Suarez aches for rematch with Navarrete

MANILA, Philippines — Robbed of a win and the world title in San Diego, Filipino boxer Charly Suarez only wants one thing: an immediate rematch with his Mexican tormentor, Emmanuel Navarrete.

“I want a rematch. Masaya ‘yung laban eh. Kahit naman ako ang ma-declare na winner, bibigyan ko siya ng rematch,” said Suarez in a well-attended press conference yesterday morning at the grand Quezon City residence of his manager, former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singon.

Suarez, a decorated amateur boxer for Team Philippines and winner of his first 18 fights as a pro, faced the WBO super featherweight champion two weeks ago in a bloody fight that did not end the way he and his handlers wanted.

The fight was stopped at the start of the eighth round with the Mexican bleeding heavily from a cut over his left eye, caused by a powerful left straight from Suarez in the sixth round. But the American referee ruled it as a headbutt, resulting in a technical decision for Navarette.

“Alam ng lahat na na-Mafia tayo. Buong mundo nakita na walang headbutt. That’s why we filed a protest. Panalo tayo sa lahat except sa referee,” said Singson, demanding a reversal of the decision and at the least an immediate rematch.

The California Athletic State Commission is digging deeper into the matter that has drawn so much attention within the boxing world – in favor of Suarez. A decision is expected on June 2 whether the outcome will be reversed and the world title awarded to Suarez or it will be declared a no-contest as if the fight never took place.

“I’m praying na maganda ang result sa June 2,” added Suarez, who has gained worldwide attention in the aftermath of the fight. But the Filipino Olympian had taken things in stride.

“I still want to thank Navarrete. Sumikat ako. But I want the rematch,” said Suarez, 2016 Rio Olympiad, multiple gold winner in the SEA Games and silver medalist in the Asian Games.

“The world wants to see the rematch. It was an explosive fight. The crowd was on their feet. Now they all want to see them fight again,” said Team Suarez member Ric Navalta.

In case Navarrete vacates the crown to move up to 135 lbs, Suarez becomes the No. 1 contender for the WBO title at 130 lbs.

“Mag rematch muna kami. And if we win, then may third fight,” said Suarez.