IT wasn’t the result the camp of Charly Suarez was hoping for.
But nonetheless, his manager Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson is taking the verdict with great solace.
“We will abide by the decision. At least, hindi man si Charly ang declared na winner, binawi din ang panalo kay Navarrete,” said Singson in a statement Tuesday.
The remark of the former Ilocos Sur governor was in reaction to the ruling of the California State Athletic Commission to overturn as a no-contest the May 10 WBO super-featherweight title bout between Suarez and Navarrete, which the reigning champion from Mexico won by technical decision in the eighth round.
READ: Suarez-Navarrete title fight ruled a no-contest; rematch ordered
The bone of contention was the deep gush suffered by the 30-year-old Navarrete just below his left eyebrow which the commission resolved was courtesy of a clear punch by Suarez in the sixth round based on repeated reviews of the slowmo replay of the fight.
Third man in the ring Edward Collantes ruled it a headbutt, allowing the reigning champion to eke out a win via unanimous decision when the fight was stopped just a second into round eight.
Suarez could have won by TKO had Collantes called it as a legitimate punch.
The Suarez group later wrote a letter before the California commission questioning the outcome of the match held at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, hoping it will get a favorable verdict by awarding the fight to the 36-year-old Filipino.
“It’s not the decision that we wanted and what Charly deserved,” added Singson. “We still believe na nadaya si Charly.”
The WBO already ordered an immediate rematch, while Top Rank Promotions stated it will honor the return bout once Navarrete’s medical suspension ends later this month.
Singson said Suarez, a three-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, who also competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics, will definitely be ready for a second fight against Navarrete.
“We will prepare for the rematch. Charly wants the rematch,” added Singson, 83. “The fans want to see that happen. Anytime, anywhere tayo.”
Following the ruling, Suarez’s record stands unblemished at 18-0 with 10 KOs.
Navarrete meanwhile, carries a 39-2-1 slate, including 32 KOs.
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