Jonathan Navarro Targets Arnold Barboza, Backs Liam Paro Against Richardson Hitchins

Jonathan Navarro is on the rise in the junior welterweight boxing scene, and he’s got his eyes set on making a serious impact. After a long break from the ring, he’s gearing up for a big fight against Jair Valtierra in Waterford, Ireland, and he believes this is his ticket to a world title shot.

Eyeing a Fight with Barboza

Living in Buena Park, California, Navarro, who boasts an impressive record of 18 wins and 0 losses (with 9 KOs), is eager to get back in the mix. After a controversial win over Clarence Booth earlier this year, he feels this next fight is crucial for his career.

Navarro has his sights firmly set on Arnold Barboza, who is currently lined up to face Jack Catterall for the WBO’s No. 1 contender spot against Teofimo Lopez Jr. “I’ve always asked my manager for Barboza—that’s one fight I’ve always wanted,” Navarro said bluntly. He’s not holding back, calling Barboza a “boring fighter” and stating, “I don’t care if he hears it.” It’s clear Navarro is ready to shake things up.

Not only is he targeting Barboza, but he’s also got his eye on Richardson Hitchins. Navarro is confident he can handle the pressure that Hitchins struggles with. “I know Hitchins can’t take that pressure. I know I can kill that,” he declared.

Navarro’s Take on Paro vs. Hitchins

This weekend, as Navarro preps for Valtierra, he’s also closely watching the fight between Liam Paro and Richardson Hitchins in Puerto Rico. He’s got a strong feeling about how this one will go down. “I think Paro beats him,” Navarro stated, expressing doubts about Hitchins’ ability to deal with pressure in the ring.

He pointed to Hitchins’ last fight against Gustavo Lemos, where Navarro felt Hitchins came up short. “I thought he lost,” he emphasized. Navarro believes that when it comes to boxing, it’s all about the ability to handle pressure, and he thinks Paro has what it takes to come out on top.

The Power of Pressure in Boxing

Navarro’s insight into boxing strategy is spot on. He knows that fighters who apply consistent pressure can wear down their opponents, even if they appear slower. “There are a lot of fighters out there that pressure and look like slow fighters; they might look slow, but the pressure kills,” he explained.

He added, “It gets you tired, and after the third or fourth round, you’re getting tired because you can’t breathe.” This understanding of the mental and physical demands of the sport highlights why Navarro believes pressure can make or break a fight.

He’s got high hopes for a future showdown with Paro, calling it a “head-on fight” that he would love. “I grew up watching that type of fighting,” he shared, showcasing his passion for the sport.