Emanuel Navarrete vs. Christopher Diaz: fight prediction, cards, odds, start time, how to watch

Emanuel Navarrete is somehow pushing back the fighters of yesteryear. Unlike most world-class title fighters, Navarette is very active, fighting 11 times since 2018. Despite that activity, Navarette will play for the first time since October Saturday night against former title challenger Christopher Diaz. From the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida (22:00 ET, ESPN).

Navarret (32-1, 27 KOs) won his first world championship in December 2018, defeating Isaac Dogboe in the WBO weight bantamweight. He would successfully defend the title next year against Dogboe in the first defenses of four 2019 titles. A further defense of the title would continue until the start of 2020 before Navarret went on to be a featherweight, in a decision that won the then-empty WBO title in a win over Ruben Villa.

Navarrete’s biggest blow during his time as champion was that, despite his admirable level of activity, he has struggled in almost every title defense that has been one step below the top level. The victories against Dogboe and Villa were strong, but there has not been much depth in Navarrete’s curriculum beyond those victories. Add to that the fact that Navarret almost gave away the victory to Villa, which was two eliminations for Navarrete to make up the difference in the fight.

Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs) fought Masayuki Ito in 2018 for the WBO super featherweight, who unanimously decided he showed a lot of heart in a fight but largely overcame the jump. The loss established Diaz somewhat in the sport, as he is a skilled fighter close to the “second tier” of boxing. With that in mind, Diaz placed himself in the role of “opponent” in the face of rising Shakur Stevenson, giving Stevenson 10 solid experiences while losing a wide-ranging decision.

After winning a couple of times against the lower-level opposition, Diaz has another chance to become world champion, although it’s great to ask him to take the title from Navarrete.

Navarrete vs Diaz card, odds

Viewing information

• Day: April 24
• Location: Silver Spurs Arena – Kissimmee, Florida
• Start time: 22:00 ET
• How to view: ESPN | Stream: fuboTV (try it for free)

Forecast

Diaz is a skilled fighter anywhere but at the world title level. He still has significant skills, a good jab and the ability to deal well. These skills are offset by the fact that Diaz will have to work at a disadvantage of the last eight inches. Navarrete is a boxing fan’s dream in both activity and fighting style, but it’s not unique. Villa’s fight was a very close call-up as Navarret failed to make it to the finish line after the first two rounds worked with Villa himself and allowed him to close the fight. Still, Navarret surpasses the Diaz-level boys. What would he do against the better 126-pound fighters? Let’s find out one day. Selection: Emanuel Navarrete via UD