SUAREZ NO-CONTEST RULING JUNE 2ND
The boxing world is bracing for a major ruling next week, as the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) is expected to nullify the result of the controversial May 10 super-featherweight title clash between Charly Suarez and Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete.
In what was expected to be Suarez' coming out party as newly minted world champion, the fight ended in a contentious eighth-round technical decision in favor of Navarrete, allowing him to retain his WBO super-featherweight crown. However, following a formal protest and extensive review, the CSAC has reportedly resolved that the bout's conclusion was based on a critical officiating error.
TECHNICAL DECISION TO NO-CONTEST ?
At the heart of the controversy is the cut above Navarrete’s left eye, sustained in Round 6.
Referee Edward Collantes had ruled the laceration resulted from an unintentional clash of heads. Under WBO rules, this led to the fight going to the scorecards when the bout was stopped in the eighth due to the severity of the cut.
Navarrete was awarded a technical decision victory — but the video evidence told a completely different story, and the outrageous error did not go unnoticed by the fans.
Even Mexicans were scathing of the result.
After a comprehensive review, CSAC officials determined that the injury was caused not by a headbutt, but by a clean, legal punch landed by Suarez.
The video analysis contradicts the in-ring ruling and casts serious doubt over the legitimacy of the technical decision.
If the punch had been properly identified in real time, Suarez would have been declared the winner via TKO — and crowned the new WBO champion.
Instead, the fight result may now be erased from both fighters’ records, with the CSAC reportedly leaning toward a no-contest ruling to reflect the officiating error.
RIPPLE EFFECTS AND A POTENTIAL REMATCH
The decision, expected to be finalized on June 2, would nullify Navarrete’s title defense and create a pathway for a rematch between the two fighters — something sources say both camps are already open to.
According to sources, the WBO is monitoring the situation closely and would likely mandate a rematch for the now-vacant super-featherweight title if the fight is officially declared a no-contest.
Suarez, a 36-year-old former Olympian from Davao del Norte, welcomed the development.
"I respect Navarrete, he’s a tough champion,” Suarez said.
“But I was confident I could finish him late. I was coming on strong, and the momentum was shifting.
I’m ready for whatever comes next — a rematch, a title shot, anything.”
OFFICIATING IN THE SPOTLIGHT
This latest reversal underscores the growing calls for more consistent use of video replay and officiating transparency in professional boxing. Though ringside replay official Jack Reiss had reviewed the sequence on fight night, he initially declared there was “no conclusive evidence” to overturn the referee’s call — a judgment the CSAC now appears to refute.
The incident has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with many criticizing the initial handling of the injury and praising the CSAC for taking corrective action, even if it comes weeks after the fact.
SO WHAT'S NEXT ?
With the June 2 decision looming, many boxing fans worldwide are awaiting confirmation that could rewrite the outcome of one of 2025’s most dramatic title fights.
A no-contest ruling would not only vindicate Suarez, but also set the stage for a blockbuster rematch — one that promises to settle all lingering doubts inside the ring.
Until then, both fighters are staying ready.
“The fight isn’t over,” Suarez said.
“It just paused. And I’m ready to press play again.”
Go gett'em Charly boy ! June 2nd !!
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