CEBU CITY – There will be no title at stake, but for Boholano boxer Regie Suganob, so much will be on the line when he battles a Thai fighter on Saturday night, Dec. 21, in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Serving as the main event of “Kumong Bol-anon 19” fight card at the Holy Name University Barder’s Gymnasium, Suganob clashes with Nathanon Thongchai in a fight that requires the PMI Boxing Stable stalwart to win to brighten his chances of fighting for a world title next year.
While it will be a non-title fight, all those hopes by Suganob to contend for a world title will be quashed if he is unable to hurdle Thongchai, ranked No. 1 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific.
“As I always tell my boxers, there are no easy fights, but preparation makes all the difference. Regie has invested heavily in this fight, so we’re fully aware of the risks,” PMI Boxing Promotions chief Floriezyl Podot said in a press conference on Friday, Dec. 20, at the Bohol Provincial Capitol.
Suganob is the current WBO Global light flyweight champion. He is the No. 1 contender to challenge WBO light flyweight champion Shokichi Iwata.
Suganob’s camp has already reached out to the WBO to signify their intention to challenge for Iwata’s world title belt next year.
While Podot is confident of Suganob’s chances against the visiting fighter, he warned that nothing would be easy.
“Is this an easy fight for Regie? Absolutely not. This is a golden opportunity for the Thai boxer to stage an upset, which puts the pressure on Regie. But I’m confident he’ll give us an excellent performance tomorrow,” said Podot.
Sporting a 15W-1L record with five knockout wins, Suganob is likewise aware of the significance of the fight.
“This fight is crucial for me to maintain my No. 1 ranking. I am one who doesn’t underestimate my opponent. I’ve worked hard for this fight, trained for eight months to secure a victory,” Suganob said.
Thongchai, who holds a 13W-2L-2D record with 11 KO wins, vowed to pull off a big surprise in his first fight on Philippine soil.
“I will knock him out,” Thongchai boldly declared through an interpreter.
In the co-main event, Reymart “Cebuano Assassin” Tagacanao of Carcar City, Cebu will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia super flyweight title against Thongchai’s compatriot, Phai Pharob.
“This is my first belt and I will do everything to defend it,” said the 25-year-old Tagacanao, who is still undefeated in nine fights, including seven KO wins.
Tagacanao will be heavily tested by the veteran Pharob, who is a former WBA world champion.
Pharob has 38 victories, 29 by KO, and six losses.
In the undercard fights, Filipina fighter Althea Shine Pores faces Thailand’s Pimchanok Thepjanda, Christian Balunan battles Robert Paradero, Jake Amparo clashes with Jayson Francisco, Sugarey Pores takes on Justine Darap, Leonard Pores trades leathers with Jessie Bell Goltiano, and Freshler Utrera tangles with Noven King Espina.