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.
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