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:
SUNDAY: Fabio Turchi-Milans Volkovs Cruiserweight Showdown Headlines Italy Fight Card LIVE in the U.S. on ESPN+
Sat, 07 Jun 2025Bomogao KOs Rubio in 1st round
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 07 Jun 2025REYES CUP SET FOR ELECTRIFYING RETURN TO MANILA, OCTOBER 16–19
Sat, 07 Jun 2025King's Promotions June 19th Card at Wind Creek Event Center is Postponed Card Rescheduled for September 5th
Sat, 07 Jun 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 7 - AMATEUR BOXING CAREER OF MUHAMMAD ALI
By Maloney L. Samaco, Fri, 06 Jun 2025Indiana, Haliburton Do It Again, Pacers Shock OKC on the Road, 111-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 06 Jun 2025STAR BOXING PRESENTS SPECIAL PRESS CONFERENCE-MONDAY
Fri, 06 Jun 2025Undefeated Super Bantamweight Chavez Barrientes Returns June 7th Against Sharone Carter on Most Valuable Prospects 13 Card
Fri, 06 Jun 2025Vasiliy Lomachenko Announces Retirement: A Glorious Chapter Closes in Boxing History
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 06 Jun 2025“HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT” OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND QUOTES
Fri, 06 Jun 2025Press Conference Notes: Keyshawn Davis Returns Home for Inaugural World Title Defense at Norfolk’s Scope Arena
Fri, 06 Jun 2025DAZN PRESENTS NEW NO DAYS OFF EPISODE HIGHLIGHTING REIGNING UNIFIED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION FRANCHÓN CREWS-DEZURN
Fri, 06 Jun 2025ANTONIO VARGAS PENS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM AND BOXLAB
Fri, 06 Jun 2025Antimaro, Jimenez to fight in Japan on June 7
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 05 Jun 2025Keyshawn Davis vs. Edwin De Los Santos Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
Thu, 05 Jun 2025