Charly Suarez makes pro debut tonight

MANILA, Philippines — Rio Olympian and two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Charly Suarez launches his pro career in a six-round superfeatherweight bout against Ernesto Cagampang in Tablon, Cagayan de Oro, tonight.

For Suarez, it’s the beginning of a journey that he hopes won’t take too long before a world title shot comes along. He’s no spring chicken at 30 but a long history as an amateur is what he’s banking on for experience. While with the Philippine team, Suarez was under contract for nearly two years to battle first, with the Mumbai Fighters then, the Milan Thunder in the AIBA World Series of Boxing (WSB) where each bout was scheduled for five rounds approximating pro conditions. One of his WSB opponents was Ukraine’s Vasyl Lomachenko, now the WBA/WBO lightweight ruler. The Davao del Norte fighter saw action in three SEA Games, the 2014 Asian Games where he took the silver medal, the World Championships and the Rio Olympics.  

Suarez said his timetable is to fight for the world title within two years. “If I’m lucky, maybe in one year, I’ll be a world champion,” he said. “That’s my goal. Walang atrasan na ito. I’ve decided to make boxing my professional career.” A Business Administration graduate, Suarez confided that if he didn’t turn pro, he would’ve enrolled in Bible school to become a pastor.

Not much is known about Suarez’ opponent. But Suarez said his trainer and manager Delfin Boholst, a former national team boxer himself, sourced a tape of Cagampang’s two pro fights, both wins by stoppage. Suarez said he’s studied Cagampang’s style carefully. “Kaya natin,” he said confidently. “Magaling, malakas, may galaw. Kung minsan, aatras. Kung minsan, susugod. Handa akong makipagsabayan. Hindi tayo magpapatalo.”

Cagampang, 23, is from Davao City and turned pro last June, halting Eugene Planas of General Santos City in two rounds. Then, he stopped Jonathan Himongala in one round last October.

Suarez and Boholst left Manila on a flight to Cagayan de Oro last Monday. The fight is promoted by Roel Kaamino. Suarez said he’s excited to make his pro debut and ready to work his way to the top. To prepare for Cagampang, he sparred with Army boxers at the Philippine Army gym. “Tatlo ang pinilian na kalaban ko at ang GAB ang nag-approve kung sino sa kanila,” he said. 

Suarez said he no longer trains with IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas under coach Joven Jimenez at the Survival Gym in Magallanes, Cavite. Suarez and Boholst were with Ancajas and Jimenez in Los Angeles for Mark Anthony Barriga’s IBF minimumweight title fight against Mexico’s Carlos Licona last month. But a few days after returning home, Suarez and Boholst decided to set up camp at the Philippine Army gym. They explained their decision to Jimenez in a meeting at BGC.

“Malaki ang utang na loob ko kay coach Joven,” said Suarez. “Balak kong bumisita sa Survival pagkatapos ng laban ko sa Cagayan de Oro. Mga kaibigan ko sina coach Joven at Jerwin. Ang desisyon namin ni Delfin ay maging free agent muna. Ang importante sa amin ay maganda ang relasyon namin sa lahat ng mga promoters at matchmakers. Bago lang ako sa pro kaya ‘yan muna ang aming direksyon.”

Jimenez confirmed that he is focused on Ancajas’ career but said the door will always be open to anyone who wants to train at Survival. More and more foreign fighters are checking in to train at the Magallanes facility which has become known as a Spartan gym to toughen fighters whether or not they’re contenders. Boxers from Malaysia, China and Australia have made their way to Survival. One of Jimenez’ prospects is IBF No. 5 minimumweight Samuel Salva, a 21-year-old native of Gingoog City whose record is 16-0, with 10 KOs. Salva is expected to report to Survival next week.