Suganob-Nontshinga 2: PMI locks in high-stakes world title eliminator

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Regie “The Filipino Phenom” Suganob is set for another crack at a world title opportunity after PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions announced a high-stakes eliminator bout against a familiar opponent.

Earlier this week, PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions confirmed that it has secured the rights to stage a world title eliminator for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight division. The bout will feature Suganob in a rematch against South Africa’s Sivenathi “The One” Nontshinga.

READ: PMI’s Kumong Bol-Anon 25 boxing event full fight card revealed

Suganob-Nontshinga rivalry

“The rivalry continues. Promoted by PMI BOHOL BOXING PROMOTIONS, Regie ‘The Filipino Phenom’ Suganob will once again face Sivenathi ‘The One’ Nontshinga in a high-stakes IBF World Junior Flyweight Title Eliminator. Their first meeting ended in favor of Nontshinga. Now, Suganob has the opportunity to settle the score and move one step closer to a world title shot,” PMI said in a Facebook post on Friday.

The fight gives Suganob a chance to avenge the only loss of his professional career, which came in 2023 when he challenged then-IBF world light flyweight champion Nontshinga in South Africa. Suganob dropped a unanimous decision in that title bid.

READ: Boholano Regie Suganob loses to Sivenathi Nontshinga

Since then, the Filipino contender has worked his way back into contention, rising in the rankings of multiple sanctioning bodies and establishing himself as a top contender in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) through a string of victories and successful defenses of the WBO Global title.

Suganob is on an incredible five-fight winning streak, beating opponents ranked in the top 10 and defending the WBO Global title. Suganob has already tested himself and dominated African foes in his two previous fights against Mchanja Yohana and Siphamandla Baleni by unanimous decision and technical knockout (TKO), respectively.

READ: Suganob’s camp ‘shocked’ with scoring of bout vs Nontshinga

Meanwhile, Nontshinga is coming off a bounce-back win in South Africa in November last year against compatriot Sunday Kiwale following his 2024 loss to Japanese Masamichi Yabuki, losing the IBF world title in his first defense.

Now, Suganob finds himself in a prime position with the IBF, where he currently sits as the leading contender for the world title held by Thailand’s Thanongsak Simsri. The IBF has since ordered a title eliminator against Nontshinga, who is closely ranked behind him.

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The winner of the bout will secure an outright shot at the IBF world championship against Simsri.

Unlike their first meeting in South Africa, where Suganob had limited time to acclimatize after a long overseas trip, this time the Filipino boxer is expected to enjoy home advantage.

The fight is being eyed as the main event of PMI’s “Kumong Bol-Anon 26” in Bohol, although the official venue and date have yet to be announced.

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