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| Charly Suarez's camp stays patient in their quest for a world title. Ivan Saldajeno |
QUEZON CITY—Charly Suarez is one step closer to having a shot at the WBO junior lightweight title after knocking out Jorge Castaneda to win the division's secondary belt, the International championship.
On top of that, Suarez also moved up the world ranking WBO-wise, now becoming number one in the contender list for those wanting to dethrone Mexican boxing star Emanuel Navarrete as the organization's 130-pound king.
However, Suarez's camp may have to stay in line for a little while before they can finally get a shot at Navarrete as the latter is scheduled to face Oscar Valdez on Dec. 8 (Philippine Time).
That is if the fight pushes through.
Although reports last August said the much-awaited rematch between Navarrete and Valdez at the Footprint Center in Phoenix is a go, there has been no word about the latest development of the bout since then, opening a possibility that Suarez might get a shot at Navarrete first.
Well-known boxing enthusiast Chavit Singson said last week that he is willing to bring the showdown between Navarrete and Suarez in the Philippines if the discussions on the Navarrete-Valdez bout fall out.
For now, Suarez's camp is just gearing up if the sudden need to step up in Valdez's absence arises.
"Dapat kami naka-prepare lagi dito kasi pag in-offer sa amin na kami ang lalaban, opportunity na namin ito na makalaban [para sa] world title," Delfin Boholst, Suarez's longtime coach, said during Suarez's homecoming event on Wednesday at the Pandan Asian Cafe.
Boholst added that Suarez will return to training next week.
Rick Navalta, Singson's friend, is currently doing the negotiation stuff with Top Rank Promotions regarding a future Suarez-Navarrete clash.
Anthony Cacace wants none of Charly Suarez?
Another option for Suarez, according to Boholst, is a showdown with Anthony Cacace for the IBF junior welterweight belt.
Suarez is currently ranked fifth in the world rankings in the IBF's 130-pound division.
"Just in case na kukunin na si Charly din ang kukunin na kalaban, go kami dyan kasi opportunity yan eh," Boholst further said.
He then bared that Suarez was supposed to be Cacace's mandatory challenger, but for some reason, the British boxer wanted someone else instead.
"Sa tingin talaga nila, medyo tagilid sila. Gumagawa sila ng paraan para makaiwas kay Charly," Boholst further said, reiterating that his prized pug wants Navarrete next since he is now the next mandatory challenger in line.
If ever the Navarrete-Valdez rematch finally pushes through, Boholst wants Suarez to face the winner by either February or March.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
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