Navarrete stops Nunez to unify IBF and WBO super-featherweight titles

Emanuel Navarrete produced a dominant display to stop fellow Mexican Eduardo Nunez and unify the IBF and WBO super-featherweight titles.

The 31-year-old outclassed his compatriot throughout the contest before the ringside doctor halted the action prior to the 11th round.

Navarrete’s victory at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, marked the 40th win of his decorated 43-fight professional career.

It also brought an abrupt end to Nunez’s impressive 19-bout winning streak.

Doctor steps in after punishment

Navarrete controlled the early tempo before landing significant damaging shots in the ninth round.

Those heavy blows forced the medical officials to inspect the challenger for the first time as the damage began to mount.

Following another one-sided showing from the three-weight world champion in round 10, Nunez was deemed unable to continue due to a severely swollen right eye.

“It’s difficult to see your opponent hurting in there, but it’s also really difficult to not continue and go on to win the fight,” said Navarrete.

“You never know what might happen in those last rounds.”

“He could catch you with a shot and it could be over, so I needed to continue doing my work.”

Unification path continues

Having added the IBF strap to his existing WBO crown, the path is now open for further major bouts in the division.

WBC super-featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster stands as a potential option for the unified king to face next.

WBA title holder Lamont Roach could also provide an opportunity for Navarrete to add more hardware to his collection.