13.11.03 – In boxing’s storied history, many young fighters have wilted under the glare of television lights, never to be heard from again. But then there are fighters like DiBella Entertainment’s Jose Navarro, an unbeaten junior bantamweight contender who not only perform under that same glare, but excel.
“There’s pressure, but it’s a good pressure,” said DBE’s Navarro about his first featured bout on pay-per-view, November 22. “I’m excited about this opportunity I have to fight on pay-per-view.”
On Saturday, November 22, Navarro will take 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 becoming the mandatory challenger for the WBC Junior Bantamweight Title in 2004.
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. To order, contact your local cable or digital television provider.
Also featured on “The Night of The Aztec Warriors” will be 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, and 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). Detroit prospect Octavio Lara (3-0, 3 KOs) will also appear in a lightweight contest.
Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Navarro (18-0, 7 KOs) may not have received the hype afforded some of his Class of 2000 peers, but in his own calm and collected fashion he has earned the respect of the boxing world, with a combination of boxing smarts and warrior instincts. Add to this a spartan work ethic, and many believe the 22-year-old, who already holds the IBA Continental Americas, NABO, and WBC Continental Americas belts, will be the first US Olympian to earn a World Championship.
Yet for Navarro, it’s all about working hard and pleasing the fans.
“November 22 is a good opportunity for me to show the fans how much I’ve improved since my last fight,” he said. “I want to have fun that night, that’s why I’m working so hard in the gym. I’m in shape and it’s going to be a great fight.”
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.
“He’s got a good record and all Colombian fighters are always there to win and they always give good fights, so I have to be ready for that,” said Navarro of his opponent.
If past experience is any indicator, Jose Navarro will be ready for Hurtado come November 22.
In the battle for the vacant lightweight title, Guadalajara’s Javier Jauregui is looking to add a new chapter to an amazing rags to riches boxing tale. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Golden Boy Promotions, this rugged warrior (who owns two KO wins over former 135-pound champion Jose Luis Castillo) broke into the title picture with a devastating fourth round knockout of highly regarded Juan Gomez Trinidad on June 19, knocking the Puerto Rican star down four times in the process. With a win over Levander Johnson, Jauregui, who has been fighting professionally since the age of 14, will finally achieve his dream of becoming a world champion.
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).