The win saw Suganob advance to No. 5 in The Ring's ratings at junior flyweight and also become the IBF mandatory challenger to Thanongsak Simsri.

"It feels amazing," Suganob (19-1, 8 KOs) told The Ring. "I am very thankful and happy that I beat him this time."

Having lost a 12-round decision to Nontshinga for IBF world honors in July 2023, he felt a need to leave no doubt on this occasion.

"I changed my style because when I fought him in South Africa, he just kept running," he explained. "I was too careful in that first fight and let him escape."

While the end result was emphatic, it wasn't without some hazardous moments because of a more aggressive approach than we usually see from the Filipino.

"I made a mistake in the third round by rushing in, and Nontshinga made me pay for it," he accepted. "I was overextended and fighting too aggressively."

It proved only a reprieve for the former two-time champion and Suganob wouldn't be denied.

"My coaches calmed me down and told me to use my head," he explained. "I adjusted my distance, stayed patient, and caught him clean in the fifth round."

Around 2,300 people were in attendance to cheer Suganob's every punch and proved key in lifting him through troubled waters to victory.

"The Bohol crowd was amazing," he said proudly. "When I got knocked down in the third, hearing them scream my name gave me the strength to stand right back up.

"The Bohol Wisdom Gym was completely packed, and that energy pushed me to get the knockout. I'd like to thank the fans for all their incredible support — this victory belongs to Bohol."

Having won the title eliminator, he is now in pole position to face Simsri, who impressively crushed Mark Vicelles with another second-round stoppage on September 26.

"We will be closely coordinating with Simsri's camp to commence negotiations as soon as possible," he said.