Filipino Contender Suganob Ready for Comeback Fight in Tagbilaran
After nearly a year of waiting on the sidelines, former world title challenger Regie Suganob makes his highly anticipated return to the ring this Saturday night in a fight that could pave his way to another world championship opportunity in 2026.
The 28-year-old Boholano boxer faces world-ranked Tanzanian warrior Mchanja Yohana in a 110-pound catchweight bout that headlines PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions' "Kumong Bol-anon XXIII" event at the PMI Main Campus Gym in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on November 22, 2025.
No Ring Rust for Determined Suganob
Despite his extended layoff, Suganob assured fans and critics alike that he remains in peak condition for this crucial matchup. "I've kept training despite being out for almost a year," Suganob declared after Friday's official weigh-in. "I'm a hundred percent ready. I won't let my guard down because I'm facing a world-rated opponent."
PMI Boxing Promotions head Floriezyl Echavez Podot echoed Suganob's confidence, dismissing concerns about potential ring rust. "Regie won't have any ring rust because he's maintained his training," Podot stated. "There will be no rust issues for him."
Suganob's career reached its highest point in 2023 when he challenged for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight title against Sivenathi Nontshinga in South Africa. Though he suffered his only career defeat via unanimous decision in that bout, he has since rebounded with three consecutive victories against quality opposition.
High Stakes for Both Fighters
This matchup carries significant implications for both boxers' championship aspirations. For Suganob, currently ranked No. 4 by the WBO, No. 9 by the WBC, and No. 11 by the IBF in the light-flyweight division, a loss would derail his chances of securing a world title shot next year.
Podot emphasized the strategic importance of this fight, noting that "We followed the instructions of the WBO to let him fight a world-rated fighter" to maintain and improve his standing in the competitive 108-pound division.
Yohana presents a formidable challenge for the hometown favorite. The 27-year-old Tanzanian has faced elite competition throughout his career, including former world champion Milan Melindo and Olympic bronze medalist Mikhail Aloyan. Since his unanimous decision loss to Melindo in 2023 in Cebu City, Yohana has compiled an impressive eight-fight winning streak, highlighted by his victory over Filipino knockout artist Miel Fajardo to claim the WBO Global flyweight strap.
Through an interpreter, Yohana made his intentions clear: "We're ready. We're here to win. We're back here in the Philippines and we're taking it seriously. There's no room to run."
Stacked Undercard Features Future Stars
The event features multiple compelling matchups beyond the main event, including two title fights showcasing some of the Philippines' most promising young talents.
Unbeaten hard-hitter Leonard Pores III (8-0, 7 KOs) battles Cebu-based Japanese fighter Kiyoto Narukami (5-1-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant IBF Youth flyweight crown.
Another title bout pits Freshler Utrera (4-0, 2 KOs) against Sherwin Dacullo (4-1-1, 2 KOs) for the Philippine Youth minimumweight belt.
The undercard also features several intriguing matchups:
- Virgel Vitor (23-4, 16 KOs) vs. Alven Vergara (8-4-1, 6 KOs)
- Gerwin Asilo (11-1, 5 KOs) vs. Yeroge Gura (8-2-1, 3 KOs)
- Jericho Acaylar (1-0, 1 KOs) vs. Francis Arante (0-0-1)
- Jick-Kier Autida making pro debut vs. John Paul Oyong (0-2)
With Suganob sporting a 16-1 record with six knockouts and Yohana standing at 21-6-1 with 15 knockouts, boxing fans in Bohol can expect an explosive night of action as local hero Suganob attempts to take another step toward world championship glory.
