CHARLY SUAREZ and his camp appear to be keen in rematching Emmanuel Navarrete for the WBO Junior Featherweight title following a controversial finish in their first bout on May 10.
The Filipino boxer was dealt a harsher blow where he sustained throughout their battle, which ended with the Mexican boxer prevailing due to a technical decision following an alleged headbutt.
Officials now confirmed that Suarez has been cleared of the claims, since the cut in Navarrete’s left forehead resulted from a clean punch. However, the referee’s ruling stood, and the latter won.
We Want A Rematch
The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) first recommended a no-contest following their investigation. However, former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson is not pleased with the outcome.
“Alam nating lahat, na-mafia tayo sa Amerika,” Singson, who is Suarez’s top backer, told the media during a press conference on Sunday in Quezon City.
“Akala ko wala ng mafia eh, pero nakita ng buong mundo nakita na walang headbutt. Dapat yun, siya ang talo. Sila ang nasugatan eh. Pero dineclare ng referee na headbutt,” he added.
Based on various reports, the CSAC will hold a hearing on June 2, and the match is expected to be reversed and ruled a no-contest. This leaves the Filipinos with another question mark.
“Tinanggal na nila [si Navarrete] sa 130kg para umakyat, at para ‘di siya tamaan nung desisyon,” Singson aired his frustration of this development.
“Ang sinasabi nila is no-contest. Nagrarason na lang sila, pero maliwanag na dinaya tayo doon. Sinuspend na raw yung referee, pero talo na tayo,” he went on to explain.
The True Champion
As always, athletes and their camp strive for a fair contest in any sport, free of controversy. Singson wants the same for Suarez, and for him to be recognized as the actual champion and winner of their match.
“Inaasahan nating lahat na mabaliktad yung desisyon, pero ang worst, ilalagay nilang no contest para hindi magkaroon ng bad record yung alaga nila,” Singson said.
“Hindi naman dapat hininto yun eh, pero alam nilang matatalo na. Overweight eh, so right then and there, tapos tinamaan pa. Alam na nilang matatalo si Navarrete eh, at alam nilang lamang sila sa scorecards.”
“Siguradong mananalo tayo kung tinuloy yun. At kung talagang may headbutt, dapat nagreklamo si Navarrete. Pero hindi nagreklamo eh, dahil hindi headbutt. Halatang daya yun,” he added.
Whatever the verdict, Singson will maintain his opinion that a rematch is required to ensure that their match is fairly resolved. If Navarrete climbs up in weight class, Suarez will continue his quest for the WBO championship.
