Memo in Navarrete’s camp
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 16 Apr 2025
Don’t look now but strength and conditioning coach Angel (Memo) Heredia has joined WBO superfeatherweight ruler Emanuel Navarrete’s training camp in preparation for his defense against unbeaten Filipino Olympian Charly Suarez at the Pechanga Arena, San Diego, on May 10. It’s an indication that Navarrete, who has a reputation of dragging his feet in the gym, isn’t taking Suarez lightly.
Navarrete, 30, is making the third defense of his WBO 130-pound title. He previously held the WBO superbantamweight and WBO featherweight championships. The Mexican attempted to annex the vacant WBO lightweight throne but lost a split decision to Ukraine’s Denys Berinchyk in San Diego in May last year. It was Navarrete’s first loss in three fights in the venue where he’ll battle Suarez. Before the setback, Navarrete scrambled to defeat Brazil’s Robson Conceicao on a majority verdict in Las Vegas.
While Navarrete is known to be heavy-handed, extremely busy in letting his hands go and dangerously awkward in throwing punches from different angles, he’s not invulnerable. He’s lost twice, once to Berinchyk and once to Daniel Argueta, both on points. Navarrete has a 39-2 record, with 22 KOs, since turning pro in 2012 and compiled 33 wins in a row over a period of 11 years. His KO victims include Filipinos Mig Elorde, Jeo Santisima, Glenn Porras and Jhon Gemino.
Navarrete will mow down an opponent who stands directly in front of him. But if he’s faced against someone who moves side-to-side, slips and slides and picks and pops, the man called Vaquero will find it difficult to corral his prey. Suarez can’t afford to be flat-footed in engaging Navarrete. He’ll be too easy a target.
Heredia has worked with several Filipino fighters, including Jerwin Ancajas, Vincent Astrolabio and JohnRiel Casimero. He’s a stickler for discipline. He’ll work Navarrete hard to the bone and make sure he won’t wilt against Suarez down the stretch. “We’re locked in for May 10,” said Heredia. “Sharper, stronger and more focused than ever. Victory is ours. Team Vaquero is coming to win.”
Suarez, however, is determined to bring home the belt. Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson himself paved the way for Suarez to get a shot at the world title, calling on his friend Top Rank CEO Bob Arum to give the King’s Warrior a chance. Arum set up Suarez to show his wares in three US bouts and the 2012 London Olympian didn’t disappoint, passing every test. But Suarez’ most impressive performance came in Sydney, not on a Top Rank card, when behind on the three judges scorecards, he stopped previously unbeaten Paul Fleming in the 12th round in 2023. That had to be Divine Intervention. Suarez, a devout Christian, is praying God will be on his side when he takes on Navarrete.
Suarez, 36, made his pro debut in 2019 after a distinguished amateur career that was highlighted by three SEA Games gold medals and an Asian Games silver. He’s wily, crafty and clever. Suarez knows what it takes to win. He has the skills and the smarts to befuddle Navarrete. Suarez has never lost in 18 fights, scoring 10 KOs and doesn’t intend to stain his record when he climbs the ring for the fight of his life against the Mexican.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Jacamos fights for vacant WBC Youth World junior fly in South Africa on May 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 May 2026Lastimosa to fight for vacant PBF Youth light fly crown
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Adds Seven Wins on Day Four at 2026 Copa America
Fri, 22 May 2026Bohat fights for PBF Silver bantamweight crown
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 21 May 2026AGM Bernardino to hold chess simul in San Manuel, Tarlac
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 21 May 2026JONES VS. GUALTIERI FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
Thu, 21 May 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: From Madrid to Johannesburg – The Legacy of the WBC in South Africa
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 21 May 2026TYSON VS. MAYWEATHER EXHIBITION IS ON— TYSON BROKEN HAND PUSHES EVENT FROM SPRING TO FALL OF 2026
Thu, 21 May 2026Three Lions Promotions Building pro boxing back to Glory days in Metro Vancouver
Thu, 21 May 2026Jenn Perella shines, Bobby Laing stops Russ Kimber in 1st round
Thu, 21 May 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Gustavo Trujillo Looks to Continue his Rise in the Heavyweight Division
Thu, 21 May 2026Filipino Francisco "Django" Bustamante rules 2026 Buffalo’s Pro Classic 1 Ball One Pocket Division
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 21 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Secures Eight More Victories on Day Three of 2026 Copa America
Thu, 21 May 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 19 MAY 2026: Davis Outpoints Albright; Kuse Dethrones Jerusalem; Donovan Defeats Chukhadzhian; Hrgovic Stops Allen
By Eric Armit, Wed, 20 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Knicks Rally from 22 Points Down to Beat Cavs 115-104 in OT
By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 2026