Aggressive as at all times, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (proper) used his full arsenal to assault Wuttichai Yurachai throughout their six-round battle, which Srisaket received by unanimous determination. (Picture by Wasim Mather)
On Friday, former two-time WBC junior bantamweight titleholder Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (57-6-1, 46 KOs) made a triumphant return to the ring in Bangkok, headlining a card on the Ratchadaphisek Bazaar. In a scheduled six-rounder, the 38-year-old former Ring champion confronted off towards 30-year-old Wuttichai Yurachai (1-2), a embellished novice who represented Thailand internationally. Yurachai, who made his skilled debut in June, had already examined himself towards robust competitors, going the gap with former world title challenger Nawaphon Khaikanha (61-4-1, 50 KOs) in July.
From the opening bell, Srisaket imposed his will, pushing the tempo and shutting the gap. True to his model, the southpaw targeted on touchdown laborious left uppercuts to the physique and head, pinning his opponent towards the ropes. Spherical 2 noticed Srisaket on the verge of an early stoppage as he dropped the youthful fighter twice with highly effective pictures. After the second knockdown, Srisaket unleashed a relentless barrage of uppercuts and hooks, leaving many spectators questioning if the referee would possibly step in. Nevertheless, Yurachai managed to outlive the onslaught and regroup.
Within the third spherical, the 30-year-old fighter — counting on his intensive novice background — made key changes. He started utilizing his footwork and a pointy jab, mixing in verify hooks to maintain Srisaket off-balance. Regardless of these efforts, the relentless stress from the veteran proved an excessive amount of. To his credit score, Yurachai, with simply three skilled fights below his belt, remained recreation all through, even buying and selling on the within with the seasoned former champion.
The proficient Yurachai was capable of land some good pictures in the course of the battle. (Picture by Wasim Mather)
After six rounds, all three judges scored the bout 59-54 in favor of Srisaket, giving him the unanimous determination victory. It had been simply six months since his final look, however on condition that his earlier six fights had taken place each two months, the victory represented one thing of a comeback.
Can Srisaket do it once more? (Picture by Wasim Mather)
Now ranked eighth in The Ring’s junior bantamweight rankings, he has hinted at pursuing a 3rd world title. Addressing rumors of retirement, Srisaket advised the media, “Many individuals thought I would retire as a result of I had been inactive for a number of months. In actuality, I wanted to resolve private issues and plan my enterprise future. Now that every thing is settled, I’m again in coaching. My coronary heart tells me to show myself as soon as extra. My physique continues to be succesful.”
The undercard featured former world title challenger Danai Ngiabphukhiaw (23-5-1, 12 KOs), who secured a unanimous determination victory over Thanakon Aonyaem (0-2) in a scheduled six-round bout.
In the principle occasion, Phongsaphon Panyakum (25-2, 11 KOs) efficiently defended his WBC Asia bantamweight title towards India’s Laldingliana (5-2, 4 KOs) in an explosive, back-and-forth battle. Each fighters have been lower and bloodied in the course of the continuous motion over 10 rounds, however it was Panyakum who retained his belt in spite of everything three judges scored the battle in his favor.
Srisaket’s return to the ring has reignited pleasure amongst his followers, with many wanting to see, nevertheless slim the chance could also be, if the 38-year-old can as soon as once more attain the top of the game. As he units his sights on a 3rd world title, the previous champion has made it clear that he nonetheless has loads left to supply. Whether or not this comeback results in one other reign or just provides to his storied profession, Srisaket stays a formidable drive within the division.