Team Charly Suarez seeks clarity as Navarrete pursues unification over ordered rematch

Team Charly Suarez wants answers after it was announced that WBO super featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete is moving toward an all-Mexican unification bout with IBF titlist Eduardo Nunez scheduled for February 28, 2026.

“I’m ready to fight. I earned the rematch, and all I’m asking for is the opportunity the WBO has already approved,” the 37-year-old Suarez said.

Suarez’s camp alleged that they have yet to receive an offer for a step-aside deal. Ricardo Navalta, Suarez’s manager, noted that “the mandatory challenger cannot be pushed aside while unification plans advance.”

“The ABC (Association of Boxing Commissions) rule is clear, CSAC’s (California State Athletic Commission) ruling is clear, and the WBO’s order is clear. What’s not clear is why we have received no response while another fight is being planned without our agreement,” he continued.

Team Suarez is now seeking “immediate clarification” on the status of the ordered rematch.

Their first meeting last May ended in controversy after a gash over Navarrete’s eye was misruled as a headbutt, leading to a technical decision in the champ’s favor. The result was later overturned to a no-contest following the Filipino’s protest.

GMA News Online reached out to Top Rank Boxing for comment but the promotion had not responded by the time of publication.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News