Suarez ready for tough test

MANILA, Philippines — Charly Suarez is a win away from clinching a shot at the WBO superfeatherweight title but the final hurdle is his toughest test as he faces unbeaten Andres (Savage) Cortes in a scheduled 10-round eliminator at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on Sept. 20.

Suarez, 36, isn’t leaving anything to chance and knows the age clock is ticking. He turned pro in 2019 after a celebrated amateur career and has won his last four outings abroad. Former Ilocos Sur congressman and governor Chavit Singson personally asked promoter Bob Arum to give Suarez an opportunity and the Cortes fight will be his third Top Rank assignment.

Suarez and coach Delfin Boholst will leave for Las Vegas next week then make their way to Glendale. Suarez, a devout Christian known as the King’s Warrior, said “by God’s grace, mabuti ang training.” Boholst said Top Rank will decide what’s next for Suarez after Cortes. “Wala pang talo si Cortes,” said Boholst. “Orthodox fighter at ang style niya halos puro abante at bihira lang mag-backward.”

Suarez trains and spars at the Elorde Gym in Sucat. “Napapanood ko sparring niya,” said Mig Elorde, former world title challenger and WBC Ratings Committee member. “He looks ready. Last Friday, naka-10 rounds siya sa sparring. Tinalo ni Cortes sina Genesis Servania at Mark Bernaldez pero marami na rin experience si Charly. Big opportunity din sa kaniya para makalaban ng world title.” Suarez’ main sparmates are Arnel Baconaje and Sem Jopet Enano.

Cortes, 27, made his pro debut in 2016 and has a 22-0 record, with 12 KOs compared to Suarez’ 17-0, with nine KOs. He has scored three first-round KOs with Servania one of his victims. Cortes is ranked No. 2 by WBO and No. 9 by WBC while Suarez is rated No. 3 by WBO and No. 5 by IBF.