FRUSTRATION continues to grow in the camp of Filipino boxer Charly Suarez, as the no-contest ruling for his bout against WBO super-featherweight Emmanuel Navarrete has now been officially upheld.
As anticipated, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) reversed Navarrete’s technical decision win over Suarez to a no-contest on Tuesday (Philippine Time), with a potential rematch for the title now on the horizon.
The decision followed a review of the fight footage, which showed Suarez landing a clean punch above Navarrete’s left eyebrow, resulting in a severe, bleeding cut that ended the match earlier.
However, referee Edward Collantes deemed it a headbutt, awarding the champion a unanimous decision after the fight was halted early in round eight. Had it been ruled a punch, Suarez could have claimed a TKO victory.
A Frustrating Sight
Clearly, Suarez and his team are definitely unhappy with the outcome, as it wasn’t what they had hoped for. Even so, former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson intends to honor the decision.
“We will abide by the decision. At least, hindi man si Charly ang declared na winner, binawi din ang panalo kay Navarrete,” Singson said in a statement on Tuesday, standing as the manager of the Filipino boxer.
Following the match, their team submitted a letter to the CSAC challenging the result of the bout at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, hoping for a favorable decision that would award the win to the 36-year-old Filipino.
“It’s not the decision that we wanted and what Charly deserved,” added Singson. “We still believe na nadaya si Charly.”
Ready to Rock and Roll
The WBO has mandated an immediate rematch, and Top Rank Promotions aims to hold it “in a timely manner,” with Navarrete sidelined under medical suspension until July 9 due to a significant cut above his eyebrow from the bout.
Singson stated that Suarez—a three-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and 2016 Rio Olympian—will certainly be prepared for a rematch with Navarrete.
“We will prepare for the rematch. Charly wants the rematch. The fans want to see that happen. Anytime, anywhere tayo,” the 83-year-old Singson boldly claimed.
Now that the ruling on the controversial bout has been finalized, Suarez remains undefeated at 18-0 with 10 knockouts, while Navarrete holds a 39-2-1 record, including 32 wins by knockout.
