15.10.03 – He’s taken his time, honing his craft in the toughest professional sport in the world. Now on Saturday, November 22, Jose Navarro takes the biggest step of his pro career when he challenges highly ranked Reynaldo Hurtado (35-4-1, 27 KOs) not only for the IBA Junior Bantamweight Title, but in an official World Boxing Council elimination bout, with the winner challenging for the WBC Jurnior Bantamweight Title sometime in 2004.
“We are thrilled that the WBC recognizes Jose’s talent and is giving him this opportunity,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “The prospect of Jose fighting for the WBC Junior Bantamweight Championship within a year is extremely exciting for all of us involved with Jose.”
This bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions as part of a world title tripleheader entitled “The Night of The Aztec Warriors”, will air live on HBO Pay-Per-View from the legendary Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT. The suggested retail price for this event is $29.95. Call your local cable or digital television provider to order.
Also featured on “The Night of The Aztec Warriors” – Oscar De La Hoya’s first pay-per-view event as a promoter – will be WBC super bantamweight champion Oscar “Chololo” Larios (48-3-1, 33 KOs), who puts his belt on the line against number one contender Napapol Kiatisakchokchai (22-1, 18 KOs), and Javier Jauregui (46-10-2, 33 KOs), who challenges for his first title when he takes on perennial contender Levander Johnson (32-3-2, 25 KOs) for the vacant IBF lightweight crown. Detroit prospect Octavio Lara (3-0, 3 KOs) will also appear in a lightweight contest.
Navarro (18-0, 7 KOs), a native of East Los Angeles, has quietly snuck up on the boxing world with his slick boxing stylings and warrior’s heart. In just over two years as a pro, Navarro has risen from prospect to world title contender, and he already holds IBA Continental, NABO, and WBC Continental Americas belts, an impressive feat for the 22-year-old, who first rose to boxing prominence as a member of the 2000 US Olympic team. Navarro’s last win was on August 21, when he scored a hard-fought unanimous decision over Adonis Rivas (19-4-1, 10 KOs) in a bout televised by HBO Latino. Needless to say, the young man known as “El Angelino” is pleased with the direction his career is heading in. “As a Mexican-American it has always been a dream of mine to fight for the WBC title,” said Navarro. “I am extremely grateful that after so many years of hard work and dedication that this opportunity has been presented to me.”
Cartagena, Colombia’s Hurtado (36-4-1, 27 KOs) is currently ranked number two in the world by the WBC. Known as “The Doberman” for his tenacious style, Hurtado is currently riding a 13 fight winning streak, having been unbeaten since 1997. On November 22, he will look to show Navarro that in the fight game, there’s no substitute for experience.
An exciting off-tv undercard will be announced shortly.
Tickets for “Fiesta De La Hoya” priced at $250, $35, $25, and $15, are available at all Southern California Ticketmaster locations (www.ticketmaster.com), or by calling 213-489-5631 (Ext 13).