Suarez cries foul over being bypassed in Navarrete rematch

Charly Suarez is flanked by his manager Rick Navalta (left) and his trainer Delfin Boholst.

STAR / Abac Cordero

MANILA, Philippines — The longing continues for Filipino boxer Charly Suarez, who just can’t seem to get the rematch with Mexican WBO super-featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete.

Suarez, a three-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and undefeated in 18 fights as a pro, challenged Suarez for the title last May and figured in a highly controversial fight that turned out to be a no-contest.

The fight was stopped in the eighth round when Navarrete suffered a huge cut above his left eye. The referee ruled it as a headbutt, and the Mexican ran away with a technical decision.

But the WBO overturned the decision, saying it was a clear punch that caused the cut, turning the fight into a no-contest and ordering an immediate rematch.

That was seven months ago, and Suarez, 37—and a veteran of the 2016 Rio Olympics—recently learned that Navarrete is set to face fellow Mexican and IBF 130-pound champion Eduardo Nuñez in a unification fight in February.

Suarez and his team, led by Luis “Chavit” Singson and Rick Navalta, filed a formal grievance before the WBO, demanding to find out how the Filipino boxer was bypassed due to lack of protocols and “proper notification”.

At the least, Suarez deserved a step-aside fee being the mandatory challenger to Navarrete. But he is not after that fee.

“We filed the formal grievance last December 8, and were informed today by the WBO that they will move forward with our grievance and review the matter,” said Navalta during a well-attended press conference Tuesday graced by Suarez and his trainer Delfin Boholst at the Manila Yacht Club.

“We want to find out what happened to the existing mandatory (rematch) order. We have faith that the WBO will review and follow the protocols,” said Navalta, who serves as Suarez’ manager.

Suarez said his goal remains and that is to face the 30-year-old Navarrete in a rematch. Before the television cameras, he sent a message to the Mexican.

“I’m waiting for you. Let’s do this,” he said, adding that he has stayed in shape in the past seven months waiting for the rematch to happen.

“Hindi po totoo na may natanggap kaming step-aside fee. I want the rematch. Even the fans around the world want to see that,” Suarez added.