Just like the champions who came before him, Charly “King’s Warrior” Suarez is determined to uphold the proud Filipino tradition in the junior lightweight division.
Veteran boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino believes Suarez has a chance to join the elite list of Filipino world champions in the 130-pound class if he defeats WBO junior lightweight (super featherweight) champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete this weekend.
“Ito na ang championship (fight) na kanyang hinihintay. Ang ganda ng kanyang weight class, junior lightweight division,” Tolentino said in an interview with boxing scribe JM Siasat.
“Alam natin ang history ng Filipino boxers pagdating sa junior lightweight starting with Gabriel Flash Elorde… ang dami. Ben Villaflor, Rolando Navarrete, andaming magagaling na jr. lightweight tayo dito. He hopes to carry on that tradition.”
Suarez and Navarrete are scheduled to clash at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California, on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
Although Suarez boasts an unblemished 18-0 professional record, he faces a steep challenge not only in opponent but also in age. At 36, Suarez is seven years older than Navarrete, who holds a 39-2-1 record with 32 knockouts and significantly more professional experience.
“As a pro boxer, let’s say late bloomer itong si Charly Suarez kasi medyo na-extend ‘yung kanyang karera sa amateurs. Mas extensive po ang karera ni Charly Suarez as an amateur, nandoon ‘yung kanyang Olympic stint, etcetera,” explained Tolentino.
“But the thing is, huli man, mukhang maihahabol pa rin.”
Despite his age, Tolentino emphasized Suarez’s deep amateur background as a critical asset.
“He’s 36 years old, kahit papaano ‘yung kanyang extensive amateur experience hindi naman biro ‘yun. He took on a lot of recognizable names, including Vasily Lomachenko, na hindi naman totally nakakahiya,” he noted. “In fact, baka iyon pa nga ang prime Lomachenko dahil late din nag-pro si Lomachenko.”
Tolentino also highlighted Suarez’s technical edge and discipline inside the ring.
“The thing is, with that extensive amateur career, nakita mo namang pulido ang style ng mama. Nakikita mo ang disiplina, ‘di nagsasayang suntok itong si Charly Suarez,” he said.
“Itong Charly Suarez, maganda ng pagkakahulma in his extensive amateur career, and it will come in handy in the pros.”
The post Analyst: Suarez hopes to carry Filipino tradition in junior lightweight class first appeared on Fastbreak.
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