Charly Suarez celebrates in the ring with his championship belt and the Philippine flag after defeating Mexico’s Manny Avila to capture the WBO International super featherweight title. Photo Credit: Jhay Oh Tamias
By Ellen Rodriguez-Swing
SAN BERNARDINO, California — Filipino boxing standout Charly Suarez added another major achievement to his career on July 18, 2026, when he defeated Mexico’s Manuel Avila to capture the WBO International Super Featherweight Championship at the National Orange Show Event Center in San Bernardino. Suarez took control from the opening bell and stopped Avila in the first round after landing a powerful combination that sent his opponent to the canvas. The decisive victory strengthened Suarez’s position as a leading contender for another world-title opportunity. For Suarez, however, the championship represented more than personal success. “This victory is for God and for the Filipino people who have supported me,” he said.
The title marked the latest milestone in a boxing journey shaped by faith, sacrifice, discipline and service to the Philippines. Suarez began boxing at seven years old after his father, a sports enthusiast who especially loved basketball, introduced him to the sport and taught him basic self-defense. What began as a childhood activity eventually became a lifelong calling. He went on to represent the Philippines in major international competitions, including the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, before turning professional in 2019 at age 31.
The COVID-19 pandemic soon interrupted his professional career. Suarez considers that period one of the most difficult challenges of his career. “Everyone was affected,” he said. “I had just become a professional in 2019, so it was difficult to experience that long break. But I continued moving forward and training.” With fights postponed, events canceled and opportunities uncertain, Suarez remained focused on his goal of becoming a world champion.
That perseverance eventually led him to a world-title fight against Emanuel Navarrete, a bout that ended in controversy. The fight was stopped after Navarrete suffered a cut near his eye. Officials initially ruled that the injury had resulted from an accidental clash of heads and sent the bout to the judges’ scorecards, where Navarrete was awarded a technical-decision victory. Replay footage later appeared to show that the injury had actually been caused by a clean left hand from Suarez, prompting many fans and boxing observers to argue that he had been denied the opportunity to continue the fight and possibly earn a technical knockout. The official result was later changed to a no contest.
Although Suarez believed the original ruling was wrong, he said the experience taught him to control his emotions, his words and his response to difficult situations. “I seek Him first because of His promise that all things will be added unto you,” Suarez said. “And I train hard.” His favorite Bible passage is Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” That verse reflects the foundation of his identity as the “King’s Warrior.”
Suarez’s recent championship bout ended quickly, but the victory was built on years of preparation. During training camp, he works approximately five hours each day, follows a strict diet and carefully monitors his weight. He continues training during holidays and takes only Sundays off. “Training is discipline,” he said. “I learned that from being in tune with God and from the Philippine Army. I cannot be overweight for the title I am competing for.” Even the Filipino food he loves must be set aside when he is preparing for a fight. His discipline was evident in San Bernardino, where his speed, timing and power ended the contest in the opening round.
For Suarez, every fight also carries the honor of representing the Philippines. “It makes me proud seeing the support of the Filipino community everywhere,” he said. He compared Filipino unity to a walis tingting, a traditional broom made from bundled palm-leaf ribs. “One strand cannot sweep many leaves that have fallen from the tree,” Suarez explained. “But with many strands that make the whole broom, we can clean away the leaves.” The comparison, he said, represents the strength of Filipinos supporting one another.
Although Suarez now holds the WBO International title, he still hopes for another opportunity against Navarrete. “I would very much want to have the rematch,” he said. “We are negotiating right now for it to happen in October this year, to finally put closure to it.” Beyond boxing, Suarez believes his greater purpose is to become a positive example for young people. “You need a purpose in life,” he said. “The purpose I feel God has given me is to become a role model for the young generation.” He hopes to use his boxing platform to encourage young people who may be struggling with depression, feeling directionless or making poor choices. His advice is simple: put God first, find a purpose and remain disciplined. “Have faith and purpose first,” Suarez said. “Money is secondary.”
