Suganob makes triumphant comeback

TAGBILARAN CITY , Philippines — Bohol’s hometown pride Regie “The Filipino Phenom” Suganob produced a masterclass in a lopsided 12-round unanimous victory over the tough as nails Ronald Chacon of Venezuela in the main event of “Kumong Bol-anon XII” presented by PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions on Saturday, November 4, at the Bohol Wisdom School (BWS) Gym here.

Judges Edward Ligas and Martino Redona had identical scores of 119-108, while Neil Papas made it a 120-107 shutout, all in favor of the 26-year-old Suganob who grabbed the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Global light flyweight crown spotlighting his triumphant return.

More than strapping another belt around his waist, Suganob scored a huge confidence booster coming off his first and only career defeat by unanimous verdict against South African Sivenathi Nontshinga during their International Boxing Federation (IBF) 108-pound championship bout last July.

“Ako gyud gihimo nga motivation ang miagi nakong kapildihan. Importante kaayo nga modaog ko aron maka-away dayon ko og balik alang sa world title,” said the Dauis-native Suganob, who now holds a 14-1 record with 4KOs. Chacon fell to 30-3-1 with 22KOs.

After sizing up each other early on, the IBF ranked No.7 and WBC No 14 Suganob started to gain momentum when he battered and seemingly hurt Chacon with solid body shots in round three.

One of Suganob’s best moments came in round four when he sneaked in a crushing right cross to the chin that sent Chacon down on both knees. Chacon got up quickly though as if nothing had happened.

Starting in round six, Suganob relentlessly bombarded Chacon with telling blows to the head and body but the durable Venezuelan, rated no.10 by the WBA, courageously weathered the onslaught to see it out until the end.

“Dili kakompiyansaan nga kontra kay kusgan ug lig-on sab,” said Suganob in praise of a very game Chacon.

PMI Boxing head Floriezyl Echavez Podot said he’s very satisfied with Suganob’s showing.

“Ganahan kaayo ko sa iyang performance, dili siya pugoso,” said Podot,who wants their standard-bearer to defend his throne most likely in February 2024 before plotting their next big move.

In the supporting main event, Cebuano fighter Christian Balunan scored a smashing third-round knockout of Thai Adetip Maungcharoen to emerge as the new WBO Asia-Pacific minimumweight champion.

After a tentative start, the 23-year-old protege of two-time world title challenger Edito “ALA” Villamor started to find his range and punished Adetip with an assortment of punches in the second round.

As he continued to press on the attack, Balunan rocked Adetip with a powerful right straight to the head before delivering the killer body blows that sent the hapless Thai visitor sprawling on the canvas gasping for breath.

Referee Rey Caitom then wisely waved off the bout at 43 seconds of round three to prevent the 17-year-old Adetip from further harm.

The pride of Barangay Jugan, Consolacion thus stretched his unbeaten streak to 9-0 now spiked with 5KOs. Adetip tasted the bitterness of defeat for the first time in six matches with 3KOs.