Avila Perspective, Chap. 326: Top Rank and San Diego Smoke
A few years back, I held a job at a 24-hour newsstand in Beverly Hills, where I encountered a diverse array of colorful customers.
One frequent visitor was Eva, an elderly woman who seemed to straddle the line of homelessness yet always sported lipstick. She would stop by weekly to buy a pack of menthol cigarettes. On one occasion, she inquired if I had ever visited San Diego.
When I replied “yes, many times,” she warned, “you need to be cautious of San Diego Smoke.”
This Saturday, Top Rank is set to showcase its boxing events in San Diego, a city that could very well earn the nickname “San Diego Smoke.” The highlight of the fight card features Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) as he defends his WBO super featherweight title against undefeated Filipino fighter Charly Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) at Pechanga Arena, with ESPN airing the event.
This marks Navarrete’s fourth defense of the title. In his most recent bout, he needed six rounds to defeat Oscar Valdez in a rematch. One thing is certain about Mexico City’s Navarrete: he always brings “the smoke.”
Another fighter to note is Raymond Muratalla from Fontana, California (22-0, 17 KOs), who will compete for the interim IBF lightweight title against Russia’s Zaur Abdullaev (20-1, 12 KOs) in the co-main event. Abdullaev, who was previously beaten by Devin Haney six years ago, has since racked up victories against several contenders.
When it comes to preparation, Muratalla trains at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Moreno Valley, California. This training facility acts as a boot camp, allowing him to spar with many elite fighters from the West Coast, ensuring he is well-prepared to face his opponents.
Keep an eye on Perla Bazaldua, a promising young female fighter from Los Angeles. At just 19 years old, she is trained by Manny Robles, who is cultivating a noteworthy group of female boxers. Bazaldua (1-0, 1 KO) will face Mona Ward (0-1) in a super flyweight match as part of the undercard. Top Rank is selective about signing female athletes, so her talent is clearly recognized.
Other fighters making appearances on the Top Rank card in San Diego include Giovani Santillan, Andres Cortes, and Albert Gonzalez, all set to bring an exciting atmosphere to the event.
