WBO featherweight world champion Emanuel "Vaquero" Navarrete says he does not pay attention to the recent statements from his upcoming opponent, Puerto Rico's Christopher Diaz.

The contest will take place on April 24 at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida.

Diaz has maintained that he has the ideal fight plan to neutralize the Mexican champion. However, Navarrete has downplayed these comments.

“I've tried to keep my distance because I respect Diaz. I avoid trying to heat things up and I think it should be to keep my focus on the fight. I am in the part of the preparation where I am cutting weight. I feel anxious for the weigh-in moment to come and then head to the fight,” shared Navarrete (32-1, 27 KOs) to Carlos Gonzalez.

Navarrete will defend his title for the first time. He won the belt last October when he beat Ruben Villa by unanimous decision and intends to retain it against Diaz.

"We are about to close the camp to focus on losing the pounds and before flying to Kissimmee (Florida) to acclimatize, participate in the press conference, the weigh-in and the fight," the champion said.

Navarrete, 26-years-old, pointed out that being agile within the ring will be the key to beating Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs).

“It is one of the strengths that I have to improve. It will be essential to beat Diaz. I'm working on it to get there in the best possible shape," he said.

Navarrete mentioned that staying isolated as a protective measure to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus has been arduous.

“I think it has been almost two months away from home. Counting a month that I was locked up, it's already been three months working and taking care of myself. I want to fight, to finish my commitment to take a break. It has been very strong. During the entire time of my preparation I have been stressed not to acquire the virus. We will take care of ourselves for the next few days to avoid complications," Navarrete said.