By MARK REY MONTEJO
Filipino boxer Charly Suarez is hoping to give boxing fans a fitting Christmas gift as he and his camp are eyeing a potential first title defense for his World Boxing Organization international super featherweight crown in the country in December.
Backed by his manager and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, Suarez’s camp said they are already planning the possibility of defending his title before the home crowd.
“Me and coach Delfin Boholst, we’re planning na, and also Gov. (Chavit Singson), na makalaban hopefully sa Pilipinas,” said Suarez.
“We’re planning na madepensehan ‘tong belt this December,” he added.
A world title fight to end the year was already out of equation for Suarez since WBO world super featherweight champion Emmanuel Navarrete is already set to fight interim champion Oscar Valdez also in December.
Suarez now only aims to keep WBO No.1 rating as well as his perfect 18-0 record ahead of a potential world title fight next year.
“We’re willing to finance na rito maganap. And if possible the championship fight will be here in the Philippines. We’ll negotiate if how much… it’s either sa Mall of Asia [Arena] or sa Bulacan [Philippine Arena],” said Singson.
Should push through it will be the second international bout here in the Philippines this year after Melvin
Jerusalem’s successful title defense over Mexican Luis Castillo at the Mandaluyong City College gym two weeks ago.
It’s still unclear who will be challenging Suarez for the crown but there is no doubt that the fight would be an exciting one for the Filipino boxing fans especially after his TKO victory over Jorge Castaneda.
For one, at 36-years-old, Suarez is already aiming to become an undisputed champion and maintain his perfect record before calling it quits.
Suarez has been part of the national team since 2003, competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics before turning pro in 2019.
“‘Yon nga pinaka-aim ko magretiro na may undisputed at walang talo, ‘yon talaga hangga’t maari,” Suarez told Manila Bulletin/Tempo.
“‘Yon naman, is a part of the game, become athlete or boxer na may talo, may panalo,” he added. “But kung darating man ‘yon, tuloy pa rin ang laban tuloy parin sa pangarap.”
