Suarez vows all-out war
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 11 May 2025
Charly Suarez calls himself the King’s Warrior, a testament of his faith as a devout Christian. When he climbs the ring to battle WBO superfeatherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete at the Pechanga Arena, San Diego, this morning (Manila time), the three-time SEA Games gold medalist will lay it all on the line and leave his fate in God’s hands.
Suarez, 36, is the underdog with Navarrete, 30, a 4-1 favorite. But Suarez has defied stiffer odds in the past, like knocking out unbeaten Australian Paul Fleming in the final round while behind on the three judges’ scorecards in Sydney in 2023. “With God’s grace,” said Suarez in reflecting how he plans to face Navarrete. No doubt, he’s ready for war, logging 132 rounds of sparring to work into tip-top condition. Suarez landed in the US three weeks ago and his coach Delfin Boholst said jet lag won’t be an issue.
In San Diego, Suarez tapered off by sparring six then four rounds at the National Community Boxing Gym with Joel Bacho whom he brought along from Manila. “Ready na si Charly,” said Boholst. “Kailangan manalo at hindi namin sasayangin ang binigay na opportunity. Patuloy ang panalangin ni Charly na walang mangyari na masama at makuha niya ang panalo.”
Mig Elorde, one of four Filipinos whom Navarrete has beaten, said Suarez’ amateur style will be an advantage. “Charly should fight smart,” said Elorde. “Medyo hirap si Navarrete sa ganoon laban. Kung sa stamina, walang problema si Charly kahit umabot ng 12 rounds kaya malaki ang chance niya manalo. Kung sa experience, hindi siya nagkukulang. Halos lahat ng magagaling nakalaban na niya sa amateur.”
Elorde cautioned Suarez to be wary of Navarrete’s uppercut but said the Mexican leaves himself open for a counterpunch. “Ang strength ni Navarrete ay kahit anong position nakakasuntok siya maging southpaw o orthodox pero palagi siyang open,” he continued. “Ang malakas niya ay uppercut. Kailangan bantayan yung left upper sa body tapos left upper sa mukha.”
Suarez can’t afford to stand in front of Navarrete and engage. Movement is key and Suarez’ ability to dart in and out after throwing a combination will be tested. Navarrete has compiled a 39-2 record with 22 KOs since turning pro in 2012 while Suarez made his pro debut in 2019 and has never lost in 18 fights, scoring 10 KOs.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
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