Unbeaten ex-Olympian Suarez returns to action vs. local vet

Charly Suarez stakes his undefeated record against veteran Jon-Jon Estrada in Paniqui. Ivan Saldajeno (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Undefeated prospect Charly Suarez makes a return to action after a full year of wait as he battles veteran Jon-Jon Estrada on Saturday at the Mega Mart in Paniqui.

Suarez, who played in the 2016 Rio Olympics prior to turning pro, boasts a perfect 4-0 record with all wins coming by way of knockout.

However, he has yet to battle since knocking out Dave Barlas for the Philippines Luzon Professional Boxing Association super featherweight title on Feb. 7, 2020.

It is yet to be known if Suarez will be staking his belt against Estrada, who lost his last three bouts and four of his last five, although all of his recent fights happened overseas, which means Estrada has experience to his advantage.

However, a domestic title will be on the line in the said card as Alphoe Dagayloan takes on Ben Ligas for the Philippine flyweight title.

With the boxing card entitled "Reboot 2021" happening inside a shopping center, a place where COVID-19 can spread easily, the Games and Amusements Board wants to make sure that the boxing event organized by the Ultimate Knockout Challenge and VSP Boxing Promotions will be a success amid the pandemic.

“We understand that mounting of a pro boxing event is expensive at this time because we need to follow all the government-mandated quarantine and testing protocols. That is why we want to commend our boxing promoters for their dedication to push for this much-awaited event and for allowing our professional fighters to sustain their livelihood despite all these challenges,” GAB chairman Baham Mitra said on Monday.

GAB will supervise the said event, and the agency met with the event organizers last month to discuss the pre-fight protocols.

“The fighters and their managers are now billeted at Villa Soccoro, Poblacion Norte, Paniqui, Tarlac, to follow our pre-tournament and quarantine protocols,” Chairman Mitra added, implying that the card is happening in a semi-bubble format.

Reboot 2021 will also feature a super flyweight match between Ranelio Quizo and Andrew Laurio, a featherweight battle pitting Lorenz Ladrada and Remon Basas of Olivetti Boxing Gym, and a super lightweight showdown between Ali Canega and Glenn Bismanos.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno