EMANUEL Navarrete is still the WBO super-featherweight champion after defeating Charly Suarez by technical decision in California last night. A terrible, gushing cut above Navarrete’s left eye in round six caused a controversial end to the fight, two sessions later.
Suarez, an active soldier in the Filipino army, landed a swiping left hand that appeared to cause the cut. The referee ruled it had come from a head clash, although replays did not show any such clash. The California State Athletic Commission, led by former star referee Jack Reiss, toiled to try to make a judgment.
The ruling of “heads” was allowed to stand and when, in round eight, the doctor deemed the cut too bad to continue, the fight went to the cards. Navarrete was up 77-76 on two cards and 78-75 on a third, enabling the Mexican to defend his title. However, the rumblings continued into the night. It may now be changed to a no-contest verdict.
Before the unfortunate ending, it had been a typical Navarrete, 40-2-1 (32 KOs), fight, wild swinging action, all off the back of his difficult weight cut and jumbly physique. Determined to take the opportunity of a lifetime with both gloves, against a three-weight world champion, Suarez, 18-1 (10 KOs), was hurt to the body on more than one occasion, yet kept on trying to win.
The challenger was potentially robbed of his crowning moment due to the inconclusive nature of the ending. The champion naturally suggested it was a headbutt, but that is unclear from the replays that are still rolling on social media. A rematch would be the next logical move given the contentious finish.
