In a battle that examined each coronary heart and expertise, Thammanoon Niyomtrong (25-0, 10 KOs), also referred to as Knockout CP Freshmart, demonstrated why he stays certainly one of Thailand’s most enduring champions. Defending his WBA strawweight title for the twelfth time, Niyomtrong confronted Australia’s rising star Alex Winwood (4-1, 2 KOs), in an exhilarating bout at HBF Stadium in Perth. The Thai champion’s majority determination victory not solely prolonged his unbeaten file but in addition solidified his legacy as the game’s longest-reigning titleholder.
After the battle, I had the chance to sit down down with Niyomtrong’s longtime coach, former world champion Chatchai Sasakul (63-4-1, 38 KOs), to get his perspective on the champion’s efficiency.
“Knockout’s final efficiency, I say he carried out 80-90% of his potential as a result of he hasn’t fought in two and a half years, however I feel his ability and intuition are nonetheless there. For his subsequent battle, all the things shall be higher,” Sasakul shared.
From the beginning, Winwood, a former Olympian with aspirations to make historical past by profitable a world title in fewer than 5 fights, showcased his technical prowess. His sharp, quick jab managed the early rounds, leaving many to surprise if the 33-year-old Niyomtrong’s lengthy layoff had dulled his edge. Winwood’s pace and precision posed actual challenges for the Thai fighter, and there was palpable rigidity within the air as Niyomtrong struggled to seek out his rhythm.
However champions are constructed for adversity. By the fourth spherical, Niyomtrong shook off the ring rust and commenced working his means inside Winwood’s jab, touchdown a left hook that signalled a shift in momentum. Sasakul defined the preparation that went into the battle: “For Alex Winwood, we centered rather a lot on the left hook. Earlier than the battle, I studied Alex Winwood and I had an thought of the technique.”
Although the shot was controversially dominated a slip, it was clear that Niyomtrong was gaining management. The seventh spherical proved pivotal when a thunderous punch from Niyomtrong despatched Winwood to the canvas. Whereas the Australian managed to outlive the spherical, he was visibly shaken, and the hole in expertise between the 2 fighters turned evident.
Winwood fought bravely, even making changes within the later rounds, however the relentless strain from Niyomtrong was an excessive amount of. One other knockdown within the ninth spherical all however sealed Winwood’s destiny. Regardless of the younger challenger’s coronary heart, Niyomtrong’s years of expertise and superior ringcraft carried him to a well-earned majority determination (114-112, 114-112, 113-113).
Sasakul praised Winwood’s potential, saying that “Winwood has a superb type due to his newbie background. Alex is quick, however from what I see, he doesn’t have that a lot energy. If he can enhance this, I feel he shall be a future world champion.”
This win was extra than simply one other title protection for Niyomtrong. It was an announcement. Combating exterior of Thailand for under the second time, he proved that even after an extended layoff, he stays a formidable champion on the worldwide stage. For Thai boxing, which has seen its presence within the decrease weight divisions diminish in recent times, this victory serves as a beacon of hope.
Sasakul emphasised the significance of this victory for Thailand: “In Thailand, we solely have one world champion—Knockout—and he labored arduous earlier than the battle. This battle was good for Thailand, all the things is tough work.”
Niyomtrong’s triumph can also be a reminder of the wealthy boxing custom in Thailand, a nation that has produced legends like Khaosai Galaxy (47-1, 41 KOs) and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (57-6-1, 46 KOs). With younger abilities akin to Petch CP Freshmart (76-1, 53 KOs) and Anuchai CPF (16-0, 7 KOs) on the rise, Niyomtrong’s efficiency indicators that Thailand’s period of boxing dominance is way from over.
What’s Subsequent for Niyomtrong?
Now rated at No. 2 by The Ring Journal within the strawweight (105 lbs) division, Niyomtrong has firmly established himself because the division’s king. Along with his current profitable protection towards Winwood, the query on everybody’s thoughts is: what’s subsequent for the undefeated Thai champion?
A possible unification bout could possibly be on the horizon. Niyomtrong has cleared out many challengers throughout his WBA reign, however unifying the titles would cement his legacy because the undisputed champion. Attainable unification fights embrace Pedro Taduran (17-4-1, 13 KOs), the previous IBF champion from the Philippines identified for his relentless strain and knockout energy; Melvin Jerusalem (22-3, 12 KOs), the present WBC champion and a troublesome, sturdy fighter who would pose a tactical problem; and Oscar Collazo (10-0, 7 KOs), the undefeated Puerto Rican sensation and WBO champion. Collazo, who’s at the moment rated No. 1 by The Ring, is seen as Niyomtrong’s largest potential rival, and a battle between the 2 would decide who is really one of the best within the 105-lb division. With each fighters undefeated and holding prestigious titles, this showdown might crown the undisputed champion of the strawweight division.
Nevertheless, when requested about transferring as much as the 108-lb division, Sasakul was much less optimistic: “I feel it’s too late as a result of he’s 34 years previous. It’s too late to go up. Perhaps at 105, we are going to attempt to maintain the belt longer.”
A unification bout with any of those champions wouldn’t solely convey status to the division but in addition present Niyomtrong with a golden alternative to cement his legacy. Whether or not it’s Taduran’s aggression, Jerusalem’s sturdiness, or Collazo’s energy, Niyomtrong’s subsequent transfer might form the way forward for the strawweight division.
Whatever the problem forward, Sasakul stays centered: “We’ll maintain attempting, and I’m pleased if I’ve extra world champions.”
