Sumabong eyes bigger fights after impressive ‘Kumong Bol-anon 25’ showing

Sports

BOUYED by an impressive win against a sturdy Taiwanese foe, Boholano boxer Joseph “The Hunter” Sumabong expressed confidence that he is ripe for bigger fights.

If given the opportunity, Sumabong said he is willing to take on South African Siyakholwa Kuse, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight champion.

“Akong gusto kontrahon si Kuse kay duol-duol na akong ranking niya sa WBC,” Sumabong said shortly after his unanimous decision win over erstwhile undefeated Jheng Ciou in the main event of “Kumong Bol-Anon 25” on Saturday, July 11, in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

The victory allowed the 24-year-old Sumabong to retain his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific and Oriental belt while also stealing Ciou’s Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation Silver minimumweight title.

Now a unified champion holding an 11W-1L, 5KOs record, Sumabong’s stock is expected to further rise.

Sumabong is rated high as a minimumweight contender in major governing boxing bodies. He is currently ranked No. 6 by the WBC, No. 8 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 10 by the WBO, and No. 13 by the International Boxing Federation.

While he yearns to take a shot at Kuse, Sumabong admitted it will be up to his manager, lawyer-sportsman Floriezyl Echavez Podot, the top honcho of the PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions, to map out his next assignment.

“Sa pagkakaron wala pa ko kahibalo kinsa akong kontra sunod. Pero andam nako mo away para world title,” said Sumabong.

While he sees Sumabong ready to contend for a world title, Podot would prefer for his ward to defend his unified titles first.

Podot added that Sumabong is in a stacked division that needs him to further sharpen his arsenals more.

“Tan-awon pa nato, pero kung mahatagan ug chance makadula ug world title, tagaan gyud nato ug chance. Pero depende sa kontra karon, mga kusog man ang mga kontra karon,” Podot said.

Podot said they will be eyeing another foreign opponent for Sumabong’s possible title-defense.

“Atong plano ana, kung mo depensa siya sa iyahang belt, foreigner atong pangitaon nga kontra,” Podot said.(CCM)