The WBO junior lightweight champion commended Suarez’s gutsy performance Saturday night. A second bout between them also would be entertaining, according to Navarrete, because they’re willing to engage, displayed reliable chins and are mindful of the boxing rivalry early in the 21st century between Filipinos, namely Manny Pacquiao, and Mexicans.

Bob Arum and Carl Moretti, Top Rank’s vice president of boxing operations, have already begun beating the promotional drums for an immediate rematch as well.

All of that said, Navarrete isn’t sure whether he will face Suarez again, despite the dubious outcome of their back-and-forth fight at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

“Well, there’s a lot of things we still need to talk about,” Navarrete said to a group of reporters and videographers. “I don’t manage my career by myself. We have [my manager], along with Top Rank, so we have to talk about a few things. But a rematch would be very good for all because there were still things pending in this fight. So, we can’t rule him out. He would be a great opponent. He was a great opponent. I know what he brings, so a rematch I think would be good. Regardless of what I do, I think something good is coming for me.”

Navarrete narrowly escaped with a unanimous technical decision victory because he was ahead on all three scorecards when a ringside physician stopped the scheduled 12-rounder one second into the eighth due to a cut above his left eyebrow. Mexico’s Navarrete led by one point apiece on the cards of judges Lou Moret (77-76) and Fernando Villarreal (77-76) and three points according to judge Pat Russell (78-75).

Referee Edward Collantes called a halt to their bout because a ringside physician determined Navarrete shouldn’t continue to box with a jagged cut that was difficult for his cut man to control. Navarrete (40-2-1, 32 KOs) stated afterward that he wanted to keep boxing, but he disagreed with Suarez (18-1, 10 KOs) as to how the long laceration opened over his left eye.

Suarez is certain his left hand sliced open Navarrete’s skin. Navarrete attributed his uncontrollable cut to Suarez’s head quickly grazing his head a split second after Suarez landed that left hand.

The California State Athletic Commission’s replay official, veteran referee Jack Reis, ruled that an accidental clash of heads caused Navarrete’s cut. Had the CSAC determined Navarrete’s cut was opened by a punch, Suarez would’ve won by technical knockout once the doctor stopped their bout.

The CSAC could change its decision and declare Navarrete-Suarez a no-contest. Regardless, Suarez, 36, hopes Navarrete grants him a second shot at his WBO belt.

“I want a rematch with Emanuel Navarrete,” Suarez said, “because it was a good fight. … I respect Navarrete because he’s a good boxer. And if they give me a chance to rematch, it’s my honor. And I will do my best that the fight is very excellent and entertaining.”

Navarrete entertained fans during a main event ESPN televised. The three-division champion found depleting himself physically to get down to the junior lightweight limit of 130 pounds more problematic than usual, though, and might move back up to the lightweight division in which he lost to then-unbeaten Ukrainian Denys Berinchyk (19-1, 9 KOs) by split decision almost a year ago at Pechanga Arena.

“It’s a bit premature,” Navarrete said of possibly boxing Suarez again. “I have the suspension for two months [from getting cut]. I have to think ... see what comes and then we’ll make a decision.”