Regie “Filipino Phenom” Suganob retained his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Global light flyweight title by stopping Japanese challenger Kai Ishizawa via an eighth-round technical knockout (TKO) on Tuesday, April 30, at the Holy Name University (HNU) gymnasium, Tagbilaran, Bohol.
The 26-year-old Suganob from Dauis, Bohol and the stalwart of the PMI Bohol Boxing Stable, displayed imposing fighting skills by dominating his opponent and connected a solid left hook to the head that crushed Ishizawa in the eighth round.
The Japanese was able to stand up but Suganob followed him up with a flurry of punches that sent him again to the floor. Ishizawa’s cornermen threw in the towel as a gesture of giving up when the challenger was knocked down for the second time.
The victory was sweeter in front of the cheering fellow Boholanos as Suganob sustained a nasty cut in his forehead caused by an accidental headbutt only in the first round.
Ishizawa was carried on a stretcher for further medical attention as reported by CDN Digital.
The win raised Suganob’s record to 15 wins with five knockouts and one loss. While Ishizawa dropped to an 11-4 with 10 knockouts.
It was Suganob’s first fight with a Japanese opponent while Ishizawa had fought two Filipino opponents. Ishizawa’s last bout was a split decision defeat to Filipino fighter Vince Paras in Tokyo last October.
The 26-year-old Suganob was a one-time world title challenger who lost to South African Sivenathi Nontshinga by unanimous decision last July in South Africa. He is rated No. 3 in the WBO, No. 6 in the IBF, and No. 9 in the WBC.
Suganob’s win avenged a series of losses of Filipino boxers to Japanese foes in big time fights hosted by Japan in recent outings.
