Losing not an option for Suganob in first WBO Global title defense (Japanese challenger vows to score knockout victory)

CEBU, Philippines — Defending his throne before his hometown fans in an important fight on live television, losing is definitely not an option for Regie “The Filipino Phenom” Suganob.

With that in mind, Suganob (14-1, 4KOs) vows to do whatever it takes to win as he puts his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Global light flyweight belt on the line against Japanese challenger Kai Ishizawa (11-3, 10KOs) in the main event of the hotly anticipated “Kumong Bol-anon 15” fight card of PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions today (Tuesday, April 30) at the Holy Name University (HNU) Barder Gym in Tagbilaran City.

Aside from protecting his lofty position in the world rankings being rated No.4 by the WBO, No.9 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), and No.6 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), the 26-year-old Suganob got an added motivation to make an impression as his 12-round rumble with Ishizawa will be aired live starting at 3 p.m. on PTV Network Channel and live-streamed through PTV’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

“Kani nga duwa nindot kaayo ni. Paningkamotan gyud ni nako nga modaog ko,” said Suganob, who will make the first defense of the regional belt he claimed with a hard-earned unanimous decision victory over Venezuelan Ronald Chacon on November 4 last year at the Bohol Wisdom School (BWS) Gym also in Tagbilaran.

“Sa preparation nako, almost five months akoa training mao nang maka-ingon ko nga andam na kaayo ko aning awaya,” Suganob added. “Dili ko mo-predict og knockout kay adto rana nato makita sa duwa.”

As he slugs it out with Ishizawa, the first Japanese fighter to be featured in the three-year history of PMI Bohol’s highly successful boxing series under the stewardship of Atty. Floriezyl Echavez Podot, Suganob looks forward to make it as a stepping stone towards another crack at the world crown.

“Siyempre part na sa akong goal, nga maka-away balik og world title fight,” said Suganob, who bowed to IBF 108-pound champion Sivenathi Nontshinga by unanimous verdict in his first world title shot on July 2, 2023 at the International Convention Center in East London, South Africa.

Suganob must be extra careful though as Ishizawa is determined to pull off a huge upset and bring the belt when he goes back home to Japan.

“I have a good chance that is why I come here,” said Ishizawa through an interpreter.  “I’m going to win by knockout but I can’t say what round because that is part of my strategy.”

Meawhile, Suganob’s stablemate “Sugar” Shane Gentallan (8-1, 5KOs) will go up against Indonesian Wandi Priman Hulu (2-1-1) in the supporting main event scheduled for eight rounds.

In the undercards, the Pores siblings Althea Shine, Sugarey Leonard, and Leonard from Claveria, Misamis Oriental will showcase their punching skills.

Althea Shine will exchange blows with Renz Dacquel of Manila in a special attraction for the Philippine women’s light flyweight strap, Sugarey Leonard will take on Bukidnon’s Roel Julian, while Leonard will battle against Jaren Jase Guarin of Tacloban’s Haiyan Punch Boxing.

In the other match-up, Arlando Senoc Jr. of Cebu’s Big Yellow Gym owned by couple Seth and Mae Tio will clash with Kier Torregosa of Buenavista, Bohol. — (FREEMAN)