Suarez-Navarrete title fight ruled a no-contest; rematch ordered

June 4 ------ A rematch between Charly Suarez and Emmanuel Navarrete is in the offing. In a unanimous decision, the California State Athletic Commission overturned the technical decision win of Navarrete over Suarez into a no-contest paving the way for a rematch for the WBO super-featherweight crown. "The only fair thing to do," the commission said with regards to its decision.

The WBO has ordered an immediate rematch and Top Rank Promotions is looking to stage it in a 'timely manner' as Navarette remains in medical suspension until July 9 for the huge cut in the eyebrow he suffered in the course of the fight. The conclusion came after a review of replays concluded that Suarez connected on a solid punch just above the left eyebrow that left Navarrete with a deep, bloody cut.

Referee Edward Collantes saw it otherwise, saying the cut was caused by a clash of heads during the sixth round. The bout at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego California was eventually stopped right at the start of the eighth round as ring doctors deemed the Mexican not fit to fight. All three judges had Navarrete leading in the scorecards when the fight was stopped, allowing the 30-year-old Mexican to retain his title.

Suarez would have been the new champion if the referee called it a clear punch that caused the deep cut on Navarrete's eyebrow. In the midst of the controversy, Suarez trainer Delfin Boholst and manager former Ilocos Sur governor Luis Chavit Singson decided to question the outcome before the California commission.

Source: spin.ph