Australia’s Liam Wilson is an underdog everywhere, we now know, but in the staredown.
A truth proved at Wednesday’s WBO world title press conference when Emanuel Navarrete, that superstar Mexican champion in every sense, walked towards him on stage, removed a pair of black, aviator sunnies … then looked up.
Oh, yeah, the Mexican blinked first, too.
Watch Australia’s own Liam Wilson take his shot at the WBO super-featherweight title against Emanuel Navarrete Live and Free Feb 4 on Kayo Freebies. Join now and start streaming instantly >
With those with skin in such things undoubtedly noticing that it was Wilson who, more confident on stage with that microphone in hand than ever before in his rapid rise to the top, also held his gaze longest during the face off.
Yet what appeared to buoy the Queenslander most?
His undeniable size advantage.
Understanding that while he may be an $8.50 TAB outsider for Saturday’s WBO super featherweight showdown here in Glendale, Arizona against one of Mexico’s modern day warriors, he doesn’t feel it.
Nor see it.
In fact, when asked what he saw looking into the eyes of Navarrete, a two-time world champion, for the first time this week, the 26-year-old Caboolture product replied: “I saw a smaller man in front of me”.
Saw more too.
“Throughout his career, it’s been Navarrete who has fought smaller men in smaller weight divisions,” the Queenslander continued.
“But now for the first time, he’s stepping up to a division that, I think, is too big of a leap.
“Yes, he’s an experienced fighter. Far more experienced than me.
“And I’m sure he’ll come with a good game plan.
“But he also hasn’t fought anyone with my power before. And that’s going to be a surprise for him on fight night.”
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So forget that Navarrete is the reigning WBO featherweight champ on a tear stretching over 10 years and 30 straight fights.
Or that he is also now looking to move up again and become just the 10th Mexican in history to boast world titles across three separate divisions.
Apart from Wilson being convinced his boxing ability is “superior” to his rival, the real key to him beating the odds, he says, is everything revealed in that staredown.
Officially, the Aussie underdog is 6cm taller than the champ.
And while Navarrete still, somewhat incredibly, boasts a 5cm reach advantage, the man with that Left Hook From Hell plans to make use of his size, and power, when they finally headline inside Desert Diamond Arena.
“When I hopped up on stage, I felt far more relaxed than I ever have before,” Wilson revealed of his first ever appearance in the US.
“Usually I’m fairly shy, nervous, a terrible talker.
“But for once in my life … and it makes sense, for the most important fight … I’m confident in all aspects.
“I’m here to ruin his dream.
“To ruin his plan of becoming a three division champion.”
Asked afterwards his own thoughts on the face off, Navarrete said via an interpreter: “I did notice that he’s taller.
“But we’ve worked well. There’s nothing to be worried about.”
So you’re not worried about the Australian’s power?
“No, I’m familiar with boxers who hit hard,” he said. “For me, it’s normal.”
Watch Australia’s own Liam Wilson take his shot at the WBO super-featherweight title against Emanuel Navarrete Live and Free Feb 4 on Kayo Freebies. Join now and start streaming instantly >
Jock Landale’s advice for Liam Wilson | 02:56
While the Mexican did admit to Wilson being a “dangerous” challenger, he added soon after about having “no impression” of his rival’s 11-1 record.
“I don’t really study that part of him,” Navarrete said when quizzed on the Queenslanders rapid rise to a world title.
“I know he’s a young pro, eleven or twelve fights.
“(But) I have no impression whatsoever
“There are fighters with fewer fights who have fought for world titles. So I don’t focus on that aspect.”
Elsewhere, Wilson was notably relaxed at a press conference attended by several travelling supporters – most notably his partner Courtney and children, Charlotte and Maverick.
“Which is exactly what I needed,” he said when asked about being reunited with his children.
“When I first saw their little faces two days ago, it was perfect timing.
“It reminds me why I’m doing it.
“This has been the longest I’ve ever been away from them. And while I’ve seen them numerous times on Facetime, that doesn’t cut it.”
The Aussie added that apart from his team having had prepared well for the Mexican’s unpredictable offense, he also planned to show his power “from the get go”.
“The dangerous thing with Navaratte, he’s unpredictable,” he said. “But going off past performances, he does start quite slow.
“So it’s important for me not to let him get him in his rhythm
“That’s when he gets strong.
“But it’s clear he won’t have to go looking for me and I won’t have to go looking for him.”
