Catching Up with Jose Navarro

In the latest of a series of progressively tougher fights, unbeaten junior bantamweight contender Jose Navarro (17-0, 7 KOs) faces his biggest test Thursday night when he tackles two-time world champion Adonis Rivas (19-3-1, 10 KOs) at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. This 12 rounder, to be fought for Navarro's NABO crown, is the main event of HBO Latino's "Oscar De La Hoya Presents Boxeo De Oro", which will air at 10pm ET / PT.

How does Navarro break down this week's fight?

You're fighting two-time world champion Adonis Rivas Thursday. Have you seen any tape on him, and what are you expecting from him?

I haven't seen any tapes of him, but my trainer has, and he's told me about his style and what type of fighter he is. I know he's got a lot of experience. He's been a world champion. I know he throws a lot of punches and moves forward. He's a tough fighter who just doesn't give up. He keeps fighting and he has a good chin, so we're in for a tough fight.

Are there any mental adjustments you have to make when you lift up your level of competition to someone who is a former world champion? Do you have to prepare yourself any differently?

I was in camp for a whole month and I worked hard for this fight. He is an ex-world champion and he has the experience to be a good fighter and give me a good fight. That's why I went up to camp. My preparation was good and I feel good about myself coming into this fight.

This is your third fight on HBO Latino. Do you notice any difference in terms of people noticing you on the street and things like that?

A lot more people recognize me now, and it feels good. I'm trying to work myself up to become a world champion so that more people can recognize me, and maybe I can work myself up to becoming a pay-per-view fighter.

Are you comfortable with all that attention?

I like it. That's what I work for, to be recognized as a good fighter. I like the attention and I think it motivates me to become a better fighter.

Did you watch the recent Mark Johnson - Fernando Montiel title fight, and what were your thoughts on it?

I watched the fight. They're both good fighters, and Too Sharp fought a smart fight. Those are the type of fighters that I have to fight down the road. That's why I'm fighting Adonis Rivas. These are the type of fighters I have to fight to get up to that level. Each fight is going to get tougher. I want to be a world champion and fight the best to prove myself.

In the back of your mind were you thinking I hope Johnson wins because he's the bigger name, and therefore the bigger money fight for you down the line?

I didn't look at it that way, I just see him as a good fighter, and someone I would like to fight because of that. All these fighters are good - Montiel is still a good fighter. He lost the fight but he's still somebody to look out for. All these fighters that are winning titles, I give them a lot of credit. But the payday, it wouldn't hurt. (Laughs) I'd love to fight him and get paid well.

Do you watch what your teammates from the 2000 Olympic team are doing, and how do you feel you fit in with them?

I feel good about myself. I wasn't being credited for what I was doing, and now that there's more attention being given to me, it feels good. Jermain Taylor and Jeff Lacy are good fighters, and being up there with them makes me feel good. Hopefully I am the first world champion from the group, but those are my buddies and I wish them the best of luck as well. I know how hard they work and they deserve to be world champions as well. I support them, I watch their fights, and I'm rooting for them.

Have you thought about the day you win the world title?

That's something I'm looking forward to and I picture myself doing that. But I like to take it one step at a time, and right now I'm focused on the next fight. If I win this fight I'll be ranked high in the WBC and I have to take care of business Thursday night. It's going to be a tough fight for me because of the fighter I'm going up against, but I do picture myself becoming a world champion. That's why I work hard, to accomplish that.

Would you like to win it in Los Angeles?

That would be great. It would be the best place to win it, in my hometown.