By MARK REY MONTEJO When he turned professional in 2019, Charly Suarez set a goal – a lofty one being a former amateur standout. That goal is to win a world title, and he hopes to accomplish that when he battles reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) super featherweight holder Emmanuel Navarrete of Mexico in a 12-round bout on May 10 at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. Thought the best opportunity to fight for a world crown came a bit late at his career – he’s now 36 – Suarez is putting everything on the line to make his dream a reality. Suarez’s enthusiasm is understandable having a good patron in former Ilocos Sur Governor, Chavit Singson. “Hindi kolang basta kagatin ‘to, kasi talagang gusto kong kunin ‘to,” said Suarez during Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, MILO, and the country’s 24/7sports app ArenaPlus. Suarez stakes his unblemished 18-0 (10 KOs) card against the Mexican foe who boasts of 39-2-1 win-loss-draw record for his dream of becoming a world champion. Suarez made quite a mark as a member of the PH team, having lorded over his division in the SEA Games several times before winning a silver in the Asian Games. He also suited up for the PH team in the 2016 Rio Olympics but failed to make the podium – an experience that continues to serve as his biggest motivation. “Kukunin ko talaga ‘yong pagkakataon na ibinigay samin kasi maaring baka last na [laban ko na ‘to sa title], pero ‘di po ako papayag na ganun na lang kasi passion ko ‘tong boxing simula maliit hanggang ngayon,” Suarez continued. “‘Yong mga ‘di ko na-achieve sa amateur na mag-medal sa Olympics, dito ko po kukunin sa pro, ‘di po ako papayag na ‘di ko makuha ‘tong laban na ‘to,” he added. “Kasi ito na po ‘yong pinapangarap ko talaga at ng team.” The last time Suarez stepped on the ring was last Sept. 20, where he sent American Jorge Castaneda down to the canvas twice to bag the WBO International super featherweight strap in Glendale Arizona. Navarrete is also coming off a knockout win over his compatriot Oscar Valdez last December. He is also known as the butcher of Filipinos. The Mexican slugger beat four Filipinos in a convincing fashion, scoring technical knockout victories over Jhun Gemino (5th round), Glenn Porras (2nd), Juan Miguel Elorde (4th) and Je Santisima (11th) -- to make it 32 wins via Kos. Singson, who made the fight possible after a couple of conversations with Top Rank chief Bob Arum, is convinced that the pride of San Isidro, Davao del Norte has a good chance of taking home the crown. “I’m very confident na malaki ang tyansa ni Charly,” said Singson. “He has to win at all cost, again, malaki ang chances nya.” “Sa nakita kokay Navarrete sa mga unang rounds nagre-relax pa sya, pero habang tumatagal gumagaling, ganun din si Charly eh,” said coach Delfin Boholst. “May nilatag akong plano ng 12 rounds, makikita nyo during sa laban makikita nyo kung paano manalo si Charly dito,” he added.