The World Boxing Association congratulates its WBA Asia super featherweight champion, Filipino Charly Suarez, for being promoted by his country’s Army after winning the title.

On Monday, a promotion ceremony was held for Suarez, who is a member of the Army and was promoted from Reserve Sergeant to Staff Sergeant, as reported by the Malacañang Palace presidential communications website.

Suarez is affiliated with the 1303rd Reserve Command Community Defense Center, Capital Region Regional Community Defense Group.

The promotion was directly related to Suarez becoming a WBA regional champion, a proud accomplishment for the body. Suarez was also named fighter of the month by WBA Asia thanks to his 12th round technical knockout win over Tomjune Mangubat last March 12.

“With outstanding self-discipline, a deep sense of responsibility and dedication to duty, Staff Sgt. Suarez demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the performance of his duty as a reservist and professional boxer that not only made the Reserve Command, the Philippine Army and the Philippine Army proud, but also the Philippines,” the release noted. 

His trainer, Army Reservist 1st Lt. Delfin Boholst, who was an important part of his achievement, also attended the promotion ceremony.