Emanuel Navarrete stops Eduardo Nunez, unifies IBF and WBO titles

The stoppage leaves Navarrete with two belts at 130 pounds and solidifies his position in the title picture.

The injury started in the fifth round when Navarrete stepped in behind the jab and followed with straight right and left hooks that snapped Nunez’s head back. As the rounds wore on, he continued to hit the same spot and place shots with accuracy rather than swinging wide. Between rounds, the angle worked on the damage, but each exchange opened it up again. Before the eleventh, the doctor took a long look and advised the referee to wave it away.

Navarrete controlled series early. He worked behind the jab, keeping his front foot outside and setting his feet before letting combinations go. He mixed short uppercuts inside and hooks as Nunez ducked low. The stitch sets series and sets the pace. The right hand followed.

Nunez had to come in and work the body. He had brief moments when he slipped low and tried to answer with hooks, but he couldn’t hold position long enough to build any rhythm. When he tried to punch at the same time, Navarrete’s length and timing beat him to the punch. The cleaner shots and steadier work rate belonged to the champion.

Navarrete’s work rate and sharper hitting separated him.

By the later rounds, Nunez’s face was showing the buildup. His output was down, his right side was badly swollen, and he was reacting to feints rather than starting. He protested the strike, but he was taking flush shots and the cut worsened under each exchange.

Navarrete improves his record to 40-2-1 with 33 knockouts and leaves the ring with two belts at super featherweight. With the IBF now next to the WBO strap, he stands in position for commitments on both tracks and remains central to any further unification talks at 130 pounds.