Ilocos political kingpin, businessman and sportsman Luis “Chavit” Singson believes Filipino fighter Charly Suarez is a live underdog against Mexico’s magnificent champion Emanuel Navarrete, who defends his World Boxing Organization (WBO) crown on 10 May at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego.
“This is the fight we have all been waiting for,” Singson said in a press conference held Monday at his Corinthian Gardens residence.
“Magandang dehado ito (Suarez is a live underdog),” said Singson, who struck a deal with Top Rank after speaking with no less than Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.
Suarez had been worried about his future given that he is already 36 years old.
“I was afraid that I will retire without being given an opportunity to fight for a world title,” said Suarez, rated No. 1 by the WBO.
“I am grateful that Gov was able to put a deal in place,” said the unbeaten fighter from Davao del Sur.
Delfin Boholst, who manages and trains Suarez, could not help but heap praises for Singson’s recent power play.
“This would have not happened had it been not for Gov. He truly is God-sent. This is our dream. We will not let him down,” Boholst, whose association with Suarez stretches back to their amateur days.
Navarrete, 30, packs a 39-2-1 win-loss-draw record with 32 knockouts, while Suarez parades an 18-0 card with ten knockouts.
Suarez and his team are departing for the United States on 12 April after their two-week camp in Tagaytay City where Singson has a property that features a boxing gym.
Singson, though serving as Suarez’s chief handler, insists he is not after a percentage on the prize money.
“I am just helping out Charly. I have no interest in his purse.”
Owing to the fight’s proximity to the 12 May elections, Singson is left without a choice but to stay behind.
“I would have wanted to be there but it’s too close to the elections and I have lots of friends I am helping (to win),” he said.
Still, Singson swears he has faith and confidence that Suarez is going to deliver provided that he doesn’t get the short end of the stick
“Huwag lang tayo dayain, we’ll win, (If the officiating is fair, we’ll win),” he said.
To avoid further complications, Singson is offering one piece of advice.
“Knock him out.”
