Emanuel Navarrete unified the WBO and IBF super featherweight titles on Saturday night, forcing the doctor to stop his fight against Eduardo Nunez early in the 11th round at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The ringside doctor determined that Nunez’s injured right eye was too swollen to continue the fight, prompting referee Benjamin Rodriguez to stop the fight.

Navarrete improved to 40-2-1 (33 KO). Nunez dropped to 29-2 (27 KO).

Union removes arguments at 130

There was no discussion afterward. Navarrete won two belts by systematically dismantling the reigning champion until the fight could no longer safely continue.

In a weight class that has seen changes in title holders in recent seasons, the unification is removing piecemeal claims that exceeded 130 pounds.

Navarrete currently controls two of the four main belts, putting the division on his terms. The other two titles are held by Great Britain’s Jazza Dickens (WBA) and O’Shaquie Foster (WBC).

The accumulated damage forced a halt

Nunez pressed forward and focused on bodywork, but the damage around his right eye continued to worsen as the rounds progressed. During the championship stages, the swelling left little room for the doctor to continue fighting.

“It’s a sport. Sometimes it’s strenuous to see your opponent suffer, but I have to keep working,” Navarrete said later.

Sharper action

Navarrete also addressed the contrast to his previous technical decision against Charly Suarez.

“I returned to the heart and courage of being a Mexican warrior,” he said.

Afterwards, the WBO President wrote: “Welcome the King of Mexico. Navarrete unifies the WBO and IBF titles and leaves no doubt that he is the best junior lightweight champion in the world. Must-see TV! Belts matter!”

A rematch with Suarez remains a possibility, and a move for WBC ruler Foster would further consolidate the belts. Both routes now run through Navarrete.

Results below the card

welterweight: Abel Ramos def. Tahmir Smalls via split decision (96-94, 92-98, 93-97)

Super bantamweight: Arturo Cardenas AND Jordan Martinez fought to a draw (96-94, 92-98, 95-95) – WBC title in continental America

Superlight: Emiliano Vargas def. Agustin Quintana via TKO (round 9) – NABF and WBO Latin American titles

Superlight: Oscar Alvarez Guerrero def. Trini Ochoa via unanimous decision (78-74 x 2, 79-73)

Super welterweight: Hector Beltran def. Cesar Diaz via unanimous decision (3x 60-54)

bantam weight: Filip Vela def. Brayan Ramos Armenta via unanimous decision (3x 60-54)

welterweight: Rahman Muhammad def. Mitchell McFadden via TKO, round 2

About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Since 2010, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives and reported in-ring performances. Read the full biography.