Suarez fights Mangubat

MANILA, Philippines — Olympian Charly Suarez continues his young professional career when he headlines the UKC: Ultimate Knockout Challenge boxing card at The Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Complex in Sucat, Parañaque today.

Suarez, veteran of the 2016 Rio Olympics and three-time gold medalist in the SEA Games, faces compatriot Tomjune Mangubat for the vacant World Boxing Association Asia (WBA) super featherweight title in the main event of the card staged by VSP Promotions.

The 33-year-old Suarez turned pro in 2019 and is in no rush to hunt for a world title in a stacked 130-pound division that includes reigning WBC champion Oscar Valdez of Mexico, who Suarez fought and defeated in the amateurs.

“We’re taking it one fight at a time,” Suarez, 9-0 as a pro, told a handful of mediamen during a presser last Friday at the Elorde venue.

The 5-foot-5 Suarez will be at a disadvantage against the taller Mangubat (15-2-1, 12 KOs), who stands 5’8”.

“I always expect my upcoming opponent to be my toughest yet,” said Suarez, adding he is racking up more experience before seeking bigger challenges overseas “soon.”

Also seeing action in the card is rising Ifugao prospect Carl Jammes Martin (18-0, 15 KOs), who will stake both his undefeated record and the Philippine super bantamweight crown against Ronnie Baldonado (15-2-1, 9 KOs).