Suganob, Thongchai lock horns

World No. 1 Regie Suganob meets Nanthanon Thongchai of Thailand in a ten-round light-flyweight battle on Saturday night as PMI Boxing Promotions stages Kumong Bol-Anon 19 at the Holy Name University Barder Gym in Tagbilaran, Bohol.

Suganob’s chief trainer Edito Villamor told DAILY TRIBUNE that the clash with the Thai is crucial as his fighter is making sure he gets to be installed as mandatory challenger to reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Shokichi Iwata of Japan.

With PMI Boxing Promotions head Floriezyl Echavez Podot leading the way, Suganob is determined to keep his lofty ranking intact and that could be done by sending Thongchai back to Bangkok in tears.

In another marquee matchup, Reymart Tagacanao, rated No. 15, is attempting to crack the top ten in the super-fly class as he faces Phai Pharob, also from Thailand, in a 12-rounder.

Six other bouts are on tap in the 66-round card that guarantees fight fans an explosive night of boxing.

Suganob holds a 15-1 win-loss card with five knockouts and had his first taste of world title experience in 2023 in South Africa.

Although he lost, Suganob gained a lot of experience in that botched bid, something he will use in his drive to another world title bid, hopefully in 2025.

PMI Boxing is arguably the country’s most active promotional outfit next to Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-By-Blow and JC Mananquil’s Sanman Boxing.