Emanuel Navarrete vs. Eduardo Baez: Navarrete wins by sixth round knockout

Final Update: Navarrete wins by sixth-round knockout after a left body shot to Baez. KO-6.

The heavyweight division is in the spotlight Saturday afternoon, but the featherweight division gets the late night slot on ESPN. Emanuel Navarrete puts his WBO title on the line against Eduardo Baez in San Diego. The prelims get underway at 6:30 p.m. ET, and the main card starts at 10 p.m. The main event will likely get started late in the 11 p.m. hour. The fight will air on ESPN and via live stream at ESPN+.

Navarrete is making his third defense of the title and is a huge favorite against Baez at DraftKings Sportsbook. Navarrete is -1400 to win, while Baez is +700. The favored fight outcome is Navarrete by stoppage at -105 followed by a Navarrete decision at even money. A Baez decision is +1100, and a Baez stoppage is +1800.

We’ll provide live updates during the bout with round-by-round scoring until we have a winner.

Emanuel Navarrete vs. Eduardo Baez round-by-round results

Round 1: 10-9 Baez

The fighters start trading lefts for the first minute of this fight. Nobody can land one clean as they are just scouting out their opponents. Navarrete throws a heavy left out of nowhere, but Baez blocks it. Baez can connect a left as Navarrete is looking for power punches early. Baez works the body, and Navarrete lands a strong left, which Baez counters with a left of his own. You can tell Navarrete has the power, but Baez landed more shots in the first round.

Round 2: Baez 10-9, 20-18

Baez comes out swinging and lands several body punches. He backs Navarrete down to the ropes and continues connecting to the body. Navarrete comes firing off the ropes, but Baez counters. Baez continues working the body and is dodging more effectively. He is ahead for me now, but you can tell Navarrete only needs one or two big shots to end this one at any time.

Round 3: Baez 10-9, 30-27

Baez is working well and landing several punches, but there isn't much power behind them. Navarrete is going for uppercuts but is missing them. Baez connects a straight right. He lands three left body shots in a row and a hook. This angered Navarrete, who fires back for his best combo so far. They exchange uppercuts.

Round 4: Baez 10-9, 40-36

The announcers are saying that it looks like Navarrete has ring rust. Baez is sticking to his game plan to attack the body of Navarrete. Finally Navarrete shows signs of life this round, landing a strong combo, but Baez returns to the body. The fighters exchange blows, but you can tell that Navarrete has more behind them. The first round was pretty close, but I really think Baez has taken the last three (including this one).

Round 5: Baez 10-9, 50-45

Navarrete is looking frustrated about there. Baez is sticking to his game plan and is keeping good distance from Navarrete. The champ lands a solid right but can’t follow it up. Baez connects with a strong straight left that caught Navarrete off guard. Navarrete landed a body blow of his own and showed more promise this round, he needs to follow that up next round and get out of this funk it looks like he is in.

Round 6: KO-6

Navarrete meets Baez in the middle of the ring and continues to miss the big shot. Baez works the body, and the champ counters. The fighters are near the ropes, and then BAM. Out of nowhere, Navarrete connects on a big body shot, and it drops Baez. He can’t continue, and this one is over. Throw out the scorecards because this one is going to read KO.