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.
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