By REYNALDO MAGALLON
The mission is quite tough but Filipino challenger Charly Suarez intends to become the country’s third world champion when he goes up against Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete in the World Boxing Organization junior lightweight championship at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California on Sunday, May 11 (Manila time).
The undefeated Suarez is aiming for a huge upset against the heavily-favored Navarrete in their scheduled 12-round bout which experts believe will rekindle the storied rivalry between the Mexicans and the Filipinos in the world boxing stage.
Sporting a perfect 18-0 record, the pride of San Isidro, Davao del Norte is now in best shape as he easily made the 130-pound weight limit after tipping the scales at 129.9lbs.
The Mexican champion, meanwhile, failed to make the limit on the first try, weighing 130.4 lbs and was given two hours to shave off the excess weight. He finally made the cut on his sixth try, weighing 130lbs.
Despite the seemingly struggle in weight control though, many pundits are still favoring the Mexican champion though largely due to the huge gap in experience in professional fights as Navarrete has already been through 42 fights with a 39-2-1 record with 32 knockouts.
But Suarez believes he’s armed with plenty of experience above the ring with all of his amateur stints that even brought him to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and several World Championships.
“I’m bringing all my amateur experience into this fight. This is it. The world title shot is here, so I’m ready and I’m excited for the fight on Saturday,” said the older Suarez who is already 36-years-old.
“I will show the world I have what it takes. I won’t waste this opportunity. Navarrete is a monster in the ring, but I know I am better,” he added.
Navarrete, on the other hand, is fired up to defend his title especially in the caliber of Suarez.
“This fight motivates me. Suarez is undefeated and dangerous. He’s ranked No. 1 in the world for a reason. He’s exactly the kind of challenge that fuels me,” said the Mexican champion.
