If plans push through, Olympian Charly Suarez will be aiming for the world boxing title next year.
The 34-year-old Suarez, a long-time member of the Philippine national team, joined the professional ranks a bit late. He only debuted two years ago and didn’t mind going through the starter, four-round bouts, even though he owns a colorful, international amateur boxing background.
It’s not that Suarez and his team are being complacent, but the many-time Southeast Asian Games champion and Rio Olympian knows that the right time will come.
“Naghihintay lang po talaga kami ng tamang panahon, in God’s grace,” he said.
And that time could be next year, according to his trainer-manager Delfin Boholst.
“Hopefully, next year makalaban na kami for the world title, hinog na hinog na si Charly,” said Boholst after his ward stopped Indonesian opponent Defry Palulu in the second round to bag the vacant International Boxing Federation Asia Junior Lightweight belt in Vietnam two weeks ago.
Suarez earlier won the World Boxing Association Asia Super Featherweight belt in March and clinched the Philippine Super Featherweight belt after defeating compatriot Carlo Magali via unanimous decision in October.
Suarez, who stayed unbeaten in 14 professional fights, said his latest victory will serve as a stepping stone in his bid for a world boxing championship crown.
“Handang-handa na po para sa world title. So, it is just onward and upward for this Christian Soldier, I will await what the Lord has planned for me,” Suarez said.