Suganob exacts sweet revenge with 5th round KO of Nontshinga

CEBU, Philippines — Regie “Filipino Phenom” Suganob exacted vengeance on Sivenathi “Special One” Nontshinga and the fighting pride of Bohol did it in style.

Suganob survived a third-round knockdown on the way to pulling off a smashing fifth round knockout of his former South African tormentor in their International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight title eliminator top-billing the “Kumong Bol-anon XXVI” of PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions on Saturday night, September 12, at the full-packed Bohol Wisdom School (BWS) Gymnasium in Tagbilaran City.

Coming alive after a scary third-round fall, Suganob fired a series of solid blows to the head that sent the former two-time world champion Nontshinga sprawling on the mat for good in 2:54 of round five.

“Nindot kaayo ang ako feeling. Happy kaayo ko nga na-achieve nako nga ma-knockout siya,” said Suganob, moments after getting back at the boxer who handed him his first and only career defeat so far.

Suganob lost by unanimous decision to the then IBF 108-pound king Nontshinga in their first meeting three years ago in South Africa.

The 29-year-old Suganob returned the favor right before the eyes of his hometown fans.

Aside from stretching his record to 19-1 now spiked with 8KOs,  Suganob also earned a mandatory shot at the IBF light flyweight throne, which is currenty being held by Thanongsak Simsri (40-1, 35KOs) of Thailand.

Simsri is set to defend his title against Suganob’s fellow countryman Mark Vicelles on September 26 in Japan.

“Good luck ninyong duha (Simsri and Vicelles,” said Suganob. “Kinsa ang modaog ninyo andam ko mo-challenge.”

PMI Boxing CEO Atty. Floriezyl Echavez Podot said they are willing to host the world championship in Bohol if given the opportunity.

“We’re very happy and proud that we are able to show to the IBF that we are capable of holding big events,” said Podot.

“We’re more than ready and willing to bring the world title fight here in Bohol if given the chance,” Podot added.

In the supporting bouts of the historic fight card, three IBF regional champions emerged from the PMI Stable.

Leonard “The Dreamer” Pores III (12-0, 8KOs) of Claveria, Misamis Oriental scored a fifth-round technical knockout win against Indon visitor Andika Fredrikson “D’ Golden Boy” Ha’e (21-4-2, 11KOs) to secure the IBF Pan Pacific flyweight crown.

One-time world title challenger Reymart “Cebuano Assassin” Tagacanao (14-1, 11KOs) of Napo, Carcar City eked out a split decision victory over China’s Chunlin Kuang (5-2, 2KOs) to claim the IBF Asia super flyweight belt.

Two judges both scored 97-93 for Tagacanao while the other judge saw it 96-94 for Kuang resulting in a split verdict.

In the opening match of the evening, Datu “The Conqueror” Adam (8-0, 6KOs) of Camiguin Island stopped Oky Akbar (12-5, 5KOs) of Indonesia at the 2:03 mark of the seventh round to clinch the IBF Asia junior featherweight strap.