Charly Suarez, the Philippines’ next best hope for a world boxing title, takes a major step closer to his dream as he faces undefeated Andres “Savage” Cortes in a 10-round eliminator on September 20 in Glendale, Arizona.
The bout puts Suarez on the cusp of a shot at the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super featherweight title, a goal he’s been chasing since turning professional.
At 36 years old, Suarez may be in the twilight of his career, but the former captain of the Philippine national boxing team remains as determined as ever.
“It’s never too late to chase your dreams,” Suarez has often said, embodying the resilience and persistence that have marked his journey.
Hailing from Davao del Norte, Suarez has amassed an impressive undefeated record, winning all 17 of his professional fights since his debut on January 1, 2019.
His most recent victory was a unanimous decision over California’s Luis Coria on April 13, 2024, at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
That win added to the momentum he’s built as he edges closer to a world title opportunity.
An Olympian and three-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, Suarez now fights under Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions, with the backing of influential Filipino businessman and politician Chavit Singson.
His camp is managed by Arnold Vegafria, and they are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for the biggest fight of his professional career.
Suarez is set to leave for Las Vegas on September 1 to complete his final training camp, where he will focus on sharpening his skills against a dangerous opponent in Cortes.
The 27-year-old Cortes, ranked No. 2 by the WBO and No. 9 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), is a knockout artist who has stopped 12 of his 22 opponents. In his most recent fight, Cortes delivered a brutal fourth-round stoppage of Bryan Chevalier on February 16, 2024.
Cortes is known for his aggressive, hard-hitting style, which was on full display during his June 21 bout against Abraham Nova, where he won via unanimous decision. With an undefeated record and a reputation for being a tough, relentless fighter, Cortes presents a formidable challenge for Suarez.
However, Suarez, currently ranked No. 3 by the WBO and No. 5 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), is no stranger to overcoming adversity.
In addition to his accomplishments in the ring, Suarez holds the rank of Private First Class in the Philippine Army, where he is known as “King’s Warrior,” a nickname that reflects his deep Christian faith.
As Suarez approaches what could be the defining fight of his career, his team remains confident, though cautious. They are fully aware of Cortes’ power and aggression, but they believe Suarez’s experience, ring intelligence, and preparation will give him the edge. “We respect Cortes, but Charly is ready for this moment,” a member of Suarez’s camp said.
For Suarez, the fight against Cortes represents more than just a chance at a title—it’s the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination.
Should he win, he will be one step closer to realizing his dream of becoming the Philippines’ next world champion, continuing the proud tradition of Filipino boxing greats.
