King’s Warrior on a mission

In two weeks, Charly Suarez will leave for Las Vegas to acclimatize to US time and weather conditions, looking forward to his April 13 appointment with Puerto Rican southpaw Henry Lebron at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. The 10-rounder is the second of a three-fight engagement Suarez signed with Top Rank after Narvacan Mayor Chavit Singson asked promoter Bob Arum to give the King’s Warrior a break.

Suarez, 35, is known as the King’s Warrior because of his strong Christian faith. When he came back from the brink of defeat to knock out previously unbeaten Paul Fleming in the final round in Sydney last year, Suarez said it was a miracle from God. And when Singson interceded for Suarez, that, too, was heaven-sent. Whatever is God’s plan, Suarez said he’ll follow and leave his fate in the Lord’s hands.

The fight against Lebron is an IBF and WBO title eliminator. The winner advances to fight either IBF superfeatherweight champion Joe Cordina of Wales or WBO ruler Emanuel Navarrete of Mexico. There is talk that either Cordina or Navarrete or both will move up in weight and surrender their thrones. If the titles are relinquished, Suarez or Lebron will be tapped to vie for whichever is the vacant crown.

Suarez said he’ll travel to Las Vegas with coach Delfin Boholst. The plan is to find a gym to train in because the Top Rank facility isn’t available since Lebron belongs to the stable. Filipino fighter Michael Dasmariñas, who once held the IBO bantamweight title, is in Las Vegas and will locate a gym for Suarez. Dasmariñas, now a featherweight, will be a mainstay in Suarez’ sparring team. From Las Vegas, Suarez will fly to Corpus Christi.

“Counterpuncher si Lebron, mabilis, malakas,” said Suarez. “Gagawin ko ang lahat upang makabigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa.” For over 15 years, Suarez fought in the amateur ranks, representing the country in the SEA and Asian Games and the Olympics. He bagged three SEA Games gold medals and in the 2016 Rio Games, lost a disputed split decision to Cordina. Suarez turned pro in 2019 at 30 and has compiled a 16-0 record, with nine KOs. Lebron, 26, made his pro debut in 2017 when Suarez was 29. One of his victims was Filipino Recky Dulay who dropped an eight-round verdict in Florida in 2020. Like Suarez, Lebron is unbeaten with a 19-0 record, including 10 KOs.

Fighting on foreign soil is nothing new to Suarez. His last three outings were held overseas. Wherever the road leads to a title shot, Suarez said he’ll soldier on. He’s a win away from a crack at a world crown. Lebron is in the way and Suarez realizes the Puerto Rican is an obstacle he has to hurdle.