Navarrete Retains WBO Title After Controversial Technical Decision Over Suarez

Emanuel Navarrete retained his WBO super-featherweight title after a controversial technical decision victory over Filipino challenger Charly Suarez at Pechanga Arena in San Diego. The fight was stopped due to a deep cut over Navarrete’s left eyebrow, initially ruled as caused by an accidental headbutt, though replays suggested it was actually inflicted by a punch from Suarez. Despite the controversy, all three judges scored the fight in favor of Navarrete, sparking outrage among Filipino fans and calls for a rematch from Suarez. The bout was a closely contested war of attrition, with Suarez landing precise counters and Navarrete relying on volume punching, leaving both fighters bloodied and bruised. Suarez, at age 36 and seeking his first world title, accepted the outcome without excuses but expressed a strong desire to face Navarrete again to settle the legitimacy of the result. Navarrete improved his record to 40-2 with one draw, successfully defending his title for the fourth time amid the disputed stoppage.