MANILA, Philippines — Undefeated Filipino boxer Charly Suarez resumes his quest for a potential title shot as he takes on fellow unbeaten Andres 'Savage' Cortes in a World Boxing Organization (WBO) 10-round eliminator on September 20 in Glendale, Arizona.

A former national boxing team skipper, Suarez is the Philippines' best hope of becoming the newest world champion. He is just a win away from earning a shot at the WBO super featherweight crown.

The pride of Davao del Norte, who claimed three gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games, has won 17 straight fights since he turned pro on January 1, 2019.

His latest victor was a unanimous decision win over Luis Coria of California held at the American Bank Center in Corpus Cristi, Texas last April 13.

Suarez is now being managed by businessman Arnold Vegafria and supported by former Ilocos Sur congressman Chavit Singson.

He will be fighting under Bob Arum's Top Rank Promotions. He continues to train under his longtime mentor Delfin Boholst.

The Rio Olympics veteran is scheduled to leave on September 1 for Las Vegas for the final phase of his preparation.

Suarez will be facing a dangerous opponent known for slaying 12 of his 22 rivals including a vicious fourth-round stoppage of Bryan Chevalier on February 16, 2024.

Cortes is also coming off a tough unanimous decision win over Abraham Nova on June 21, 2024.

Suarez's camp is wary of Cortes — a known aggressive fighter.

Cortes is ranked No. 2 by the WBO and ninth by the World Boxing Council.

"He's a fighter. May strategy kami na pina-plano ni coach kung paano namin siya makukuha at talunin. GInagawa namin siya sa training and hopefully magawa ko sa actual na laban," said Suarez.

Suarez is rated No. 3 by WBO and No. 5 ng the International Boxing Federation.

"I'll do my best. Hindi naman ako parati nagsasabi ng prediction. Yung knockout kusang darating yun. May mga pinag-aralan na kaming movements kung ano ang dapat kong gawin sa laban," Suarez added. TMT