SEA Games: Charly Suarez punches way to his 3rd boxing gold

Philippines’ Charly Suarez celebrates after defeating Thailand’s Pidnuch Khunatip to claim the gold medal during the 30th South East Asian Games 2019 Men’s Lightweight (60 kg). INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon

MANILA, Philippines—Charly Suarez came out of a tough scrap against Thailand’s Khunatip Pidnuch to take the gold medal in the men’s boxing lightweight division of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games Monday at PICC Forum.

Both fighters were aggressive throughout the bout but it was Suarez who landed the better haymakers en route to the unanimous decision win.

Despite getting pinned on the ropes, Suarez used his footwork to create separation and land a devastating left hook in the second round.

Suarez then forced a standing 8-count after a flurry of punches rocked Pidnuch.

“My opponent was tough because even though I was hitting him with my power shots he’d just get groggy but get stable immediately,” said Suarez in Filipino. “I was really challenged during the fight.”

Suarez, who went back to the amateur circuit while his pro career (3-0) is on hold, earned his third gold medal in the SEA Games.