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The top super flyweight in the world returns to action tonight as Omar Andres Narvaez puts his WBO crown at risk for the ninth time, facing the challenge posed by Mexico’s David Carmona at Villa La Nata Sporting Club in Benavidez, Argentina.
Narvaez, 40-1-2 (21), is two fights removed from the stiffest challenge to his reign, a difficult split decision victory over the Nacho Beristain trained Felipe Orucuta, a towering Mexican who forced Narvaez into the unusual position of fighting off the backfoot in May of this year.
“El Huracan” bounced back in August to stop Japan’s Hiroyuki Hisataka, who’s porous defense allowed the southpaw to record only the second stoppage over his past eleven appearances.
In the opposite corner this evening in Benavidez is David Carmona, 16-1-4 (8), just 21 years of age from Mexico City, who currently holds the WBO Youth title.
Carmona is unbeaten over his last 14 bouts including his most recent outing, a wide points victory over previously undefeated prospect Antonio Tostado Garcia but will be taking a giant step up in competition when he faces 27 world title fight veteran Narvaez.
Given Carmona’s inexperience and the fact that he was on the canvas twice last year against heavy-handed novice Angel Rosales, on paper this looks to be a landslide form Narvaez.
But, the Cordoba resident is now 38 years old and Carmona will have the huge stamina advantage enjoyed by a fighter half the age of Narvaez and that could be the a major point in this fight.
Carmona is also very quick, with good reflexes, footwork and fundamental skills, possessing a good left hook and countering skills.
He’ll likely follow the Orucuta plan and press Narvaez, seeking to wear down the old master. Narvaez likes to come forward with hands held high, looking to draw punches for opportunities to lunge in with looping right hooks and left power shots.
This approach makes him susceptible to taking body shots and if Carmona can sustain a committed attack to this area over the first half of the bout, Narvaez could be ripe for the taking if Carmona can put on a lot of pressure for the rest of the contest.
But Narvaez is very crafty and will likely seek to take away Carmona’s confidence early by relentlessly attacking the challenger from odd angles. If Carmona can’t solve this strategy, he won’t be walking out of Benavides with the WBO belt around his waist.
