Suarez beats Dominican Republic boxer even with an injured right hand

Filipino boxer gets unanimous decision victory in US debut

Charly Suarez raising his hands after announcing his win versus Yohan Vasquez of the Dominican Republic in Tulsa, Oklahoma. | Photo from Top Rank Boxing

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Charly “King’s Warrior” Suarez overcame an injured right hand to beat Yohan Vasquez of the Dominican Republic in his first bout in the United States on August 26, 2023 (August 27, Manila Time). 

Suarez walked away with a unanimous decision victory in their 10-rounder duel in the undercard of a fight card promoted by Top Rank Boxing at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  

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How judges scored the fight

Two judges, Steve Murrow and David Sutherland both scored the bout 98-92, and Patricia Morris-German saw it 97-93, all in favor of Suarez.

The victory improved Suarez’s unblemished record to 16 wins with 9 knockouts, while Vasquez dropped to a 25-4 (win-loss) record with 20 knockouts.

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Broken right hand

It was later revealed after the bout that Suarez suffered a broken right hand. His hand was swelling after the gloves and hand wraps were removed. 

Thus, Suarez was seen switching from being orthodox to southpaw to adjust to his injury. 

Still, Suarez performed impressively against the taller and bigger Vasquez. 

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Speed and timing

Suarez, the reigning IBF Inter-Continental, IBO Inter-Continental, and WBC Asian super featherweight champion, utilized his speed and timing to get ahead of Vasquez.

He used his sharp jabs to the head and body, moving away from Vasquez, who kept pressing forward.

Suarez also landed stinging right straights and a couple of combinations in the early rounds to pile up points. 

He maintained his quickness to escape from being cornered by Vasquez against the ropes. 

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Toe-to-toe battle

As the fight ensued, it was already clear that Suarez landed the cleaner and more telling blows than Vasquez. 

Despite being behind on the scorecards, Vasquez fought competitively, tagging Suarez with several power punches, especially in the middle rounds when the latter slowed down and was forced to engage him in a toe-to-toe battle. 

In the final round, both boxers mixed it up in the middle of the ring, which delighted the crowd. 

However, Suarez kept his distance, utilizing his jabs and occasional straights to ensure he won the round.