Suarez has signed a promotional deal with Sampson Boxing, it was announced on Wednesday, one week after the WBO ordered a rematch between Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs, 1 NC) and WBO and IBF junior lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete (40-2-1, 33 KOs, 1 NC).

Suarez is the WBO No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger, and the 37-year-old Filipino hasn't fought since facing Navarrete for the WBO title in a controversial clash on May 10 in San Diego.

The hotly contested contest was stopped a second into the eighth round when a ringside physician determined Navarrete couldn’t continue after suffering a cut near his left eyebrow. Suarez was surging and coming on strong at the time the fight suddenly ended.

Originally, it was ruled that the cut was caused by a headbutt and Navarrete was awarded a technical decision win. However, previously unavailable replay footage emerged within the hour after the fight ended, which showed it was actually a legal punch from Suarez that sliced Navarrete’s skin.

On June 2, the California State Athletic Commission ruled the fight a No Contest.

At the time, Navarrete promoter Top Rank said Suarez would get a much-deserved rematch, but the Mexican fighter ultimately moved on to a title unification clash against Eduardo Nunez last month, stopping his fellow Mexican in 11 rounds for the IBF title.

“I am very happy to officially join Sampson Boxing and to work with Sampson Lewkowicz, who has guided many world champions in the sport,” Suarez said in a statement.

Lewkowicz currently handles a deep roster of fighters featuring David Benavidez, Sebastian Fundora and Gabriela Fundora, among others.

“This is an important step in my career as I continue my pursuit of a world title,” said Suarez. “I have worked my entire life for this moment, from representing the Philippines in the Olympics to competing on the world stage as a professional. With Sampson’s experience and commitment, I believe we have the right team to bring my career to the next level.

“My goal remains the same: to bring pride to the Philippines as a soldier and a world champion boxer.”

Navarrete is ranked No. 1 by The Ring at 130 pounds; Suarez is rated fifth.