There’s no stopping the ageless Charly Suarez.
Aging like a fine wine at 36, the Davao del Norte pride, who had a remarkable amateur career that was highlighted by an Olympic stint in Rio 2016, wants to become the undisputed world champion before he can call it quits.
Should the stars align, the WBO International super featherweight titlist, rated No. 1 in the latest rankings, aims to retire with an unblemished record under his name.
“‘Yon nga pinaka-aim ko magretiro na may undisputed at walang talo, ‘yon talaga hangga’t maari,” Suarez told Manila Bulletin after his press conference at former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson’s home in Quezon City Tuesday evening, Oct. 1.
But if things go the other way around, the Philippine Army boxer, who has an 18-0 record, will take it like the soldier that he is.
“‘Yon naman, is a part of the game, become athlete or boxer na may talo, may panalo,” he added. “But kung darating man ‘yon, tuloy pa rin ang laban tuloy parin sa pangarap.”
For his dreams to be realized, Suarez must win all of the four major belts: the IBF, WBA, WBO and WBC.
He must wait a little longer before he can own one.
Mexican Emmanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs), who holds the WBO strap, will battle compatriot and interim champion Oscar Valdez (32-2, 24KOs) in December.
Suarez might get his shot at glory against the winner of the bout.
The Filipino pug snared the International super featherweight crown after an empathic TKO win over Jorge Castaneda last month.
Fighting on home soil?
With the help of his manager Singson, there are plans for Suarez to defend his WBO belt on home soil.
“Me and coach Delfin Boholst, we’re planning na, and also Gov. (Chavit Singson), na makalaban hopefully sa Pilipinas,” Suarez continued.
“We’re planning na madepensehan ‘tong belt this December,” he added.
Singson, an avid supporter of Filipino athletes, is currently looking for the best option for Suarez’s next fight.
“We’re willing to finance na rito maganap. And if possible the championship fight will be here in the Philippines. We’ll negotiate if how much… it’s either sa Mall of Asia [Arena] or sa Bulacan [Philippine Arena],” said Singson.
Charly Suarez eyes December fight in PH