MANILA, Philippines -- THE wheels are in motion to bring the next fight of World Boxing Organization (WBO) international junior lightweight champion Charly Suarez to the Philippines — hopefully in December.

Former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson — Suarez's main backer — has been in constant communication with Filipino American Ricky Navalta to negotiate and make it happen. "I want it to be held here [in the Philippines] against the world champion, and we're ready to finance. That's why Rick is here to arrange that," said Singson during a press conference on Tuesday at his residence at the Corinthian Gardens in Quezon City. "If possible, the fight will be here in the Philippines. It's either Mall of Asia or Philippine Arena," he added. Suarez is eyeing a world title fight with reigning WBO super featherweight champion Emmanuel Navarrete of Mexico. The 36-year-old Suarez is coming off an impressive third-round knockout win over Jorge Castaneda held in Glendale, Arizona, last month. That brings his current record to 18-0 with 11 knockouts. Suarez is more than excited at the prospect of fighting in front of a Filipino crowd. "It's (fighting in the Philippines) going to be an added motivation for me. After all the lined up events, we'll start training for the December fight," said Suarez. The former Southeast Asian Game champion also expressed gratitude to Singson. "Governor Chavit has always been there to support us all the time, and I'm so thankful for that," he said. TMT