Filipino star Charly Suarez regains his 18-0 clean slate as the WBO orders a rematch with Emmanuel Navarrete

Filipino boxing star Charly Suarez has established himself as one of the best boxers to come out of the Philippines, currently holding the International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) Inter-Continental Super Featherweight titles.

Suarez found himself at the center of controversy recently after World Boxing Organization (WBO) super featherweight champion Emmanuel Navarrete of Mexico retained his title in controversial circumstances against the Filipino star on Saturday, May 10, at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

The action-packed fight between Navarrete and Suarez was stopped at the start of Round 8 after the Mexican was declared unfit to fight by ringside doctors due to a massive cut above his left eyebrow, sustained in the sixth round. With the fight halted, the judges scored the bout 78-75, 77-76, and 77-76—all in favor of Navarrete, who retained his title.

However, controversy arose over the cause of the cut—whether it was the result of a punch or an accidental headbutt. Had the cut been ruled as caused by a punch from Suarez, the Filipino would have been declared the winner by TKO.

The decision did not sit well with Suarez’s camp, who immediately filed an appeal with the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) over the controversial ending. An official decision on the appeal was expected on June 2.

REMATCH ORDERED. 🚨
Navarrete vs Suarez will run it back.

CSAC ruled No Contest — WBO makes it official.#NewEra #WBO pic.twitter.com/JL6TlVT7e9

— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) June 2, 2025

In good news for Suarez’s camp, the CSAC on Tuesday, June 3, overturned Navarrete’s unanimous technical decision win, ruling it a “no contest,” with the WBO ordering an immediate rematch.

“The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has officially ruled the bout between Emmanuel Navarrete and Charly Suarez a No Contest. In light of the foregoing, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) is hereby ordering an immediate rematch,” the WBO stated.

Following the reversal of the decision, Suarez’s record reverts to 18-0 with 10 knockouts, while Navarrete remains at 39-2-1 with 32 knockouts. More importantly, Suarez now gets a rematch against the Mexican fighter for the title.

“While this is not the result that we wanted, I believe this is still a positive outcome. I am now focusing on the future. I am ready for a rematch. I hope Navarrete takes the fight because we have unfinished business to settle,” Suarez stated.

However, the rematch—if agreed to by Navarrete—will not take place immediately, as the Mexican fighter is currently on medical suspension until July 9. If he decides to move up to super featherweight, Suarez will be ranked No. 1 and will most likely face No. 2 Kenichi Ogawa for the vacant WBO super featherweight title.

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