BOHOL — Boholano boxer Regie “Filipino Phenom” Suganob has returned to the No. 1 spot in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior flyweight rankings, strengthening his chances of earning another world title opportunity.
The latest WBO rankings placed the Bohol-born and Bohol-based boxer at the top of the 108-pound division, highlighting his continued rise in professional boxing. Suganob is one of only two Filipino boxers currently ranked inside the WBO junior flyweight Top 10, alongside fellow contender Arvin Magramo.
Suganob prepares for major Bohol rematch
Suganob’s return to the No. 1 WBO ranking comes more than a month before his highly anticipated rematch with South African boxer Sivenathi Nontshinga. The two fighters are scheduled to meet on Sept. 12 in Bohol, giving Suganob the chance to settle their previous fight on his home turf.
The rematch will carry much bigger stakes than their first meeting. It will serve as an International Boxing Federation (IBF) world junior flyweight title eliminator, with the winner earning a mandatory opportunity to challenge the reigning IBF champion, Thailand’s Thanongsak Simsri.
Nontshinga is currently ranked No. 12 by the WBO, while Suganob holds the top position in the organization’s junior flyweight rankings. Suganob is also the IBF’s No. 1 contender at 108 pounds, making the upcoming fight an important step toward another world championship opportunity.
Bohol boxer seeks redemption
The upcoming bout will give Suganob an opportunity to avenge the only defeat of his professional career.
The 28-year-old Boholano boxer has built an impressive professional record of 18 wins and one loss, including seven knockouts. His lone defeat came against Nontshinga in July 2023 in East London, South Africa. Nontshinga won by unanimous decision in the fight for the vacant IBF world junior flyweight title.
Since that setback, Suganob has remained unbeaten and has won five straight fights. His winning run included capturing the WBO Global junior flyweight title, a victory that helped strengthen his position among the division’s top contenders.
Suganob had previously reached the No. 1 position in the WBO rankings in 2023 and 2024 before dropping down the standings. His return to the top spot adds further momentum to his title campaign.
Suganob continues Bohol boxing success
Suganob trains under the PMI Bohol Boxing Stable and has continued to build his reputation as one of Bohol’s leading professional boxers.
His most recent fight took place in Bohol in February, when he stopped African boxer Siphamandla Baleni by eighth-round technical knockout. The victory extended Suganob’s winning streak and set the stage for his highly anticipated rematch with Nontshinga.
For Suganob, the Sept. 12 fight will be more than another professional boxing match. It will be a chance to avenge his only loss, strengthen his position as a top world contender, and move closer to another world title opportunity.
Fighting in Bohol, the province he represents, also gives the Boholano boxer the opportunity to perform in front of his home crowd as he continues his pursuit of a world championship.
