BOXING fans are up in arms following Filipino challenger Charly Suarez’s controversial loss to Emanuel Navarrete in their World Boxing Organization super featherweight title clash.
Many believe Suarez was robbed of a potential victory, and momentum is building for a rematch to settle the dispute.
Top Rank Vice President of Operations Carl Moretti wasted no time, stating immediately after the fight that he would push for a rematch.
Navarrete retained his WBO title on Sunday via technical decision after the ringside doctor ruled him unfit to continue in the eighth round due to a severe cut above his left eye.
The referee deemed the cut to be caused by an accidental headbutt, prompting judges to go to the scorecards.
At the time of the stoppage, Navarrete was ahead in the scorecards, 77-76, 77-76, and 78-75, and was promptly declared the winner.
However, slow-motion replays and screenshots later revealed that the gash was actually caused by a powerful left hook from Suarez, not a clash of heads.
Had the referee ruled it a punch, Suarez would likely have been awarded a technical knockout victory.
In similar past controversies, governing bodies have stepped in to overturn results.
According to BoxingScene.com, the California State Athletic Commission is expected to review the fight and could declare Navarrete’s win a no-contest.
Despite the contentious outcome, the 36-year-old Suarez remained gracious in defeat.
Suarez, who also represented the Philippines in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, expressed his gratitude to Top Rank, the WBO, and Navarrete for the opportunity.
“Ganu’n talaga ang sports. May mga hindi natin inaasahang pangyayari habang nasa taas ng ring,” Suarez said. “Hopefully may rematch na mangyari at doon po tayo babawi.”
(“That’s how sports go. Unexpected things happen in the ring. Hopefully, a rematch happens, and that’s where we’ll come back stronger.”)
Navarrete acknowledged Suarez’s skill and the tough challenge he presented, stating, “He is a great opponent. A rematch would be good.”
Suarez, who entered the bout with an 18-0 record, believes a rematch is more than justified, and boxing fans around the world seem to agree.