By David Finger at ringside
Photos: Sumio Yamada

Mandatory challenger Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (25-1, 22 KOs) battered and dethroned previously unbeaten WBO junior featherweight champion Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe (20-1, 14 KOs) taking a twelve round unanimous decision on Saturday night at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The taller Navarrete took the fight to Dogboe over the first half of the bout, but Dogboe came back after Navarrete injured his right hand. Navarrete had a big round ten, rocking Dogboe, and dominated the rest of the fight. Scores were 115-113, 116-112, 116-112.

“I thank Dogboe for this opportunity,” Navarrete said. “This world championship represents every day that I was working away from my family. This title represents sacrifice. I injured my right hand early in the fight, but I had the desire to be a champion and I did everything necessary to get the title, and I am very happy and proud to achieve this goal of being the world champion.”

Said Dogboe: “It was a great fight, and Emanuel Navarrete fought like a true Mexican warrior. Champions are supposed to keep going under any circumstance, but I just couldn’t get the victory. The best man won tonight.”

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