It is now or never for 'late bloomer' Charly Suarez, says analyst

Veteran boxing analyst Atty Ed Tolentino believes Charly Suarez will have to win his next fight to make his mark in professional boxing.

Suarez will challenge WBO world super featherweight champion Emmanuel Navarrete on May 10 at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, USA and the upcoming bout will be Suarez's first attempt at a world title.

"Let's say Charly Suarez is a late bloomer because he had an extensive amateur career," Tolentino said in an interview on Sparring Sessions.

"That was not a joke because he took on a lot of recognizable names during his amateur stay, including Vasiliy Lomachenko."

The 36-year-old Suarez holds a perfect boxing record of 18-0 with 10 knockouts and while he is up there in age in terms of boxing, he has yet to show any signs of slowing down.

For Tolentino, Suarez's long amateur career is an asset, but he can no longer afford to delay a shot at a world title.

"It is because of his extensive career that he has a polished style. He has discipline and does not waste punches. It is now or never because he cannot wait any longer," Tolentino quipped.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News