Charly on the clock

Charly Suarez seized the WBO international junior lightweight championship. On Saturday morning, Philippine time, the Davao native scored an emphatic third-round TKO win over replacement foe Jorge Castañeda after his original opponent chickened out. The win lifted King’s Warrior’s record to 18 wins without a loss, and was a great birthday gift to his coach and best friend Delfin Boholst.

The question now is what impact the substitution will have on what was supposed to be a title eliminator. Time is not on Suarez’s side.

Suarez, a military man, has gone above and beyond his duties as a national boxer, as well. Team captain for eight years, he helped mold and shepherd future Olympians like Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Carlo Paalam and bronze medalist Eumir Marcial. Suarez took his duties seriously, leading by example, keeping everyone focused during training.

“I am proud to serve the country,” Suarez said. “I want to keep bringing honor to the Philippines by becoming a world champion.”

At 36, Suarez came to the pro game somewhat late. But ironically, time will also tell if he made the right choice. Having been an amateur for so long gave him rock-solid fundamentals and a toughness that most younger, hastily-formed boxers do not have.

Looking at his career squarely, he may be poised for a world title shot some time next year. The WBO junior lightweight belt is currently held by Mexican Emanuel Navarrete (38 wins, 2 losses and a draw). Given that the Filipino is ranked third, a shot at a title is entirely plausible for 2025.

Charly Suarez is in a race against time. But in our books, he will definitely be a world champion. How long he reigns will be up to him, and how long he can escape undefeated Father Time.