Suarez unfazed by switch
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 20 Sep 2024
WBO No. 3/IBF No. 5 superfeatherweight Charly Suarez wasn’t surprised that Andres Cortez backed out of their scheduled 10-round fight at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, tonight (tomorrow morning, Manila time). Former WBC International Silver superfeatherweight champion Jorge Castaneda was picked as a late substitute for Cortez to engage Suarez. The match is for the vacant WBO International superfeatherweight crown and a win will put Suarez closer to a world title shot.
“By God’s grace and His will, gawin ko ang lahat para manalo,” said Suarez. “Nag-back out bigla si Cortez after ng sparring ko sa Wild Card Gym.” The highly-touted Cortez, unbeaten like Suarez, is ranked No. 2 by WBO and No. 9 by WBC. Apparently, Cortez learned that Suarez was dominant in blasting his sparmates and chickened out. It’s not the first time an opponent has stepped back from battling Suarez. Last April, Suarez was booked to face unbeaten Puerto Rican Henry Lebron in Corpus Christi, Texas but two weeks before the bout, a switch was made and Luis Coria was suddenly announced as a replacement.
Suarez’ coach Delfin Boholst said Cortez withdrew two weeks ago. Suarez and Boholst arrived in Los Angeles from Manila last Sept. 1 and flew to Arizona last Monday. Whether against Cortez or Castaneda, Boholst said Suarez is ready to rumble. “Si Castaneda, tipong Mexican fighter na sugod ng sugod,” said Boholst. “Kaya patulugin ni Charly at mas pabor sa kaniya na sumusugod ang kalaban.”
Castaneda, 27, has a 20-5 record, with 13 KOs. He’s coming off a second round disposal of Angel Hernandez Pillado in Laredo, Texas, only three weeks back. His biggest career win was a majority decision over Youssef Khoumari to capture the WBC International Silver 130-pound belt at the O2 Arena in Greenwich, UK, in 2021. He turned pro in 2009 and has been stopped twice. Suarez, 36, boasts a 17-0 record with nine KOs.
On the undercard, undefeated Fil-Am DJ Zamora takes on Argentina’s Gerardo Antonio Perez in an eight-round superfeatherweight contest. Zamora has a 13-0 slate with nine KOs while Perez checks in with a record of 12-5-1, including three KOs. The 5-10 Zamora, 21, is a southpaw and dreams to be the next Manny Pacquiao. His father Demier, Jr. was born in Subic to Filipino parents Demier, Sr., a US Navyman from Bataan and Virginia Guiang of Olongapo. Zamora’s mother is an African-American, Tyseha.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024