THE Filipino-Japanese boxing rivalry takes on a new path this Tuesday as former world title challenger Regie Suganob faces Kai Ishizawa in a 12-round bout at the Holy Name University gymnasium in Tagbilaran City.
Suganob, nicknamed ‘Filipino Phenom,’ is looking to keep Philippine pride intact as it marked the first time in a long while a Japanese fighter is coming over to challenge a Pinoy counterpart.
The 26-year-old native of Dauis, Bohol, likewise hopes to carry the momentum of Melvin Jerusalem’s recent victory in Japan where he wrested the WBC minimumweight crown following a split decision against Yudai Shigeoka.
The regional WBO Global light flyweight title currently held by Suganob will be at stake in the April 30 bout to be aired on PTV Network Channel and livestreamed through the PTV Network Official Facebook Page and Official YouTube Channel.
Suganob carries a 23-2 record with 7 KOs and is barely a year removed from a unanimous decision loss against South African Sivenathi Nontshinga for the IBF light flyweight crown held in East London.
Ishizawa, 27, holds a record of 11-3 with 10 KOs, and likewise failed in his previous bid for a world crown in an 11th round stoppage against Masataka Taniguchi in their WBO world minimumweight bout.
This also marks the first time Ishizawa will be fighting outside of Japan.
Meanwhile, unbeaten flyweight prospects Lorenz Dumam-ag and Ramil Macado headline an explosive boxing card in Mandaue City on Labor Day.
Dumam-ag (9-0, 6 KOs) and Macado (8-0, 4 KOs) stake their undefeated record on the line as they take on each other in a 12-round, co-main event of the fight card dubbed ‘CBDP Enkwentro.’
Former two-time world champion Vic Saludar (24-6, 14 KOs) will face Thai Sanchai Yotboon (14-7, 9KOs) in the other featured main match at minimumweight.
The WBO Oriental titles are at stake in both matches.
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