From where Charly Suárez stands, the path is clear: he has earned his title shot against popular Mexican star Emanuel "Vaquero" Navarrete — and he wants it, plain and simple.
But here comes the twist. The WBO has been notified that Team Navarrete and O’Shaquie Foster have reached terms for a unification bout. Imagine that.
That proposed matchup would see Navarrete (40-2-1, 33 KOs) unifying his WBO and IBF Super Featherweight crowns with WBC king O'Shaquie Foster (25-3, 12 KOs) — a clash between two world champions that has fight fans everywhere buzzing. It appears to be the division’s biggest, most exciting fight — and yes, we all love a good unification showdown, especially one that would unify three world titles.
Standing right in the middle of it all — by right, not by choice — is Charly Suárez (19-0, 11 KOs).
The 38-year-old mandatory challenger from Davao has fought his way to this spot, step by step, inside the ring. He earned his position fair and square. So under the rules — shouldn’t he be next in line?
You can almost hear what Charly must be thinking: “Why should I, the mandatory challenger, be set aside for a unification bout — when I’ve already earned my opportunity?”
That is the solid argument Team Suárez has placed before the WBO. And it makes perfect sense.
Now it falls to the WBO — bound by its own policies, rules, and regulations — to weigh both sides fairly. On one hand: Navarrete’s desire to unify titles with a champion as popular as Foster. On the other: Charly Suárez’s hard-earned right to a title shot. What would you do?
WBO President Atty. Gustavo Olivieri Miranda has officially referred the matter to the WBO Championship Committee, stating:
“The WBO must carefully review and consider the respective arguments and positions of all parties — Team Navarrete and Team Suárez — and, pursuant to its governing policies, Rules & Regulations, render the applicable ruling. Accordingly, the matter will now be referred to the WBO Championship Committee for its consideration and determination in accordance with the WBO’s established procedures. Any determination rendered by the Committee will be communicated publicly in due course.”
And so the committee deliberates. Now we wait.
Will Navarrete–Foster get the green light? Will Suárez agree to step aside — for fair compensation? Or will Charly Suárez get the title shot he has earned and waited for?
Laban lang, Charly! Whatever the decision, may the WBO uphold what is right — and what is fair.
The author is boxing writer Carlos Costa in Cebu 🇵🇭 carlos@philboxing.com
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