Suarez-Navarrete Fight May End Without a Winner

ANOTHER controversial boxing match has made headlines in the community, with the outcome of the bout between Philippines’ Charly Suarez and Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete set to change dramatically. 

On Saturday, the Filipino boxing community was disappointed by the bout’s outcome, as Suarez missed out on the World Boxing Organization super-featherweight world title owing to a controversial verdict.

The fight was called off after seven rounds because Navarrete was bleeding and had a cut over his left eye from what was initially thought to be an accidental clash of heads in the sixth round. 

Given that premise, the outcome was determined by the scorecards at the time of the pause, which showed Navarrete ahead of Suarez by 77-76, 77-76, and 78-75. Now, a shocking development has occurred.

What’s The Decision?

As per BoxingScene, a trusted boxing news and information outlet, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) will declare the match, in which Navarrete retained his title, a no-contest. 

Following a careful examination of the match, CSAC determined that the Mexican boxer’s cut on his left brow was not caused by a headbutt, but rather by a blow from Suarez, which caused him to bleed profusely.

If that had been the verdict made after the match was stopped, Suarez would have won the WBO title via technical knockout. 

Referee Edward Collantes initially determined that the cut was caused by an unintended headbutt, and video replay official Jack Reiss stated that there was insufficient evidence to reverse the official’s verdict.

Possible Rematch?

Meanwhile, BoxingScene claimed that the CSAC’s call to convert the judgment to a no-contest will result in a rematch ordered by the WBO, which both fighter embrace.

“He would be a great opponent. He is a great opponent. So a rematch would be good,” Navarette said of Suarez, who proved to be worthy opponent as shown by how they battled each other out.

Despite the tragic outcome of a hard-fought battle, Suarez remains hoping for another chance at the crown. He cited how entertaining the match against his Mexican opponent had been.

“I thought I had a chance to win the fight. I had five more rounds to try to win if the bout hadn’t been stopped. I respect Navarrete because he’s a good boxer, and he’ll give me a chance to rematch after a fight that was entertaining,” he said.

“I’m sad, but I have the hope they will give me another chance. Maybe next time,” he went on to say.

Carl Moretti, Top Rank Vice President of Operations, stated immediately following the fight that he will push for a rematch, according to reports. With that behind him, Suarez will strive to replicate or outperform what he did to win the title.