LOS ANGELES — Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete retained his WBO super featherweight title Saturday night with a technical decision win over undefeated Filipino challenger Charly Suarez in San Diego.
The bout was stopped after seven rounds when Navarrete sustained a deep cut above his left eye caused by an accidental clash of heads in the sixth round.
Judges ruled unanimously in favor of Navarrete based on the scorecards at the time of stoppage — 77-76, 77-76, and 78-75.
Navarrete, 30, improved to 40 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, marking his fourth successful title defense since capturing the WBO 130-pound belt in 2023.
The champion had initially missed the super featherweight limit at the weigh-in but made the 130-pound threshold after a second attempt within the allowed two-hour window.
Suarez, 36, saw his unblemished professional record fall to 18-1 after what was his first world title shot since turning pro in 2019.
“I’m happy with the victory, but it was a strange fight,” Navarrete said in a post-fight interview with ESPN Deportes. “The headbutts really changed everything.”
The first clash of heads occurred in the fourth round, briefly stunning Suarez and causing concern in his corner.
The more severe head clash in the sixth round opened a gash above Navarrete’s left eye, with blood visibly impairing his vision in the seventh.
Referee Ray Corona halted the fight before the start of the eighth round upon advice from the ringside physician, sending the match to the scorecards as per WBO rules.
“I thought I was doing enough to win, even with the clash of heads,” Suarez told Filipino media outlet GMA News. “It’s disappointing, but I respect the decision.”
A former Olympian and Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, Suarez entered the title bout as a significant underdog, having stepped up in competition following a series of regional victories.
Navarrete, known for his high-volume punching and awkward angles, was the aggressor in the early rounds, though Suarez’s footwork and counterpunching earned praise from commentators.
“Charly gave a great account of himself,” said Top Rank promoter Bob Arum. “He proved he belongs at this level.”
Despite the loss, Suarez is expected to remain in the world title picture, with possible bouts against other contenders in the super featherweight division being considered.
Navarrete is now likely to target unification bouts, with potential opponents including IBF champion Joe Cordina of Wales or WBA titleholder Lamont Roach Jr.
