By REYNALD MAGALLON
Time is seemingly of the essence for Charly Suarez and that’s exactly why he considers his long-awaited title shot against World Boxing Organization (WBO) super featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete as once in a lifetime chance.
Though undefeated in 18 professional fights, Suarez, following a long, patient wait, is making his first title shot at 36-years-old and he is not one to let the opportunity slip away from his hands.
“I prayed for this fight. And here it is. The opportunity has come, and I have taken it. And we won’t lose,” said Suarez during the press conference early Friday morning, May 9 (Manila time) in San Diego, California.
Suarez’s date with destiny is set on Sunday, May 11 at the Pechanga Arena with the Mexican Navarrete understandably coming in as the heavy favorite.
Navarrete, for one, is a three-division world champion, and had already fought for 43 fights with a 39-2-1 record with 32 knockouts.
He is coming off a sensational sixth round knockout victory over Oscar Valdez last December though it was his first victory through his last three fights – the others were a loss to Denys Berinchyk and a draw against Robson Conceicao – largely due to a hand injury.
But back at full strength, Navarrete vowed to defend his crown against the hungry Suarez.
“I prepared for a great fight. We know that Suarez is coming for my title. So I want a great fight so everyone can see I’m ready to continue on the path of victory,” said Navarrete.
Top Rank’s CEO Bob Arum, however, sees a legitimate chance for Suarez to pull the rug from under Navarrete.
According to the Hall of Fame promoter, Suarez’s methodical approach is perfect against Navarrete’s gung-ho style.
“Navarette is a very exciting fighter, a tremendous puncher. No style at all and in Charly Suarez, he (Navarrete) is fighting a very disciplined fighter who has had a tremendous amateur background and experience,” said Arum, who believes the fight could end in a knockout in favor of the Filipino fighter should the Mexican gets overly careless.
