Boxer Charly Suarez (4th from left), one of the former Olympians feted in the last Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night, receives his trophy from PSA president Francis Ochoa during the weekly forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday (April 8, 2025). From left are Delfin Boholst, Ricky Navalta, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann. (Contributed photo)
Filipino boxing standout Charly Suarez is laser-focused on capturing the WBO super-featherweight title when he takes on reigning champion Emmanuel Navarrete of Mexico on May 10 at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.
“This has to be a convincing win,” said the 36-year-old Suarez, who is getting his first shot at a world title after an accomplished amateur career.
A former Olympian who represented the Philippines at the 2016 Rio Games, Suarez also brought home a silver medal from the 2014 Asian Games and clinched three golds in the Southeast Asian Games. Now, he’s ready to seize the moment in the pro ranks.
“I didn’t win a medal at the Olympics, so this is my chance to achieve what I missed out on,” Suarez said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. “I won’t let this opportunity slip away.”
Since turning professional in 2019, Suarez has remained undefeated with a 19-0 record. Backed by a strong support system, he appeared at the forum with his manager, former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, along with trainer Delfin Boholst and team member Ricardo Navalta.
Singson expressed full confidence in Suarez, saying, “It would be a huge honor for our country if Charly brings home the world title. He must win—ideally by knockout or at least in dominant fashion.”
Singson has also provided Suarez a training base in Tagaytay City as he prepares to face the 30-year-old Navarrete, who boasts an imposing 39-2 record with 32 knockouts.
Aside from chasing personal glory, Suarez is motivated by a deeper cause—avenging the defeats of fellow Filipinos Jhun Gemino, Glenn Porras, Juan Miguel Elorde, and Jeo Santisima, who all fell to Navarrete in previous bouts.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann also attended the PSA forum to personally extend his support to Suarez.
Trainer Delfin Boholst revealed their strategic approach: “We’ve studied Navarrete thoroughly. We know we can’t go punch-for-punch with him, so we found a different path. He tends to start slow, and that’s where we can capitalize. Charly is also a slow starter but improves as the fight progresses. We’re ready to go the full 12 rounds.”
Team coordinator Ricardo Navalta echoed the team’s optimism. “This is Charly’s moment. It’s his time. We believe he’s going to bring that world title home.”
