Best-case scenario

As he awaits what’s on the horizon, Charly Suarez makes it a habit to wake up each day looking forward to spending some time in the gym.

Suarez, the No. 1 challenger of World Boxing Organization (WBO) in the super-featherweight class, could wind up being bypassed so a fan-friendly, all-Mexican war takes place in early-2026.

Reigning champion Emanuel Navarrete, though obligated to grant Suarez a rematch by virtue of a WBO ruling, is in talks to face International Boxing Federation titleholder Eduardo “Sugar” Nuñez on 7 March at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

A few media outlets in the US have announced that a deal is already in place for the fight and Suarez stands to get a step-aside fee.

But contacted by DAILY TRIBUNE, Suarez’s chief trainer Delfin Boholst insists, whether the Navarrete vs Nuñez is green and go would only be known by this weekend.

The WBO, during a ruling in its recently-concluded convention in Bogota, Colombia, that the camps of the two fighters have until 15 November to strike a deal.

If they can’t agree, the WBO would resume proceedings for Navarrete to meet the Filipino.

Suarez challenged Navarrete last May in San Diego, California, and the fight was later ruled a no-contest after reviews clearly showed that it was a punch, and not an accidental clash of heads, that opened a nasty cut on Navarrete.

Acting on Suarez’s protest that referee Ed Collantes had erred about his ruling of the cut, the California State Athletic Commission issued a decision ruling the fight a no-contest instead of a technical decision win by Navarrete.

Suarez’s camp swore that had it not been for Collantes’ boo-boo, Navarrete would have lost by stoppage.

While waiting for the 15 November deadline, Suarez is not wasting precious time.

“I work out regularly,” he said.

In fact, just before Navarrete and Nuñez started negotiating, Suarez was in Tagaytay City doing camp, according to Boholst.

“We don’t want to be caught off-guard,” said Boholst.

He added: It is kind if beneficial for us because when we get our title shot, we would be attempting to win not just one, but two belts.”