Suarez chases world title

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino Charlie Suarez’ dream when he turned professional in 2019 was to retire as an undefeated champion.

The 36-year-old Olympian will have a chance to accomplish both as he clashes with American Andres “Savage” Cortes in a World Boxing Organization super featherweight title eliminator set Sept. 20 at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The Davao del Norte pride, a decorated amateur with three Southeast Asian Games gold medals before turning pro, will stake his undefeated record of 17 victories against a fighter who is unblemished himself.

Cortes, 27, is also unscathed in 22 fights and winning 12 of it via smashing knockout and should come in as a legitimate hurdle to Suarez’s bid of arranging a title fight against either Emanuel Navarrete or Oscar Valdez of Mexico.

“Nung pinasok ko maging boksingero, may aim ako to become champion at magretiro undefeated,” said Suarez in yesterday’s media briefer at the Pandan Asian Café in Quezon City.