THE camp of Charly Suarez is hoping for a favorable decision from the WBO in the Filipino Olympian's appeal of earning his well-deserved rematch against reigning super-featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete of Mexico.
Rick Navalta, the manager of the three-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, said the group filed a formal grievance before the boxing body last December 8 about Suarez being overlooked as Navarrete’s next opponent to pave way for a planned unification bout with IBF titleholder and fellow Mexican Eduardo Nunez.
READ: Suarez-Navarrete title fight ruled a no-contest; rematch ordered
Navalta said the WBO already replied to the complaint letter and vowed to evaluate all procedures and resolve the matter within the next two weeks.
“The WBO has decided to move forward with our grievance. They are going to review everything in the case and hopefully make sure that all procedures and protocols are done correctly,” Navalta said in a special presser held Tuesday for the 37-year-old Filipino at the Manila Yacht Club.
“With that said, we Team Suarez have faith that the WBO will in fact, review and follow the protocols and keep the mandatory rematch.”
Accompanied by his long-time trainer Delfin Boholst, Suarez said all he wants is to just have another shot at the 30-year-old champion after their initial slugfest held last May was declared by the WBO as a no-contest following a misjudgement on the part of the referee, who ruled a cut on Navarrete’s left eye during the sixth round was inflicted by a headbutt, instead of a legitimate punch.
“Ako naman ginagampanan ko yung tungkulin ko bilang isang boksingero na mag-training and mag-prepare kung ipagkaloob sa amin na lalaban ulit kami sa world championship,” said Suarez while at the same stating that he would respect whatever the decision of the WBO will be.
“Yun naman ang hinihingi namin na sana nga magkaroon ng rematch para maliwanagan din kung sino ga ang totoong champion,” Boholst added.
Navarrete was initially declared the winner by unanimous decision, but following a protest filed by the Suarez camp before the California Athletic State Commission, the outcome was overruled and declared a no-contest, prompting the WBO to order a rematch.
But recent events suggested a unification fight between Navarrete and Suarez is being discussed for a February date in Glendale, Arizona.
Navalta insisted having been ordered the rematch by the WBO, with Suarez as the no. 1 mandatory challenger, the boxing body would proceed with what was earlier agreed upon.
“So we want to make sure that Charly’s rights as the mandatory challenger are observed. That’s why we filed that grievance,” added the right hand man of former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, who is the top backer of Suarez.
A step-aside-fee that has been the usual practice in boxing for a fighter to give way to another championship match has been suggested, although Navalta said the Suarez group hasn’t agreed about it in its discussion with Top Rank Promotions, which both handles the Filipino challenger and the Mexican champion.
“It’s not that we’re entertaining any step-aside offer, it’s just that we want it done procedurally correct,” said Navalta.
The Suarez camp hopes to hear a decision from the WBO before Christmas or at least before the year ends.
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