The freakishly talented Charly Suarez makes his international debut here, and with an IBF title against Indonesia’s number one fighter just to add more spice.
But why would we expect any less from a man who is very definitely the best technical boxer that the Philippines has ever produced.
Suarez has racked up 15 wins at home at breakneck speed, and has perhaps lost 2 rounds in the process. He finished every bout unscathed and with a smile, suggesting it is all easy work for him. To add merit to this, Suarez certainly hasn’t had it easy, meeting guys like JonJon Estrada, Tomjune Mangubat, Delmar Pellio, Mark John Yap and Carlo Magali along the way. These are high skilled veterans that have a commonality – they punch with hurtful intent, yet Suarez has breezed through as if he is in a training session, picking up WBA and national titles into the bargain.
Charly Suarez moves on to another significant opponent here, Indonesia’s best fighter Defry Palulu.
This is a guy that Suarez was meant to fight in early 2020 for the WBC title, and it was a fight that the Indonesian was favoured to win. However the match was canceled due to the pandemic, and thankfully, these two great fighters get to meet in Vietnam for the IBF Asia belt.
In spite of Suarez’s amazing success as a pro, many of his countrymen doubt his ability to impact at world level. They cite his age and lack of power as the main impediments. But those close to the camp disagree!
This may interest some.
The Suarez team maintain he has lots of power, and that he had no intent on hurting his own countrymen. His Objective at home was to get valuable rounds and build a petrol tank for bigger fights abroad. Mission accomplished !
He says there will be absolutely no mercy shown to any foreign rivals, and if there is a knockout to be had, you’re going to see it in high definition !
PHILIPPINES 🇵🇭 STAR A REAL UNDERDOG
Betting markets have just gone up, and as you'd expect, Mexico's Emanuel Navarrete is quoted as an "unbeatable" favourite against the "King's Warrior" Charly Suarez.
But world boxing fans are not so well informed, and often fickle, and these opening markets offer huge value to those loyal to the chances of the Philippines' best boxer.
Here's how the two fighters line up according to BoxLive :
PREVIEW
When is Navarrete vs Suarez?
Emanuel Navarrete will face the challenge of Charly Suarez on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at Pechanga Arena, San Diego.
The fight will be contested over 12 rounds in the Super Featherweight division, which means the weight limit will be 130 pounds (9.3 stone or 59 kg).
This contest is for the WBO super featherweight championship of the world.
FIGHTER STATS
Emanuel Navarrete steps into the ring with a record of 39 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, 32 of those wins coming by way of knockout.
Charly Suarez will make his way to the ring with an unblemished record of 18 wins and 0 draws, with 10 of those by knockout.
The stats suggest Navarrete has a large advantage in power over Suarez, boasting a 82% knockout percentage compared to Suarez's 56%.
Emanuel Navarrete is the younger man by 6 years, at 30 years old.
Navarrete has a height advantage of 1 inch over Suarez. This also extends to a 7-inch reach advantage.
Both Emanuel Navarrete and Charly Suarez fight out of an orthodox stance.
Navarrete is the more experienced professional fighter, having had 24 more fights, and made his debut in 2012, 7 years earlier than Suarez, whose first professional fight was in 2019. He has fought 123 more professional rounds, totaling 246 compared to Suarez's 123.
Emanuel Navarrete goes into the fight ranked number 1 by The Ring at super featherweight.
Charly Suarez is currently ranked number 15 by the WBC, 1 by the WBO, and 4 by the IBF in the 130lb division.
CURRENT FORM
Navarrete has beaten 3 of his last 5 opponents, stopping 2 of them, going the distance once.
In his last fight, he beat Oscar Valdez on December 7, 2024, by knockout in the 6th round in their WBO World Junior Lightweight championship fight at Footprint Center, Phoenix, United States.
Prior to that, he had been beaten by Denys Berinchyk on May 18, 2024, by split decision in their WBO World Lightweight championship fight at Pechanga Arena, San Diego.
Going into that contest, he had drawn with Robson Conceicao on November 16, 2023, by majority draw in their 12 round contest in their WBO World Junior Lightweight championship fight at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
Before that, he had beaten Oscar Valdez on August 12, 2023, by unanimous decision in their WBO World Junior Lightweight championship fight at Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale.
He had won against Liam Wilson on February 3, 2023, by technical knockout in the 9th round in their WBO World Junior Lightweight championship fight at Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale.
Charly Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) had several hundred fights as an amateur, representing his homeland at the 2016 Olympics and several World Championships.
A six-year pro, he won a pair of regional titles in March 2023 when he scored a come-from-behind 12th-round stoppage over Paul Fleming on hostile turf in Sydney, Australia.
The Fleming triumph paved the way for a deal with Top Rank, and Suarez has won three straight fights in America. He knocked out Jorge Castañeda in three rounds last September, which came five months removed from a hard-fought eight-round decision over Louie Coria.
ACTIVITY CHECK
Navarrete's last 5 fights have come over a period of 2 years, 3 months and 7 days, which means he has been fighting approximately every 5 months and 14 days. In those fights, he fought a total of 51 rounds, meaning that they have lasted 10.2 rounds on average.
Navarrete will be making his 4th defense of the WBO World Junior Lightweight Championship. He won this belt against Liam Wilson in February 2023.He had held this belt for 2 years, 1 month and 23 days.
Suarez has had 2 fights in 2023, and 2 fights in 2024. His most recent was a knockout victory in September of last year against Jorge Castañeda. This will be his first attempt at the WBO World Title.
#VSPPromotions #vspboxing #vsppro #boxingvietnam #Elorde #ElordeTV
The King's Warrior will have his broken right hand in a protective cast for the next 6 weeks, but the good news is, he is expected to make a full recovery.
Suarez staged an amazing effort to stay composed after injuring the hand early in round one, and being put under constant pressure by excellent Dominican Yohan Vasquez.
It was a bitter sweet US debut for the Philippines best boxer, who will be hoping for a ring return later this year.
Despite a dominant win at his USA debut, the King's Warrior Charly Suarez was the victim of misfortune.
Suarez broke his hand early in round one, forcing him to turn to his amateur skills and box his way to victory. The Philippines star turned southpaw frequently in the bout to ensure he survived the ten rounds against his rugged opponent Yohan Vasquez.
Charly Suarez turned away a scrappy challenge from Yohan Vasquez to enjoy a successful U.S. debut. after a ten-round, unanimous decision victory over Dominican Republic’s Vazquez. Scores were 98-92, 98-92 and 97-93 for Suarez in the opening bout of the evening.
Action from bell to bell was entertaining and competitive, to the point where Vasquez (25-4, 20KOs) was disappointed when he heard the lopsided scores. Suarez landed the crisper combinations and cleaner punches but was forced to fend off Vasquez who effectively cut off the ring in the middleweights.
Suarez—a 35-year-old from General Santos City, Philippines—regained control late in the fight to advance to 16-0 (9KOs). The bout was his third straight on the road, having previously posted wins in Vietnam last December and a come-from-behind 12th round stoppage of unbeaten Paul Fleming on March 15 in Sydney, Australia.
The King's Warrior Charly Suarez has just completed his preparations in Las Vegas for this Sunday’s fight, and reports he is in killer shape and more than ready to fight.
Suarez will battle Dominican Yohan Vasquez 25-2, a hard hitter with 22 knockouts on his resume.
The Davao son was able to get some fast paced rounds in with both sons of fabled Ferocious Fernando Vargas, and also share the ring with Chris Eubank jr (pictured). Prior to that, the champ worked with Philippines national team members back home in Baguio.
Despite the calibre of his opponent, and the question marks surrounding his first bout in the US, Suarez will enter the ring a heavy favourite to put opponent Vasquez to the sword.
Suarez v Vasquez will take place at the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa Oklahoma this Sunday.
CEBU CITY, Philippines– Charly Suarez, the unbeaten and world-rated super featherweight contender nicknamed “King’s Warrior” will debut in the United States on August 26, 2023.
The 34-year-old Olympian turned professional boxer will face Dominican Republic’s Yohan Vasquez in a non-title bout at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
This will be Suarez’s first fight in five months. His most recent bout was nothing short of impressive as he wrested three regional titles and earned a world title bout.
Last March 15, he went to Sydney Australia to challenge the erstwhile International Boxing Federation (IBF) Inter-Continental, International Boxing Organization (IBO) Inter-Continental, and World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia super featherweight king Paul Fleming.
The Filipino scored a technical knockout in the 12th round against Fleming for a resounding upset.
The victory catapulted Suarez to No. 7 in the IBF super featherweight division, No. 10 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO), and No. 15 in the WBC.
He remains unbeaten with 15 wins and nine knockouts. Besides the three regional titles, Suarez is also the IBF Asia super featherweight king.
Meanwhile, Vasquez, 29, has a more experienced record. The former Dominican Republic lightweight champion holds a record of 25 wins, 20 knockouts, and three defeats.
*story courtesy Cebu Daily News
SUAREZ IN VEGAS PREP FOR AUGUST RETURN
The King's Warrior Charly Suarez is enjoying quality sparring in Las Vegas in preparation for a ring return later this month.
Davao boxer Suarez (15-0) will head to Oklahoma to take on Yohan Vasquez (25-3) in a ten round non title contest.
The match represents a "stay busy" bout for Suarez, who was last seen fighting in Australia in March.
He won in spectacular fashion on that occasion, defeating unbeaten champion Paul Fleming by last round knockout, and picking up 4 regional titles in the process.
Take a trip down memory lane !
Hanoi Vietnam October 2019, and last night's big winner Nguyễn Văn Hải fights an exhibition bout with world title mandatory Charly Suarez.
Cracking bout showcasing two of Asia's best !!!
Philippines star boxer was celebrated by none other than President BongBong Marcos today at an awards ceremony in Manila.
Also acknowledged for their outstanding achievements were world champion boxers Melvin Jerusalem and Marlon Tapales.
Charly Suarez recently ventured to Australia to take on a man who VSP regarded as that country's best 130lb fighter - Paul "Showtime" Fleming.
The match was as exciting and dramatic as expected, with Suarez clinching victory courtesy of a last round knockout.
But despite the quality of that encounter, there are those in Australia less than convinced.
The feedback was that perhaps Fleming was "faded", that maybe Suarez got lucky, with even some there referring to the Philippines' best as a "cab driver !"
The overwhelming sentiment is that these two great fighters would be no match for a younger and more powerful Liam Wilson.
Queensland star Liam Wilson was responsible for the knockout of former top Philippines 130lb Joe Noynay, and despite a loss, consolidated his fearsome reputation with a cracking display against Emanuel Navarrete just recently.
In an ominous show of power, Wilson rag dolled Navarrete and became the first man in the world to drop the staunch WBO champ.
Impressive stuff, and for Wilson, there are surely big wins ahead.
But Charly Suarez is far and away the best boxer in the Philippines right now, so for Wilson, he represents another significant but exciting challenge.
So how about it NO LIMIT,
let's fight our two roosters and let's see who comes out victorious !!!!
This is a huge fight for Australia, and for sure, for betting shops, as everyone in the Philippines will be putting their cash on the "cab driver" from Davao !
On June 3rd, VBO President Dr. Lim Song attended 40th IBF Convention in Atlantic city, USA. There, Dr. Song made a formal proposal to host 2026 IBF Convention in Vietnam.
The global convention bring together 300~400 experts in the professional boxing industry across the world.
Hosting a Global Convention for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in Vietnam would offer a multitude of benefits, not just for the boxing community but for the country as a whole.
1. Elevating Vietnam's Boxing Profile:
Global Recognition: Hosting a major IBF event would significantly raise Vietnam's standing in the international boxing world. It would put the country on the map as a serious contender for future top-tier boxing events and potentially world title fights.
Showcasing Local Talent: It would provide an unparalleled platform for Vietnamese boxers, coaches, and officials to interact with global leaders, learn best practices, and gain exposure. This could accelerate the development of local boxing talent and potentially lead to more Vietnamese champions on the world stage.
Professional Development: The convention would likely include seminars, training courses, and certification programs for referees, judges, and coaches, significantly improving the quality and professionalism of Vietnamese boxing personnel.
2. Development of the "Sports Economy":
Tourism Boost: A global convention attracts a significant number of international delegates, including IBF officials, promoters, managers, boxers, media, and fans. This influx of visitors would lead to increased spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation, shopping, and local attractions, generating substantial revenue for the local economy.
Job Creation: The event would create temporary jobs in hospitality, event management, security, transportation, and other related sectors.
Media Exposure: Global media coverage of the convention and any associated boxing events would provide invaluable promotion for Vietnam as a tourist destination and a vibrant, modern country, enhancing its international image.
Hosting an IBF convention could stimulate the commercialization of boxing in Vietnam, encouraging more sponsorships, broadcasting deals, and the growth of a professional boxing ecosystem.
3. Soft Power and International Relations:
Diplomatic Engagement: Hosting such an event fosters stronger relationships with international sports organizations and participating countries, enhancing Vietnam's "soft power" on the global stage.
Cultural Exchange: It provides an opportunity to showcase Vietnamese culture, hospitality, and unique heritage to a diverse international audience. Delegates would experience local customs, cuisine, and traditions, leaving with positive impressions.
National Pride: Successfully hosting a prestigious global event instills a sense of national pride and unity among the Vietnamese people.
So, what do you think about Vietnam hosting IBF Convention in 2026?
#vietnamboxingorganization #vietnamboxing #professionalboxing #ibf #InternationalBoxingFederation #SportsEconomy #vietnamsports #pride
Hai võ sĩ Việt Nam 🇻🇳 Thái Hoàng Huy và Trần Tấn Quang Đạo vừa đặt chân đến Úc nhưng đã nhanh chóng làm quen với người bản địa.
Huy, Nguyễn Hải Đăng và Adones Cabalquinto sẽ thi đấu tại sự kiện NO WAY OUT vào tối mai tại Q Room ở Melbourne.
Chương trình do Peter Maniatis Events – một trong những đơn vị ủng hộ boxing chuyên nghiệp lớn nhất nước Úc – tổ chức.
Lễ cân sẽ diễn ra vào cuối ngày hôm nay.
AUSTRALIA - LET'S MAKE NEW FRIENDS 🇦🇺
Vietnam 🇻🇳 boxers Thai Hoang Huy and Tran Tan Quang Dao have only just arrived in Australia, and are already meeting the locals.
Huy, Nguyen Hai Dang and Adones Cabalquinto will be competing at the NO WAY OUT event tomorrow night at the Q Room in Melbourne.
The promotion comes courtesy of one of the country's biggest supporters of professional boxing Peter Maniatis Events.
The weigh-in will be held later today.
Các bạn thân mến – có rất nhiều bình luận xoay quanh trận đấu vừa qua của Trần Văn Thảo tại Tokyo. Nhiều ý kiến mang tính động viên, nhưng cũng không ít những lời chỉ trích khá gay gắt.
Ai cũng có quyền tự do bày tỏ quan điểm.
Nhưng để cân bằng lại những quan điểm đó, tôi muốn chia sẻ với các bạn một góc nhìn có thêm bối cảnh và chuyên môn.
Trong bài viết trước, tôi không chỉ nói Nhật Bản giỏi boxing – tôi nói họ LÀ GIỎI NHẤT!
Nghe có vẻ phóng đại? Vậy hãy đọc tiếp.
Nhật Bản hiện đang sở hữu 5 võ sĩ hàng đầu thế giới ở hạng cân của Trần Văn Thảo, và 8 người trong top 10.
Điều này là cực kỳ hiếm thấy!
Không một quốc gia nào khác thống trị một hạng cân danh giá như vậy – kể cả Hoa Kỳ!
Và đừng quên, Nhật Bản còn có "quái vật" Naoya Inoue, người được xem là võ sĩ hay nhất thế giới hiện nay.
Trần Văn Thảo vừa thượng đài với một tay đấm được dự đoán sẽ là ngôi sao tương lai của Nhật Bản ở hạng Bantamweight – và điều đó hoàn toàn hợp lý vì anh ta từng là vô địch thế giới nghiệp dư.
Đây là một đối thủ rất nghiêm túc – không phải “tay mơ” nào cả.
Tôi đã tham gia boxing quốc tế nhiều năm, và không bao giờ dùng từ “huyền thoại” hay “người hùng” một cách tùy tiện.
Nên hãy hiểu rõ ngữ cảnh sau đây.
Trần Văn Thảo đến từ một đất nước chưa có nền boxing chuyên nghiệp phát triển.
Việc thi đấu thường xuyên và tập luyện với đối thủ đẳng cấp cao là điều gần như không thể tại Việt Nam lúc này.
Đây là bất lợi rất lớn cho các võ sĩ tài năng của chúng ta.
Dù vậy, Thảo vẫn đạt được xếp hạng thế giới, và trở thành võ sĩ Việt Nam đầu tiên được mời thi đấu trên sân khấu lớn nhất thế giới, đối đầu với một đối thủ đẳng cấp cao.
Không những thế, anh còn là trận đấu chính trong loạt trận phụ trước trận tranh đai vô địch thế giới.
ĐÂY LÀ CỘT MỐC LỊCH SỬ CỦA BOXING CHUYÊN NGHIỆP VIỆT NAM!!
Đây là dấu ấn đặc biệt – và Trần Văn Thảo xứng đáng được xem là một người hùng.
TRẬN ĐẤU THÌ SAO?
Vâng – tất cả chúng ta đều xem rồi.
Nhưng điều đáng nể hơn là: Chính Thảo đã can đảm bước vào và chiến đấu.
Thua là xác suất 50% của mọi trận đấu, nhưng Thảo đã cho cả thế giới thấy rằng võ sĩ Việt Nam KHÔNG BAO GIỜ GỤC NGÃ!
Không bỏ cuộc – và phẩm chất đó là điều rất hiếm ở con người. Màn thể hiện của Thảo là nguồn cảm hứng lớn.
Đối thủ trước đó của Tomoya Tsuboi có thành tích 14 thắng – 2 thua, nhưng bị hạ KO chỉ trong 2 hiệp.
Những bài học sau thất bại rất giá trị với mọi võ sĩ – và chính điều đó sẽ giúp Thảo phát triển mạnh mẽ hơn rất nhiều, đặc biệt nếu anh có cơ hội trở lại sàn đấu thế giới.
Giờ đây, Thảo hiểu rõ trình độ cần thiết để thi đấu ở đỉnh cao, thậm chí còn rõ hơn bất kỳ ai trong chúng ta ngồi xem ở nhà.
Tôi là người làm nghề tổ chức, và nếu tôi là promoter phía Nhật, tôi chắc chắn sẽ mời Thảo quay lại lần nữa!
Tinh thần chiến đấu và sự bền bỉ của anh ấy đã nâng tầm thương hiệu boxing Việt Nam trên trường quốc tế – và đó là một thành tựu không thể phủ nhận.
Có bài học rút ra không?
Tất nhiên – là rất nhiều!
Hãy chờ đợi sự trở lại của đại sứ boxing chuyên nghiệp Việt Nam – khỏe hơn, nhanh hơn và thông minh hơn bao giờ hết!
VIỆT NAM 🇻🇳 – VỮNG BƯỚC TIẾN LÊN!
Nguyễn Hải Đăng, võ sĩ 19 tuổi đến từ Việt Nam, sẽ có trận chuyên nghiệp đầu tiên vào tối thứ Bảy này tại Melbourne, Úc.
Nhưng có một vấn đề nhỏ...
Em chưa có quần thi đấu chuyên nghiệp để bước lên võ đài chiến thắng 🤔
✅ ĐÃ GIẢI QUYẾT XONG !!
Một lời cảm ơn đặc biệt gửi đến Huỳnh Hồng Ngọc đã lo liệu mọi thứ cho em trong thời gian cực kỳ gấp rút!
🔥 Chiến hết mình với võ sĩ Úc nhé Đăng!
CHO NÓ BIẾT "ĐỊA NGỤC" LÀ GÌ 😈
VIỆT NAM CỐ LÊN 🇻🇳