Chavit confident of Suarez win

MANILA, Philippines — In the presence of his manager, former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, Filipino prospect Charly Suarez declared readiness for his high-stakes duel with fellow undefeated junior lightweight contender Andres Cortes on Sept. 20 in Glendale, Arizona.

The 10-round fight set at the Desert Diamond Arena presents a major opportunity for 2016 Olympian Suarez to move closer to a crack at a coveted world title.

“Sa akin po hindi naman porke magsabi na kaya eh mayabang ka. Kayang-kaya po,” Suarez (17-0, 9 KOs) said on the eve of his departure for the US for the final stages of his buildup against Cortes (22-0, 12 KOs).

“Nakahanda po kasi ito na ‘yung dream ko. Once na ‘yung dream, ‘yung opportunity dumating, eh, walang hindi kakayanin and tatrabahuin po namin.”

Singson, who was responsible for securing the former Olympian’s spot in Top Rank’s cards, hosted a send-off presscon for Suarez in his Quezon City residence yesterday. Also in attendance were Suarez’ coach Delfin Boholst, Singson’s son Christian and Rick Navalta.

“Malaking tiwala ko kay Charly,” said Singson, who agreed to help manage Suarez without asking for commission.

“Mabait siya at ‘di magbabago. Nagdadasal din palagi kagaya ko.”

Suarez can’t thank Singson enough for taking him under his wings, providing a much-needed training hub in his Tagaytay property and other logistics, aside from setting him up with Top Rank.

“Nagpasalamat ako sa ating Panginoon na ‘yung opportunity na binigay sa akin ay nandito at nakilala namin si Gov. Alam ko na may purpose itong lahat kung bakit ibinigay siya sa amin,” he said.