By CALVIN CORDOVA
CEBU CITY — Regie “The Filipino Phenom” Suganob erased all doubts on his capability to contend for a world title again as he scored a third-round technical knockout win over Thai fighter Nanthanon Thongchai in the main event of “Kumong Bol-Anon 19” on Saturday night, Dec. 21, at the Holy Name University Barder Gymnasium in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
The 27-year-old Boholano combined brute force and blinding speed en route to a quick win that delighted the crowd.
The win of the stalwart from PMI Boxing Stable only showed that he’s now ready for a another shot at a world title.
From pin-point jabs, solid uppercuts, and dizzying hooks, Suganob connected from all angles to outclass the visiting fighter.
Suganob scored one knockdown in the opening round, three in the second round and two in the third round.
The Thai fighter gamely took the early blows but Suganob could not be denied when he delivered one solid blow after another in the third that wobbled Thongchai.
Seeing his groggy opponent, Suganob delivered a perfectly-timed right straight that sent Thongchai to the canvas. The referee stepped in and waived off the fight, saving the Thai fighter from further punishment.
After the win, Suganob called out Shokichi Iwata, the Japanese boxer who currently holds the WBO light flyweight belt.
“Let’s make it happen. Defend your world title. I’m ready to face you,” said Suganob, who improved 16W-1L, 6 KOs.
Thongchai dropped to 13W-3L-2D, 11 KOs.
Suganob faltered in his first attempt to win a world title when he lost to hometown bet Sivenathi Nontshinga for the IBF world light flyweight title in 2023 in South Africa.
In the co-main event, Cebuano boxer Reymart Tagacanao defended his WBA Asia superflyweight title by scoring an eighth-round knockout win over veteran Thailander Phai Pharob.
