Robson Conceição (17-2, 8 KOs, 1 NC) will challenge for a world title yet again when he takes on reigning WBO super featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs). The fight takes place on the undercard of a WBC lightweight title clash between Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs) and Edwin De Los Santos (16-1, 14 KOs). ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes will air the bouts live on Nov. 16.
Conceição participated in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. It was in the 2016 edition, hosted in his native Brazil, that he finally won Olympic gold. Later that year, he signed a contract with Top Rank and has been appearing on their events ever since. Conceição first challenged for a world title against Óscar Valdez, losing via unanimous decision. His second attempt came against Stevenson himself, a fight he also lost via unanimous decision. Now, Conceição is confident that he will finally become world champion.
“I have the utmost respect for a great champion like ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete,” said Conceição following a training session. “He is a good person and a tremendous fighter and I am sure that we will have a great battle. He has something that is the thing I want most in my professional life. I’m not coming to play. I’m coming for his title. Navarrete, I’m very sorry.”
“I won my gold medal in my third Olympic Games. Now, I will win my world title in my third opportunity. I will take his title to Brazil, and it will be a bigger national celebration than when I won Olympic gold in Rio 2016. I will join the select group of Olympic champions to win a world title as a professional.”
Emanuel Navarrete-Robson Conceição details
The two super featherweights will clash on a Top Rank promoted card on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. While Conceição will look to become world champion for the first time, Navarrate will be taking part in his 13th title bout. That week will also see Formula One return to Las Vegas for the first time since 1982.
Also part of the same event is a clash for the vacant WBC lightweight title between Stevenson and De Los Santos. With a victory, Stevenson would add his name to the list of boxers who can call themselves a three-division world champion. Currently, Devin Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) holds the WBO, WBA and IBF lightweight titles.
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