Suganob mto defend WBO Global crown against Japanese challenger on April 30

TAGBILARAN CITY,  Philippines — Bohol’s hometown pride Regie “The Filipino Phenom” Suganob (14-1, 4KOs) will be putting his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Global light flyweight belt on the line against Japanese challenger Kai Ishizawa (11-3, 10KOs) headlining the “Kumong Bol-anon 15” of PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions on April 30 either at the ICM Mall or at the Bohol Wisdom School (BWS) Gym here.

This was announced by PMI Boxing head Atty. Floriezyl Echavez Podot in a press conference on Friday, March 8, at the PMI Bohol-Main Campus in Tagbilaran attended by Ishizawa via Zoom.

“In choosing Ishizawa, seguro yung desire namin na makalaban ang mga Japanese fighters. We try to bring excitement to our fans na dito sa Bohol gaganapin ang laban. A different perspective that not all the time Filipinos fight in Japan. It’s time for Filipinos to fight in their own soil,” Podot said.

Podot thanked international matchmaker Edito Villamor, a former two-time world title challenger during his glory days with Cebu’s fabled ALA Gym, for convincing the Japanese camp to accept the offer.

“It involved financial consideration, we have to offer a competitive purse,” said Podot.

More than that, Podotsaid it’s a tough test that Suganob must overcome considering the sentiment of Filipino fans due to a string of setbacks suffered by their fellow countrymen at the hands of their Japanese rivals.

“There’s the grudge against the Japanese fighters because of the number of Filipinos losing lately,” Podot continued. “Regie will be weighed by the eye of the Filipino boxing fans, how he will be able to do his job.”

This marks for the first time that Suganob will defend the crown he seized after beating Venezuelan Ronald Chacon by unanimous decision over 12 grueling rounds on November 4 last year at the BWS gym.

It was rousing comeback for the Dauis, Bohol-native fighter after losing by a 12-round unanimous verdict to IBF 108-pound champion Sivenathi Nontshinga in his first world title shot on July 2, 2023 at the International Convention Center in East London, South Africa.

“Nindot ning duwaa kay first time nato makakontra og Japanese,” said Suganob, who is ranked No.3 by the WBO, No.9 by the WBC, and No.6 by the IBF. “Daghan magpaabot ani kay kasagaran sa mga Pinoy nangapilde sa Japan. Nag-expect gyud makadaog ta,  paningkamotan sad nato makadaog ta ani. Importante sab ni nga fight basin makaduwa ta balik og world title.”

For his part, the 27-year-old Ishizawa is unfazed fighting behind enemy lines.

“I’m looking forward to the title match in Bohol, Philippines. I’m very excited and I will prepare hard for this fight,” said Ishizawa,  who once fought for the WBO minimumweight strap but was stopped in the 11th round by his compatriot Masataka Tanaguchi two years ago at the historic Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

“Filipino boxers are very powerful. They’re very good fighters, speedy and powerful.  But if even if it’s Regie’s hometown, I would like to end with a knockout win,” Ishizawa added.