March 30 ------ Charly Suarez finally got his date with destiny as he is set to challenge reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete on May 10 at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego.
A late bloomer in terms of his professional boxing career but nonetheless already brimming with experience especially in the amateur ranks, the 36-year-old 2016 Olympian is hoping to take full advantage of his shot at winning a world title belt. “Ito na yung pagkakataon ko. Yung sa Olympics kasi hindi ko nakuha. So kung anuman yung mga natutunan ko doon, dito ko na ia-apply,” said Suarez who is the WBO ranked No. 1 fighter while boasting a perfect 18-0 record with 10 knockouts.
The pride of San Isidro, Davao del Norte, however, is coming in as a huge underdog against the three-time world champion from Mexico. Navarrete, (39-2-1, 32 KOs), is on his first title defense of the WBO strap which he won via a sixth-round conquest of Oscar Valdez in their rematch.
The 30-year-old champion said he’s fired up for the match against Suarez especially since the last time he fought at the Pechanga Arena, he suffered an upset split decision loss to Denys Berinchyk, denying him the then vacant WBO lightweight belt. “This fight motivates me. Suarez is undefeated and dangerous. He’s ranked No. 1 in the world for a reason. He’s exactly the kind of challenge that fuels me,” said Navarrete in a report. “I owe the fans in San Diego a win, and on May 10, I’ll settle that debt with a dominant victory,” he added.
Suarez’s world title bid was made possible by his backer former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson who had a hand in the negotiation with Top Rank chief Bob Arum.
Source: mb.com.ph
Comments