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Tonight, live from Estadio Luna Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina, long reigning Super Flyweight and formerly Flyweight WBO Champion of the world, Omar Andres “El Huracán” Narvaez (36-1-2) returns home to Argentina once again as he faces Mexican club fighter Johnny Garcia (16-3-1).
At age 37, Narvaez has had a long reign, well defending the WBO’s Flyweight title strap for nearly five years against world class contenders and then capturing the WBO Super Flyweight title months after a move up in weight, defending it impressively until now.
Fight fans should give him nothing but credit for that, but what he is known for isn’t his seven year title spree, but rather his one blemish, a dominant loss to the great Pinoy Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire over 12 rounds last October.
It was one of those momentum crushing fights as Narvaez was getting beaten up in his tight defensive guard, not even giving an effort verses the power puncher. It resulted in him being shunned by casual observers and international fight fans alike, seeing that it was his only fight outside his native Argentina and that was all he could give?
Be that as it may, Narvaez is a legit talent in the lower weight classes, holding the crown at Super Flyweight, a weaker division, while most top fighters have transferred to the Flyweight or Bantamweight classes, respectively, but he is still very impressive.
Narvaez needs to prove that he still has it. He needs to make a point that he is a legit champion and not just a seat-warmer until some of the great Flyweights move up, such as Rodel Mayol, Luis Concepcion or maybe even Tyson Marquez, who have all discussed a run at the weight. Most believe Narvaez can reaffirm his authority but Garcia says otherwise.
Johnny Garcia, still much fresher than Omar at a crisp age 23, is searching for a massive upset. And by massive, I mean very massive. The man is unknown. As far as most observers are concerned, he’s just some random Mexican pulled down for the fight.
But we do know something about Narvaez that could come to Johnny’s advantage. He doesn’t like fighters who put pressure on him. I am not saying that Garcia is one hundredth of the all around fighter that Donaire is, but he is much younger and likely much more energetic in the ring. As proved in his fight with fast rising prospect Carlos Cuadras, Garcia is not indestructible but Narvaez is no world beater either.
Narvaez needs to stay out of a war, simply boxing Garcia while being a bit defensive but not as tentative as he was with Donaire. Garcia needs to avoid all this and make it a street fight, and brawl with the champion. This will likely be the way either man can come out with the victory.
Basically, what I am noting here, is that Garcia is one of those tough Mexicans and the guy could potentially break down the older Narvaez. This is a young man’s sport; Omar is 15 years Garcia’s elder and doesn’t like pressure.
At least Garcia can say he has advantages in some areas, but in the end I think it is clear cut who is the better talent in the ring and Narvaez takes the crown here.
And should, as long as no giant mistakes are made, retain his WBO Super Flyweight title for the sixth time by dominantly outboxing Johnny Garcia over 12 rounds.
Argentinian fans may view their local hero’s fight live on TYC Sports.
