Charly Suarez loses title bout to Navarrete after controversial end
The Philippines’ Charly Suarez goes toe-to-toe with Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete in their WBO super featherweight world title fight in San Diego, California, USA. Navarrete retained his belt via seven-round technical decision. – TOP RANK PHOTO
A controversial end marred a classic Philippines-Mexico slugfest with previously unbeaten Filipino challenger Charly Suarez losing to Mexican champion Emanuel Navarrete via a seven-round technical decision on Sunday (Manila time).
Navarrete kept his World Boxing Organization super featherweight world title at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California, USA.
READ: Charly Suarez wants ‘convincing’ win in world title fight
The fight was halted after seven rounds with the three-division champion bleeding from a cut over his left eye caused by an accidental clash of heads in the sixth round.
The replay, however, showed the gash was a result of a solid left punch from Suarez. Had it not been for referee Edward Collantes’ blunder, Suarez would’ve won the bout by technical knockout.
Regardless of ending, these two gave it their all 🇲🇽🍿🇵🇭@TwistedTea | #NavarreteSuarez pic.twitter.com/kUSJ9x4IB9
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 11, 2025
The outcome was then decided by the scorecards at the time of the stoppage with all three having Navarrete ahead — 77-76, 77-76 and 78-75.
The 30-year-old Mexican improved to 40-2 with one draw as he defended his crown for the fourth time.
Navarrete had missed the 130-pound weight limit in his first try at the scales but was inside the limit two hours later at a final weigh-in.
READ: Charly Suarez remains locked in on world title goal
Suarez, seeking his first world title at the age of 36, fell to 18-1.
Suarez, who competed at the Rio Olympics in 2016, was stunned by an accidental clash of heads late in round four.
Another clash of heads in the sixth opened a deep gash above Navarrete’s left eye, gushing blood impacting his vision and causing the early stoppage in the bout scheduled for 12 rounds.
