Junior Bantamweight Phenom Steven “Kid Dynamite” Navarro Signs with Top Rank
The 20-year-old Navarro, a native of Inglewood, California, is scheduled to make his Top Rank debut in June.
“Steven is an exceptional talent who comes from a great boxing family, and I believe he has all the tools to become a world champion,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “I can’t wait to watch his professional journey unfold.”
“My road to becoming a world champion is just beginning, and I’m ready to work hard and show the world what I’m made of,” Navarro said. “I intend to make a statement and win world titles at junior bantamweight. I believe Top Rank is the best promoter to showcase my talents. It’s been an amazing ride from being an amateur since I was nine and winning all those championships, to stopping a tough opponent in my pro debut, and now signing with the legendary Top Rank.”
“Steven has massive star potential. He’s fun to watch in the ring with masterful footwork, unexpected combinations, and excellent boxing IQ,” said Vishare Mooney, Navarro’s manager. “Outside the ring, he is very charismatic and well-liked by fans and sponsors. Guided by Top Rank, the sky’s the limit.”
Navarro (1-0, 1 KO) made his pro debut on April 6 in Las Vegas, stopping 10-fight veteran Jose Lopez in the sixth round. Lopez entered the fight on a five-bout unbeaten streak and had never been knocked out as a pro. Last December, Navarro earned a silver medal at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Lafayette, Louisiana, dropping a controversial decision in the gold medal match. His amateur accolades include a USA Youth National Championships gold medal in 2021 and silver medals at the 2021 Junior Pan American Games and 2022 USA National Championships.
Navarro comes from a long and storied boxing lineage. His uncle, Jose Navarro, represented Team USA at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and challenged for a world title four times during a decorated 33-bout career. His father and head trainer, Refugio Navarro, had 10 professional fights. Another one of his uncles, Carlos Navarro, went 27-6-1 over a nearly 11-year pro career.
Navarro said, “I have a great team, especially my dad, who’s been by my side all along. We’re about to do great things.”
