Suganob braces for tough test vs Thai KO artist in ring return

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — Boholano world title contender Regie “Filipino Phenom” Suganob faces a tough challenge in his return from an eight-month hiatus as he trades blows with Thai knockout artist Nanthanon Thongchai in the main event of “Kumong Bol-anon 19” fight card presented by PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions today (Saturday, December 21) at the Patrick Barder Gym of Holy Name University (HNU) here.

No title is at stake in their 10-round rumble but it’s a crucial bout that the 27-year-old Suganob needs to hurdle so as not to jeopardize his world championship dreams.

The pride of Dauis town is currently ranked No.1 light flyweight by the World Boxing Organization, making him the mandatory challenger of reigning WBO 108-pound king Shokichi Iwata of Japan.

With that in his radar next year, losing is definitely not an option for Suganob.

And that he knows very well.

“Kani nga away importante kaayo para nako, “ said Suganob, who hasn’t fought since sustaining a nasty cut on his right eyebrow during his dominant eighth round TKO win over Japanese Kai Ishizawa in his previous ring appearance last April also at HNU’s Barder Gym.

“Ako gyud ni siya gipangandaman kay dili basta-basta ako kontra, dili nako ma-underestimate. Ako paningkamotan nga modaog,” added Suganob.

Going into the match, Suganob is the heavy favorite with a 15-1 record spiked with 5KOs, but he must be extra careful against the power-hitting Thai visitor, who flattened 11 of his 13 victims with only two losses and two draws in 17 fights.  

“If nindot iya (Suganob) performance karon, definitely in 2025 we can have the world title fight against the Japanese,” said PMI Bohol Boxing CEO Atty. Floriezyl Echavez-Podot. 

In the supporting main event, the undefeated WBA Asia super flyweight champion Reymart “Cebuano Assassin” Tagacanao (9-0, 7KOs) of Carcar City braces for an acid test when he defends his throne against former world titlist Phai Pharob (38-6, 29KOs) of Thailand.

It’s a big break for the 25-year-old Tagacanao, in which a victory would surely brighten up his world title aspirations.

Tagacanao’s Villamor Gym stablemate Christian Balunan (11-0, 7KOs), the WBO Asia Pacific Youth minimumweight champ from Consolacion, Cebu, will also see action against three-time world title challenger Robert “Ingo” Paradero (19-8-2, 13KOs) in an exciting showdown fans must watch.

In the other featured matchup, WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight crown-holder Jake “El Bambino” Amparo (15-6-1, 3KOs) will lock horns with Jayson Francisco (5-7, 1KO).

The rest of the slam-bang show that will start at 6 p.m. pits Althea Shine Pores (5-0-1, 1KO) vs Thailand’s Pimchanok Thepjanda (9-6, 6KOs), Sugarey Pores (6-0, 4KOs) vs Justine Darap (11-6, 7KOs), Leonard Pores (4-0) vs Jessie Bell Goltiano (3-4, 2KOs), and Freshler Utrera, who will have his baptism of fire in the pro ranks against Noven King Espina.