Regie Suganob by Van Clayton H. Answer
Age: 24 Hometown: Bohol, Philippines Weight Class: Junior Flyweight Height: 5ft 5in (165cm) Amateur Record: Approximately 50 amateur fights Turned Pro: 2018 Pro Record: 11-0 (4 KOs) Trainer: Edsel Burlas (Head Trainer), Niñolito Janaiz (Current Trainer) Manager: Floriezyl Echavez Podot Promoter: PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions
Best night of his pro career and why: Suganob used his boxing skills to good effect, dropping compatriot Jerome Baloro in the sixth round and dominating him for 10 rounds to claim a unanimous decision.
“My best night as a professional was when I won the IBF (Youth) title against Jerome Baloro,” Suganob told The Ring. “It was the best I could because it was my dream to win a title fight.
“We did a lot of preparation to win that match. It was a good fight and I’m happy I won.”
Worst night of his pro career and why: The Filipino had a rocky introduction to the pro ranks, though he managed to stop fellow rookie Mark Torella in November 2018.
“It was in Cebu, when I didn’t have a coach next to me in the corner because my coach didn’t have a license,” he explained. “This time I was worried, but I thought about the training we did to win the fight and I knew the fans were cheering me on throughout the fight.
“I learned that it is difficult when you don’t have a coach by your side. No one will tell you what to do.”
What’s next: Suganob will fight Andika D’Golden Boy in Dimiao, Philippines on September 9.
“I think it will be a good and exciting fight because we are both undefeated,” he said. “[If I win] me [world] the ranking will go up and I think I’m close to the world title”.
D’Golden Boy (19-0-1, 10 KOs) turned pro in 2014. The 26-year-old Indonesian southpaw has fought exclusively at home. He has won the WBA national title and a regional title. D’Golden is coming off a six round draw against Wandi Priman Hulu in June.
Why he’s a prospect: Suganob boxed around 50 amateur contests, which helped him gain experience before turning pro.
“I won three gold medals at the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) and a gold medal at the Philippine National Games (PNG),” he explained. “The Philippine national team hired me to be part of their team, but I proceeded to professional boxing.”
The 24-year-old from Bohol has faced many top pros, but one in particular stands out.
“I train [four-weight world champion] Donnie Nietes,” he said. “It was a good fight and I learned a lot from him. I learned how a world champion fights.”
In addition to Nietes, he has fought three-weight champion Kosei Tanaka (17-1, 10 KOs), two-time world title challenger Jonas Sultan (18-6, 11 KOs), undefeated junior bantamweight contender Kevin Jake Cataraja (15-0, 13 KOs), world-ranked junior flyweights Christian Araneta (22-2, 17 KOs) and Mark Vicelles (17-0-1, 10 KOs).
Suganob feels that one area in particular separates him from his contemporaries.
“My best attribute as a boxer is my stamina,” he said. “You need to have good stamina to last long for many rounds.”
Suganob is currently ranked No. 6 in the IBF, no doubt helped by winning his junior title last year and will most likely have his eyes set on fighting for that title.
Why it’s suspicious: It’s relatively early in Suganob’s pro career, even if he has his eyes set on fighting for the world title.
He hasn’t been pro for four years yet and has only 57 rounds of action so far. A few more fights, where he can continue to build on what he already has, could be a wise move.
The OPBF title would be a good route, however current holder Shokichi Iwata is particularly dangerous and it may be worth looking at other routes. It may be wise to consider fighting for other regional titles from the sanctioning body to improve your ranking across the board.
Although Suganob is coming off a first-round knockout, it doesn’t look like his power is going to threaten the division’s elite, so he needs to make the most of his other attributes.
Suganob appreciates that it is far from the finished article.
“I still have a lot to improve on my skills,” he admitted. “That’s why I train hard to improve my strength, conditioning, technique and boxing skills in general.”
Plots: Suganob has two brothers and his parents work, his father is a driver, while his mother works in an office.
Interestingly, the Filipino feels that things used to be less complicated when he was younger.
“I was born in the 90s, back then not everyone was on cell phones and hooked on social media like people are today.” he said.
He became interested in boxing at a young age and things progressed from there.
“I was 11 years old when I got interested in boxing,” he said. “I was interested because I wanted to know about self-discipline. And I focus on training to avoid temptations and bad influences.”
His goal is to become world champion and he is warning the reigning champions.
“[I want] become world champion at 108 pounds,” he said. “I feel like I’m close to the world title. I’m aiming for the champions.”
Unsurprisingly, his hero is someone all Filipinos look up to.
“My boxing hero is Manny Pacquiao,” he said. “[He] he is a great boxer. He brings honor to our country by succeeding in the world of boxing.
“I was inspired by their great dedication and hard work to fulfill their dreams. I have never seen Manny Pacquiao in person, but I hope to see him one day.”
Suganob has a girlfriend, with whom he has an eight-month-old daughter. He describes himself as a calm person who enjoys spending time with his family. When he’s not training, he likes to entertain himself by playing popular mobile games and watching the NBA.
record fight for fight
2022 July 23 – Asyer Aluman – TKO 1 March 7 – Ricardo Sueno – UD 10
2021Dec. 10 – Jerome Baloro – UD Sept. 10 27 – Jake Amparo – UD July 8 3 – MJ Bo – RTD March 1 27 – Paolo Sy – 3 TKO
2020Dec. 18 – Robert Ates – YOU 6
2019Dec. 14 – Rolly Dorong – DEPARTURE Sept 6 23 – Juan Pablo Gabunilas – UD 6 July 26 – Kier Torregosa – UD 4
2018 November 24 – Mark Torella – TKO 2
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at [email protected] and you can follow him on Twitter @AnsonWainwright
