Charly Suarez Appeals Controversial Loss to Navarrete, California Commission to Rule June 2
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 13 May 2025
The aftermath of Emanuel Navarrete’s controversial technical decision victory over Charly Suarez took an expected turn as the Filipino challenger formally appealed the result, demanding the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) either award him a technical knockout win or declare the bout a no-contest. The hearing is set for June 2, with the WBO withholding judgment on a potential rematch until the CSAC’s ruling.
The May 10 (May 11 in Manila) WBO super featherweight title fight at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego was halted at the start of the eighth round due to a severe cut over Navarrete’s left eyebrow, initially ruled an accidental headbutt by referee Edward Collantes. However, post-fight replays—including an ESPN zoomed-in angle—suggested the gash was caused by a clean left punch from Suarez in the sixth round. Had the cut been deemed punch-induced, Suarez would have won via TKO. Instead, Navarrete (40-2-1, 32 KOs) retained his belt via scores of 78-75, 77-76, and 77-76.
Suarez’s team argues the CSAC should overturn the result based on new video evidence, which Navarrete’s camp disputes. The Mexican champion insisted post-fight that the cut came from a head clash, citing its depth and immediate bleeding. CSAC replay official Jack Reiss initially found the footage inconclusive, but later angles fueled global outcry. Suarez's manager Luis “Chavit” Singson declared, Clear punch. Maliwanag pa sa sikat ng araw [clearer than sunlight]. Charly was robbed.
The best scenario for Suarez is for CSAC to overturn the verdict and award him a TKO victory. Had Referee Collantes correctly called that the cut was caused by a punch, Suarez and the entire Philippines would have been in a celebratory mood right now.
If CSAC rules the fight a No-Contest, highly likely, then the WBO could order an immediate rematch. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri told BoxingScene earlier he would wait for the commission’s decision before moving to order a rematch. Top Rank's VP Carl Moretti also hinted to do a rematch to resolve the issue.
A rematch, however, is contingent on Navarrete's willingness, a decision he has time to make while under a CSAC suspension until July 9, 2025 due to a cut sustained in the bout. His previous difficulty making the 130-pound super featherweight limit might also influence his decision, potentially leading him back to the lightweight division (135 lbs) where he experienced a split decision defeat against Denys Berinchyk in May 2024.
If Navarrete chooses not to face Suarez again and vacates his WBO title, the WBO, which currently ranks Suarez at No. 1, could order him to face No. 2 ranked Kenichi Ogawa of Japan for the vacant crown.
As of now Suarez's record stands at 18-1-0, 10KOs but could be restored to its previously unblemished state if CSAC rules his fight against Navarrete a no-contest, as if the fight never existed.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Carlos Cañizales Forced to Cancel Flight to Thailand for WBC World Title Defense
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 27 Nov 2025World Boxing Champions Promotions to Present Manny Pacquiao & Freddie Roach with Inaugural “Centurion Awards” During Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event on November 29
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Atif Oberlton Takes on Vaughn Alexander on Saturday, December 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Iligan tops in PEKAF Mindanao qualifying tourney
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 27 Nov 2025INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2026 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4th
Thu, 27 Nov 2025World Renowned Boxing Trainer Bob Santos Launches Private Boxing Camp in Las Vegas
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Eight Boxers Remain in WBC Grand Prix Finals On December 20
Wed, 26 Nov 2025WBA/WBO Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez Confirms World Title Fight with David Benavidez on Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas
Wed, 26 Nov 2025Petecio in, Paalam out
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Takuma Inoue World Champion Again; Beats Nasukawa for Vacant WBC Belt
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 26 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 3: 1920 OLYMPIC GAMES AT ANTWERP, BELGIUM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Badenas TKO’s Saknosiwi in 10th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Las Vegas & California Amateurs Shine in a Powerful Fall Rumble Weekend Followed by a Heartfelt Turkey Drive for Local Families
Wed, 26 Nov 2025Santa Run Davao on December 14 at NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Alec “The Rock” Del Rio Fights for WBC Asia Title Friday in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 25 Nov 2025