Charly Suarez stakes WBA Asia title, perfect record vs fellow Filipino Mark Yap

Charly Suarez (left) and challenger, Mark John Yap (right) and fight promoter Cucuy Elorde during Saturday’s official weigh-in for their 12-round WBA Asia super featherweight title bout. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino Rio Olympian Charly Suarez is eyeing to take his act overseas if his title defense goes as planned.

Suarez stakes his WBA Asia super featherweight title against compatriot Mark John Yap at Elorde Sports Complex in Parañaque.

“This is a very important fight because I need to keep on winning to improve my world rankings and also keep my unbeaten record intact,” said Suarez (11-0, 7KOs), who tipped the scale at 129.2lbs during the official weigh-in on Saturday.

“I know he (Yap) is eager to take my belt and is also looking at campaigning abroad once more should he beat me. With God’s grace I will make sure victory will be mine Sunday night,” said Suarez.

If successful, Suarez’s next fight could be staged in Vietnam, as per his Australian promoter Robert Hill.

The 33-year-old Suarez, however, isn’t looking too far ahead as he steps into the ring against a seasoned veteran in Yap.

Yap may not have a stellar record with 30 wins and 16 losses, but he still poses a threat with half of his victories coming by knockout plus his experience.

The bout between Suarez and Yap will cap a 20-fight slate in an event dubbed, “UKC Tiger Annihilation.”

Suarez claimed the vacant WBA regional belt following a stoppage win over fellow Filipino Tomjune Mangubat last March.

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