SUAREZ TO GIVE ALL IN HIS FIRST CRACK AT WORLD TITLE

THE Philippines versus Mexico rivalry in professional boxing continues as Filipino challenger Charly Suarez goes after the WBO super featherweight title of Mexican Emanuel Navarrete.

In a highly anticipated clash, the 36-year-old Suarez vowed to go all out in his first and probably his last crack at a world title on Sunday morning (Manila Time) at the Pechanga Arena, San Diego, California, USA.

The unbeaten Suarez holds an 18-0 win-loss card, including 10 by knockout while Navarrete enters the ring with an impressive record of 39-2-1 and 32 KOs.

The Filipino fighter won by knockout in the third round against American Jorge Castaneda to snatch the WBO International super featherweight title in Arizona on Sept. 20, 2024.

He wants to win a legitimate boxing title this time.

"This is the time I have been waiting for in my whole career, I prayed for this fight. This is it, the opportunity is already here, I pray I won't lose," Suarez said in Filipino during the final press conference of the title fight at the Pechanga Arena on Friday (Manila time).

"I'm not gonna waste the opportunity that is offered."

The 2016 Filipino Olympian wants to channel all his previous experiences in his amateur years and his 18 pro bout to claim a world boxing title.

"I will bring all my experience in this fight. I have a shot for the world title, I am just so excited," he said.

"I am ready, and excited for the fight, I am excited for Saturday (Sunday in Manila)."

Despite a brilliant amateur boxing career, Suarez has not won a gold medal in the Olympics and the Asian Games. This fight, he said, will be his Olympics.

"This is a big part of my boxing career, and to show the world that Filipino boxers are good and can show their talent in the world," the 5-foot-6 boxer said.

Suarez knows snatching the world title from the 5-foot-7 Navarrete will not be a walk in the park as the Mexican champ aims to defend his title for the fourth time on Sunday.

He won the title in February 2023 after a technical knockout win in the ninth round against Liam Wilson.

In late 2024, he made an impressive performance against Oscar Valdez as he put his compatriot to sleep in the sixth round of their rematch.

In his latest match, the Mexican champ earned a split decision victory over Denys Berinchyk.

"I am in my 100 percent. What I showed to Oscar Valdez is a message on what will I do on Navarrete on Thursday. I will do everything to achieve my goals," the 30-year-old Navarrete said.

"I am prepared for a great fight, and Suarez? I know he is coming for my title ... So I want a great fight so everyone can see, my path for victory."

Both boxers share an orthodox stance and Suarez has been tagged as the underdog in the fight.

2025-05-09T16:29:02Z