Suarez, rated No. 5 by The Ring at 130 pounds, gave Navarrete all he could handle through seven rounds when a cut to the defending champion brought an abrupt end to their fight. Many felt the cut came from a punch, but an instant replay ruled it from a clash of heads, and the fight declared a no-contest.

Due to the controversial nature of how the fight ended a rematch looked in order. However, Suarez had to wait while Navarrete met IBF ruler Eduardo Nunez in a unification.

Navarrete posted a hugely impressive 11th round stoppage to add the IBF title to his WBO and moved to the No. 1 position in The Ring's latest ratings.

Suarez, who had travelled from his home in Manila to Glendale to witness the fight first hand, enjoyed what he saw.

"It was an excellent performance from Navarrete," Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) told The Ring. "He dominated his opponent, Nunez.

"He showed his eagerness to become a unified champion. His stamina, his movement were excellent."

While some would have been shouting loudly for their shot in light of the first fight, that's not Suarez's style and the 37-year-old remains calm about what happened 10 months ago.

"I have feelings that it's an injustice, but I respect the decision of the referee and judges," he said. "I am thankful to fight for the world championship against Navarrete. It's not in my control, I do my best in the ring, outside the ring it's not my control. I accept it and I pursue my dreams."

Afterwards, Suarez was given some encouragement from Navarrete as well as fans in attendance.

"He told me, 'Navarrete and Suarez II for the belts,'" said the Filipino. "I'm happy and it's an honor to hear those words come from him.

"Not only Filipino people but people around the world they want the rematch. The Mexican people when we go outside told me, 'Navarrete-Suarez 2.' They're waiting on social media; they're asking, 'What's next for Navarrete?' I'm happy to hear that.

"I'm waiting for the time and moment. The WBO sent a letter mandating the winner of this fight [faces me.] I'm happy. It takes so long but on Saturday it was clear to me that it's possible. I'm praying that I'm next for Navarrete."

The two sides have 30 days, which is until March 28 to come to an agreement or the fight will go to purse bids. The WBO also said the fight must take place within 120 days of the fight, which is June 28th.