The California State Athletic Commission is preparing to overturn Emanuel Navarrete’s technical‑decision win over Charly Suarez to a no‑contest after fresh replay angles confirmed that the gash over Navarrete’s left eye was opened by a Suarez left hand - not an accidental head clash, as ruled on fight night. The switch, expected to be ratified at the commission’s next meeting, will trigger an immediate rematch order from the WBO.
Navarrete, bleeding heavily from the sixth‑round punch, was pulled by the ringside doctor at the start of round eight in San Diego’s Pechanga Arena. Referee Edward Collantes sent the bout to the cards, and scores of 78‑75, 77‑76, 77‑76 handed the Mexican star a controversial defence of his WBO crown.
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Replay official Jack Reiss told reporters he lacked an undisputed camera angle inside the allotted review window, forcing him to uphold the referee’s call. Subsequent broadcast footage, however, clearly showed Suarez’s glove tearing open the champion’s brow - evidence CSAC regulators now deem “conclusive,” sources said Saturday night.
Both camps have welcomed the correction. “I respect Navarrete and I’ll gladly run it back,” Suarez said, echoing Top Rank vice‑president Carl Moretti’s pledge to stage the rematch once Navarrete’s cut heals. Navarrete must also decide whether to remain at super‑feather or move permanently to lightweight after the replay‑mandated return.
Image Credit: The Ring