Moment of truth for Suganob

CEBU, Philippines — The wait is finally over for Regie “Filipino Phenom” Suganob as the pride of Bohol trades blows anew with his former South African tormentor Svenathi “The Special One” Nontshinga in a high-stakes rematch today (Saturday, September 12).

Suganob (18-1, 7KOs) will tackle former two-time world champion Nontshinga (14-2, 11KOs) in a 12-round International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight title eliminator top-billing the highly anticipated “Kumong Bol-anon XXVI” of PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions starting at 6:00 tonight at the Bohol Wisdom School (BWS) Gymnasium in Tagbilaran City.

When the bell rings, legendary referee Tony Weeks will be in charge of the action.

The 29-year-old Suganob lost by unanimous decision to the then defending IBF 108-pound king Nontshinga during their first encounter in South Africa three years ago.

At that time, Suganob was trying his luck behind enemy lines.

This time around, Suganob will be fighting before his hometown fans, fueling further his winning drive.

“Mas grabi ako kadasig karon kay dinhi ang dula sa akoa hometown,” said Suganob during the event’s final press conference on Friday, September 11, at The Bellevue Pavilion in Panglao Island.

“Ang ako ikapasalig nga modaog gyud ko ugma,” Suganob added. “If makakita ko og opportunity nga tumbahon ang kontra ako buhaton.”

Beyond revenge, Suganob is hard-pressed to beat Nontshinga so he can earn another shot at a world crown.

IBF President Daryl Peoples, who will be supervising the historic bout at ringside, confirmed that the winner of the Suganob-Nontshinga II will be mandated to  challenge for the IBF light flyweight throne, which is currently being held by Thanongsak Simsri (40-1, 35KOs) of Thailand.

“Paningkamotan nako nga modaog kay usa na lang ka away makaduwa nako balik og world title fight,” Suganob continued.

Though highly confident, Suganob must be extra cautious as Nontshinga came fully prepared for war in a hostile territory.

“I will show my skills to the maximum level tomorrow (today),” said Nontshinga. “If ever opportunity comes, I will take him out.”

Before the Suganob-Nontshinga duel, three regional championships will be featured in the biggest and grandest fight card in the history of Bohol bankrolled by PMI Boxing headed by Atty. Floriezyl Echavez Podot.

One-time world title challenger Reymart “Cebuano Assassin” Tagacanao (13-1, 11KOs) of Carcar City will square off against China’s Chinlin Kuwang (5-1, 2KOs) for the IBF Asia junior bantamweight belt.

The undefeated Leonard “The Dreamer” Pores III (11-0, 7KOs) of Claveria, Misamis Oriental will slug it out with Indonesia’s Andika Fredrikson “D’ Golden Boy” Ha’e (21-3-2, 11KOs) for the IBF Pan Pacific flyweight diadem.

The other title clash pits another unbeaten PMI fighter Datu Adam (7-0, 5KOs) of Camiguin versus Oky Akbar (12-4, 5KOs) of Indonesia for the IBF Asia junior featherweight strap.