Navarrete vs. Conceicao Ends in Thrilling Draw Despite Navarrete's Knockdowns
In a high-stakes showdown on the undercard of the Stevenson-De Los Santos bout, Emanuel Navarrete and Robson Conceicao delivered an action-packed 12-round battle that ultimately culminated in a majority draw. Despite Navarrete's impressive feat of dropping Conceicao twice during the fight, judges Max De Luca and Chris Flores scored the bout evenly at 113-113, acknowledging Conceicao's dominance in seven rounds. Judge Don Trella's 114-112 scorecard in favor of Navarrete wasn't enough to secure a victory, resulting in Navarrete retaining his WBO junior lightweight title. The Mexican champion, Navarrete, showcased his resilience after a slow start, rallying from a sluggish opening to deliver two knockdowns against a resilient Conceicao. The Brazilian challenger exhibited tremendous courage and durability, weathering Navarrete's power punches after hitting the canvas in the fourth and seventh rounds. Despite being on the verge of a stoppage at times, Conceicao valiantly persevered, making it to the final bell commendably. Despite Navarrete's favored status, marked by a 10-1 betting odds, Conceicao's skillful boxing troubled the unconventional Navarrete throughout the bout. The 35-year-old Conceicao, though slipping to 0-2-1 in junior lightweight title fights, showcased his resilience and strategy, particularly in the latter rounds. The action-packed 12th round proved crucial as all three judges favored Conceicao's performance, leading to the majority draw outcome, overturning his prior deficit on the scorecards. Both fighters displayed grit and determination in an encounter that saw shifts in momentum and thrilling exchanges, leaving the decision to the judges' discretion. Despite the draw verdict, the match served as a testament to both fighters' tenacity, showcasing Navarrete's power and Conceicao's resilience in a closely contested battle that captivated fans at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
