Suarez says Navarrete to get rematch even if controversial decision is reversed

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Charly Suarez hopes the California State Athletic Commission rules in his favor after he fell short of the WBO junior lightweight belt, losing a controversial technical decision to defending champion Emanuel Navarrete of Mexico

MANILA, Philippines – For Charly Suarez, a rematch with Emanuel Navarrete is paramount.

While Suarez prefers that the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) would reverse the Mexican’s technical decision win in their battle for the World Boxing Organization junior lightweight crown last May 10 in San Diego, California, the Filipino slugger wouldn’t sulk if it declares the aborted 12-rounder a “No Contest.”

Either way, Suarez remains the mandatory challenger, and a rematch with Navarrete is in order.

“Personally, mas maganda kung makukuha ko ‘yung belt. Kaso ‘yung decision ngayon, hindi ko na hawak eh. My role as a boxer is to fight and win. Hopefully, maganda ang resulta sa June 2,” said Suarez, referring to the date the CSAC is supposed to rule on the official protest Team Suarez filed after Navarrete won by technical decision.

(Personally, it would be better if I get the belt, but the decision is out of my hands. My role as a boxer is to fight and win. Hopefully, it will be a favorable result on June 2.)

If the CSAC decides that the bloody cut Navarrete sustained above the left eyebrow in the sixth round was inflicted by Suarez’s left straight and not by accidental headbutt, the Filipino would be declared the winner by TKO and the new WBO champion.

Suarez said in such a scenario, he would give Navarrete the chance to get the belt back.

“Kung makuha ko rin naman ‘yung world title, bibigyan ko rin naman siya (Navarrete) ng rematch, either way,” said Suarez, during a press conference hosted by his benefactor Chavit Singson at the businessman’s home in Quezon City.

(If I get the world title, I’d also give him a rematch, either way.)

“Masaya eh. Nag-enjoy ako sa laban na ‘yun,” added Suarez. “Even if I was the one fighting, when I watched the fight later, I realized it was a great fight. So sayang kung hindi mapagbigyan ang rematch.“

(It was fun. I enjoyed that fight. Even if I was the one fighting, when I watched the fight later, I realized it was a great fight. So it would be pity if there would be no rematch).

A “No Decision” verdict would mean the fight didn’t happen and Navarrete remains the 130-pound king with his old 40-2-1, 32 knockouts, record. At the same time, it cleanses Suarez’s record back to 18-0 with 10 knockouts.

More importantly, the CSAC would order an immediate rematch. Meaning, it could happen only after Navarrete’s required two-month layoff to let the cut heal completely.

Unless Navarrete decides to vacate the title and climb to lightweight, leaving Suarez to contend for the crown against the second-ranked contender.

Convinced that Suarez got shortchanged “Mafia-style,”  Singson said he’s willing to host the rematch in the Philippines provided that Navarrete would still be the opponent.

“Any other fighter wouldn’t be [financially] viable,” said Singson.

Delfin Boholst, Suarez’s chief trainer, said he knew that Navarrete would struggle once the fight got longer, as the Mexican barely made weight, nearly fainting after finally making the 130-pound limit.

Once Suarez survived Navarrete’s early onslaught, Boholst said he was certain the Mexican would eventually run out of steam.

Navarrete was fading in the seventh round when ringside physician Robert Ruelaz declared the Mexican unfit to continue due to the cut, and referee Edward Collantes stopped the bout after one second of the eighth round.

Collantes is also being investigated for declaring that Navarrete’s cut was inflicted by an accidental headbutt.

Top Rank Vice president of operations Carl Moretti hinted at the pending CSAC ruling, saying, “Rematch to come.”

Suarez is eagerly waiting. – Rappler.com