOs) vs. Mexico’s Angel Beltran (18-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight clash

    •    19-year-old junior bantamweight prospect Perla Bazaldua (1-0, 1 KO) makes her Top Rank debut against Mona Ward (0-1)