Emanuel Navarrete vs Eduardo Nunez all-Mexican unification fight nears – one potential stumbling block

The super featherweight division continues to produce many talented fighters and has fascinating potential unification fights. Dan Rafael has reported via his Fight Freaks Unite Substack that a potential unification clash between IBF champion Eduardo Nunez and WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete is on the verge of happening.

Emanuel Navarrete and Eduardo Nunez near unification clash

Eduardo Nunez (29-1, 27 KOs) was last seen coming through a storm, but scoring two knockdowns against Christopher Diaz, ultimately winning by unanimous decision to retain his IBF super featherweight title. After hearing the judges’ scorecards of 116-110, and 117-109 x2, “Sugar” was joined in the ring by Top Rank fighter Navarrete for a teasing face-off.

Matchroom, which co-promotes Nunez, and Top Rank, who promote Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs), are said to be in talks to make this fight. There is one potential stumbling block: Top Rank needing approval from their other fighter, Charly Suarez, who is the mandatory to face Navarrete once again.

The fight appears close to being made, with it likely to land as early as January, but certainly in the first quarter of 2026, as revealed by Dan Rafael.

Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti told Fight Freaks Unite from the WBO’s annual convention in Bogota that: “There’s been ongoing discussion with Matchroom about the fight. We have to deal with a mandatory and get that worked out, which will determine if the fight gets made.” 

Moretti was at the WBO convention to gain approval for the bout, assuming Suarez agrees to step aside. The WBO agreed to approve the contest should Suarez step aside. Top Rank now have 15 days to make a deal with Suarez and Matchroom.

Emanuel Navarrete vs Charly Suarez controversy

Navarrete vs Suarez ended in a controversial eight-round no-contest in May this year.

“Vaquero” was initially declared the winner by technical decision. He sustained a nasty cut over his left eye, with the referee stopping the fight on advice of the ringside physician. The Mexican was ultimately declared the winner 78-75, 77-76, and 77-76.

Suarez disputed the accidental headbutt ruling as the replays seemed to show the cut came from a Suarez left hand. The Filipino fighter appealed to the California State Athletic Commission and was successful, with the result overturned to a no contest, with the WBO ordering an immediate rematch, leading us to the present day.

Emanuel Navarrete and Eduardo Nunez are both exciting come forward fighters, who carry plenty of power. Both are vulnerable and will not take a backward step. It’s a potentially great unification bout, and one that should provide plenty of fireworks.