Suarez sends strong signal

MANILA, Philippines — Charly Suarez delivered a threatening message to WBO/IBF superfeatherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete by halting Manuel Avila at 2:31 of the first round in their WBO International title fight in San Bernardino, California, Saturday night (yesterday morning, Manila time). As the WBO No. 1 contender, Suarez is double due for a battle against Navarrete – first, as mandatory challenger and second, because a rematch has been ordered by WBO after their initial outing in May last year was ruled a no-contest.

Suarez, 37, made short work of Avila, 34, as he landed a cracking right straight to the jaw, sending his opponent down on a knee in a delayed reaction. Avila got up just before the 10-count but on rubbery legs, wobbled as referee Ivan Guillermo signaled it was all over. Suarez was aggressive from the opening bell, throwing shots from all angles. Avila tried to fend off Suarez by unleashing left jabs on the backfoot but had difficulty maintaining distance as Suarez kept coming forward.

“Hindi ako nagulat,” said Suarez. “Pinag-handaan namin ni coach Delfin (Boholst) ang laban at focus ng training ay power.” It took only one punch to bring down Avila. Suarez barely missed a left hook after landing the right straight and if it connected, Avila would’ve surely stayed on the deck for the count.

Suarez said it’s unfair if Navarrete continues to avoid a rematch. “Kung ayaw niyang lumaban uli, vacate niya ang championship,” he added. Navarrete defied WBO’s order for an immediate rematch and fought IBF ruler Eduardo Nunez instead last February. He got WBO’s approval to avoid Suarez because it was a unification duel. Now, Navarrete is in talks to face WBC titleholder O’Shaquie Foster in another unification.

Suarez said he’s not coming home until there’s clarity on the future. He’s been based in Las Vegas the last three months with Boholst, training at Ed Belanger’s SPLIT-T Boxing Gym. Suarez said a fight against former three-division Ukrainian world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko has been mentioned as an option. Lomachenko, 38, is rumored to be coming out of retirement and hasn’t fought since 2024. Suarez said he’s not keen on engaging Lomachenko since no world title will be at stake but he leaves the decision on his next fight to his team, including new promoter Sampson Lewkowicz.