Arum Wants An Immediate Navarrete Vs. Suarez Rematch

Bob Arum is planning an immediate rematch between WBO Junior Lightweight Champion Emanuel Navarrete and Charly Suarez for October in Manila, Philippines.

Navarrete retained his title via a technical decision after a cut over his eye forced a stoppage. The referee ruled the cut was caused by an accidental clash of heads, sending the fight to the judges’ scorecards. Navarrete won on the cards: 78-75, 77-76, and 77-76. While it was ruled as an accidental headbutt, the footage showed Suarez landing a left hand before their heads collided. Suarez has appealed the result with the California State Athletic Commission. The case will be heard at their next meeting on June 2. Regardless of the appeal, Arum’s focus is a rematch.

“It was clear that that after they reviewed, albeit late, the tape, it showed it was caused by a punch and not by a head butt. What I’m working on, and I don’t know if I can pull it off, is October is the 50th anniversary of the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ and I’d love to go back to the same building, the Araneta Coliseum, which has now been remodeled, and do this fight in Manila as a celebration of the Ali-Frazier fight,” Arum said