Articles of 2006

Boxer In-depth Analysis System (BIAS)

Published

19 years ago

April 7, 2006

MAYWEATHER VS. JUDAH

SKULL & CROSSGLOVES (MAYWEATHER)
Defining traits: Skull & Crossgloves is the most lethal and dominant of the 13 BIAS archetypes. He is an exceptional athlete that would probably excel in many other professional sports. Thank the boxing gods that he chose this profession. ‘Morphing’ (altering tactics mid-bout) is no feat for this consummate professional. Skull & Crossgloves can go from a wily boxer to an aggressive, havoc reeking whirlwind of destruction in a blink of an eye. In short, there is no physical flaw in this warrior’s armor.

VS.

DRAGON (JUDAH)
Defining traits: The two-headed Dragon symbolizes two personalities – which one will show its face? Boxing’s answer to Sybil? Hmmm, maybe. On the surface, the gifted sign of the Dragon appears to have the qualities of the more complete Hawk and Skull & Crossgloves. And if you ask him, he feels he has MORE weaponry than their opponent. In general, his defense is very efficient; many cannot hit him despite an economy of movement. And his offense is pretty potent. The difference between him and the top of the food chain is how they function through difficulties. How he responds under duress will always be… maybe not tenuous, but at least an Achilles Heel of his.

Here’s one of the lousy things about how the sports media perceives and covers the most noble of sports… boxing… You get a fight like this with two extremely talented athletes, that also exhibit a lot of emotion and excitement (drama) in their fights… this is the opportunity for the public to really see an exciting part of boxing: and nothing. There will be one piece in the NY Times, Daily News or Post, MAYBE after the fight.

This is lightening vs. lightening and any way you look at it, it figures to be a heckuva fight. Whether or not Zab lost the Baldomir fight makes absolutely “no never-mind” now. Mayweather and Judah is an exciting fight even if they both lost their last 10 fights in a row. Attribute for attribute this fight just matches up well… and if there ever was a fight where you want to hear the babble and psychological warfare, this is the one. Both can talk more trash than a NYC landfill and both can back it up. “Pretty Boy” Floyd is unblemished and sits atop the pound-for-pound ratings as the best fighter in boxing… deservedly so. Zab has the skills to be there but for two things… It isn’t only the fact that (1) he can be hurt; it’s WHY he gets hurt. And (2) mentally something snaps when under duress… Let’s go In-depth and ascertain whether or not Mayweather can put the hex on Judah’s fair-weather resiliency, or if Zab can use his double jab to upset the king.

RING GENERALSHIP
MAYWEATHER 10
JUDAH 8
(Ability to dictate how the fight will be fought)
MAYWEATHER has both the amazing ability to fight every fight on his terms. More than just stick-and-move, his talent allows him to stand in front of a dangerous opponent and lash out with any punch at any time. If the fight were a vessel, Floyd owns the rudder. JUDAH has the gift, yet different. Maybe at times he becomes oblivious to the fact that the opponent can lash back and suddenly he finds himself in trouble and losing control of the fight.

FOCUS
MAYWEATHER 10
JUDAH 7*
(Ability to funnel all one’s attentions on the matter at hand)
MAYWEATHER has been as focused as a laser in most if not all of his performances and that is a tribute to his desire to win, respect of his opponent, fear of losing. Given the fact that the Hollywood life beckons, he has shown a tremendous amount of poise for one with so much on his plate and opportunities to get distracted. He carries this same attribute into the ring. JUDAH, on the other hand, as recent as his last fight versus Baldomir, cast a lot of blame in different directions, sometimes the wind gets behind ya, sometimes it blows it back in your face. The responsibility always rests with oneself… he has realized that, hence the lack of conversation with media sorts heading into this fight. The BIAS has a feeling he will have a new sense of focus come fight night… These are the types of challenges in life a man lives for… everyone saying “You can’t do it.” As an aside, lack of focus wasn’t the cause for his loss to Tszyu.

ENDURANCE
MAYWEATHER TBD*
JUDAH 8
(Regardless of the pace, can carry the last round like the first)
Both are in impeccable condition and the BIAS feels that this is a battle of skills, not will, which it often becomes when a fighter isn’t in as good a shape as he should be and endurance becomes a factor. That takes care of the physical endurance… Then there is the mental side of endurance… a fighter can quit a fight from getting hit too much or hit in a way they haven’t before. We know the deal on Judah… he won’t consciously give up… Mayweather is an unknown story in this area, so an accurate assessment of his endurance can’t be appraised… Just the way your trainer would want it.

DEXTERITY
MAYWEATHER 10
JUDAH 10
(The ability to throw any type of punch with precision)
There isn’t a punch either one can throw that the other can’t. Both have full command of the punch vocabulary with either hand.

AGILITY
MAYWEATHER 10
JUDAH 10
(Moving your body to an advantageous position through movement of the feet or body)
Both fighters have buckets full of agility. JUDAH can move in reverse and especially forward quite efficiently, MAYWEATHER can also position himself well defensively.

DEFENSE
MAYWEATHER 10
JUDAH 8
(The ability to avoid being hit through either slipping or blocking punches… bonus points if you can counter off the defensive move)
Judah has to find a way through that awkward but SO EFFECTIVE defense of Mayweather’s. The one were he crosses his left arm across his midsection, raises his right so it defends against left hooks and then leans back with the left shoulder high to protect against power rights. If you are orthodox and own an overhand right, like the one Rocky Lockridge used when he took out Uncle Roger, aka The Black Mamba (man, Roger could fight though…), then we got an issue. JUDAH, like Mayweather, is a reflex fighter and the fear of being countered keeps the opponent from getting too aggressive and throwing too many punches. Generally he doesn’t dedicate his energy to not being hit unless he has been hit.

RESILIENCY
MAYWEATHER TBD*
JUDAH 7*
(The resistance to cuts and a thick beard as well as taking a good whack to the guts)
Mayweather’s mettle we don’t know, so one way or another he cannot be judged. One could get suspicious and say, “If he has a chin, what does he have to hide? Why does he employ the defense that he does? He mustn’t like being hit.” Judah’s story we know… and there is no amount of neck exercises you can do to take a better punch… Heart he has in multiples and that may just help him, but when you have a red flag on something as imperative as resiliency, and you are fighting someone so fast, with impossible instinct and can also crack… it doesn’t look good. Neither has shown the tendency to cut or swell.

JAB
MAYWEATHER 10
JUDAH 10
(The most important punch in boxing)
Both of these fighters have the ability to win a fight on just the use of the jab alone, which says much about their ability.

POWER
MAYWEATHER 8
JUDAH 9
(The ability to knock your opponent out with one punch)
Power can be a misleading attribute. As we have seen time and time again power is the great equalizer and the great deceiver. Neither one of these fighters limit their ability in search of the big punch – even though that’s why Zab has been dropped as frequently as he has… always in search of the KO. For Mayweather the power seems to come from speed and the element of surprise… For Judah, speed and intent… He commits his whole body to the punch.

BODY PUNCHING
MAYWEATHER 8
JUDAH 9
(The ability to dominate your opponent fighting at close range with shots to the torso)
The work that they do to the body isn’t obvious to the general viewer, but they are extremely effective on the inside. The nod goes to Zab because he can stay inside and really commits to getting off the shots.

TOTAL
MAYWEATHER 9.5
JUDAH 8.6

INTANGIBLES
Where do we start? We know styles make fights and neither has fought one like the other before… Who will adapt better? In this fight it’s not who can punch harder, but who can hit whom first, most and last. Is Floyd playing Judah light and does he really discount his ability from a sparring session? Is Floyd a one trick pony about to be exposed? How will Floyd respond should he get caught on the chin? Has Judah made the mistake of not answering Floyd’s taunts? What will he do when faced with the same taunts in the actual fight, lose his head? Has Zab done the homework and learned how to get around Floyd’s defense? Will he over-hype now that it’s real? These are just a few of the obvious intangibles that can sway the outcome of this fight.

FINAL ANALYSIS
There is a reason why Floyd is pound for pound the best fighter in the world… his reflexes. Reflex fighters, when they are fresh, are the most amazing of boxers… their radar can sense a fly in an arena as they see everything and counter with swift vengeance… but when they lose that fear of being hit… it’s ugly. JUDAH is no slouch in the reflexology department either. Equally as gifted it has only been a blind spot in the FOCUS department that causes his ails. That may be all Floyd needs, it doesn’t figure to happen early… but should Zab make a mistake, that’ll KOSTYA… big time!

Call it a hunch, but the BIAS doesn’t think either one can take the others best punch, not even for a moment, so RESILIENCY really comes into play here… (Zab’s resiliency has been red flagged and Mayweather’s is immeasurable due to never being tested. Perfect missing ingredients that add to the suspense.) Mayweather’s brashness and past successes will tell you he may be the one to get off first, but don’t be surprised if he hesitates under the strong opening attack of Zab, causing him to go defensive. That’s what Zab wants. Floyd was reportedly knocked down by Carlos Hernandez in 2001. (His glove touched the canvas… I didn’t see the fight) Is it possible that Mayweather can take a punch as well as he can dole them out? NO WAY, but in the major leagues no one asks a pitcher to play catcher either. But if Floyd doesn’t respect Zab in the ring… were it counts, (forget about the vociferous hyperbole outside of the ring) he will be in for an abrupt night. Zab has answered the resiliency question (Throughout his career he has been dropped numerous times) and it only brings suspense to the fight… Like sitting on a keg of proverbial dynamite, will Mayweather dismantle the bomb before it detonates? If this fight goes a bit, it will tell us more of Floyd that we ever knew before… that’s a guarantee. This is a harder fight for Floyd that a potential fight with De La Hoya would be.

The BIAS feels for Zab to win, he has to jump on Mayweather from the first bell and get him out of there. Put all his chips on the table and go for the KO. He has the guns to do it. He has to take Mayweather into uncharted waters and capsize this ship early… at least make Floyd sustain enough damage early on so Floyd is playing catch-up or agrees to lose quietly. Judah has to get Mayweather into exchanges. The longer he remains in the ring allows Mayweather the time to figure him out. We’ve seen what happens once Floyd gets his range, no need for redundancy… we’ll see what we saw with Mayweather and Corralles… Mayweather picking his opponent apart until the ref halts the fight or the fighter can’t go on.

What to look for

MAYWEATHER
That laser like right hand to the point of Zab’s chin.
A lot of feinting then firing of punches.
One punch at a time… Combos will leave him vulnerable to counters

ZAB
Look for Zab to go for the early KO
Throwing the left as a decoy for the right hook
Loading up on every punch with a jab as “cover fire”
Jabbing over Mayweather’s left
Using the straight left to the chest/body area
Stepping in to close the distance should he miss a punch

POTENTIAL
This fight has the potential to be AMAZING. Just from an emotional angle this fight has the makings of a classic. I like the fact that this fight was made regardless of Zab’s loss to Baldomir. The public is learning that it isn’t the titles that makes great fights, it’s the fighters. It is a rare happening when you get two fighters with these types of SKILLS in the same ring. The last time that happened at welterweight, I would have to say, Leonard vs. Hearns 1. This is a fight that is slightly under the general public’s radar but should be an amazing fight to behold. No matter the outcome, both fighters would do good to praise the other… it will only make their victory or loss, all the more respectable.

BIAS rating: (A rarity) 10 out of 10 knuckles.

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Michael Olajide

Articles of 2006

Peter/Toney Ii: Peter Has The Brutal Punch

Published

18 years ago

December 31, 2006

Adam Berlin

Samuel Peter claims he has dynamites in my two hands?

Heavyweight contenders Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter and James Lights Out? Toney get it on a second time this Saturday from the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fla. (Showtime).

The hard-slugging Peter, unlike Toney, is one of those strong, silent types notorious for letting their fists to the talking one the opening bell sounds, but the Nigeria Nightmare is as confident as ever and determined to turn Lights Out’s lights out for good.

I have got dynamites in my two hands,? said Peter, according the Lagos, Nigeria Vanguard, and I will crush James Toney once and for all. The Toney camp made the mistake of their lives by protesting and seeking a rematch. I am ready to teach him a bitter lesson.?

Sam Peter walked away with the W for Peter/Toney I at the Staples Center in LA last September, but it was by disputed split decision a verdict so disputed, there was even a dispute about the dispute which forced the WBC’s hand into mandating Saturday’s rematch.

Samuel Peter is the biggest thing to hit African boxing since Ghanaian superstar Azumah Nelson rocked the feather and junior welterweight divisions. The President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Prince Olaide Adeboye, admitted, according to allAfrica.com, We are rooting for Samuel Peter, of course. He is one boy we believe in to bring back the country’s lost glory in professional boxing. I am personally making arrangement to be at the ringside to see him fight Toney again. I was at the first fight in Los Angeles in September.

Peter has the brutal punch, and to me he was the clear winner of the first fight. But the WBC Board of Governors, of which I am a member, voted 21-10 for a rematch. There was nothing those of us Africans on the board could do in the circumstances. But I believe Peter will confirm he is better than Toney and will then go ahead to meet the champion and claim the belt for Nigeria and Africa.?

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Articles of 2006

Iceman Stops Tito Ortiz Win Streak

Published

18 years ago

December 31, 2006

David A. Avila

LAS VEGAS—UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck “Iceman” Liddell’s fists proved too much for Huntington Beach’s Tito Ortiz who was stopped in the third round before a sold out crowd at the MGM Garden Arena on Saturday.

The punching machine Liddell (20-3, 13 KOs) repeated his victory in UFC 66 over the much-improved grappler Ortiz who has improved his punching and blocking. Ortiz was trying to avenge his loss of April 2004.

Despite all the new weapons displayed by Ortiz it wasn’t enough as Liddell pummeled the former champion and retained his title with a technical knockout at 3:59 of the third round. Referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the bout.

“This was the most satisfying victory of my career,” said Liddell, 36, of Santa Barbara. “Tito came back real tough.”

Ortiz (15-5, 8 KOs), a former wrestler, worked on his boxing technique knowing he would need it against the former boxer Liddell. But Liddell’s experience allowed him to find the right moment to pounce on Ortiz.

“I had him hurt, I just kept throwing punches,” said Liddell who also knocked down Ortiz in the first round with a left hook.

Ortiz was gracious in defeat.

“Chuck is the best fighter Pound for Pound in the (mixed martial arts) world,” said Ortiz, 31, who suffered a gash on the side of his left eye from a punch. “I’m disgusted by myself. I let my fans down.”

Other bouts

Underdog Keith Jardine (12-3-1) knocked out Forrest Griffin (13-4) at 4:41 of the first round in their light heavyweight showdown. A right uppercut followed by a left hook wobbled Griffin who was sent to the floor by a barrage of punches. On the ground Jardine landed right after right until referee John McCarthy stopped the fight for a technical knockout.

“I couldn’t believe he was hurt,” said Jardine about Griffin who is known for his resiliency. “I was so nervous coming into this fight, but now I know I belong here.”

Canada’s Jason McDonald (18-7) choked out Chris Leben (15-3) in a middleweight bout that was up for grabs. Though Leben seemed to control the fight with stunning left hands, once the fight went to the ground McDonald managed a chokehold at 4:03 of the second round. Referee Steve Mazagatti saw Leben was unconscious and stopped the fight.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski (12-5) caught Brazil’s Mario Cruz (2-2) with a sneak right hand while both were tangled on the ground. Then the Belarusian pummeled Cruz until referee Herb Dean stopped the fight at 3:15 of the first round.

Third season winner of the Ultimate Fighter television reality season Michael Bisping (12-0) of Great Britain won by technical knockout over Eric Shafer (9-2-2) at 4:29 of the first round. A knee knocked Shafer groggy then Bisping knocked him to the ground and pounded him. Referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the bludgeoning.

Thiago Alves (16-4) caught Peru’s Tony De Souza (15-5) with a knee as he attempted to dive for his legs in a welterweight contest. After that it was pretty much over as Alves pummeled De Souza at 1:10 of the second round forcing referee John McCarthy to halt the bout.

Gabriel Gonzago (7-1) proved too strong for Carmelo Marrero (6-1) in a heavyweight bout. At 3:22 of the first round Gonzago of Massachusetts manipulated his way into arm bar forcing Pennsylvania’s Marrero to tap out.

Japan’s Yushin Okami (19-3) pounded Georgia’s Rory Singer (11-6) into submission at 4:03 of the third round of a middleweight bout. Okami seemed the more-rounded fighter with effective kicks to the head and more accurate punching.

Christian Wellisch (8-2) jumped to a quick start with an accurate left hook that rattled Australia’s Anthony Perosh (5-3) in a heavyweight bout. During the first round it seemed the Sacramento fighter might end the fight but the Aussie hung tough. Wellisch won by unanimous decision.

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Articles of 2006

The Sweet Science P4P Rankings for Asia

Published

18 years ago

December 31, 2006

Scott Mallon

There are claims that boxing is dying. Hogwash. The heavyweight division isn’t the only division in boxing and 2007 promises to be a banner year in boxing; especially for boxers hailing from Asia.

While Asia isn’t Vegas or Atlantic City, it is a region packed of diamonds in the rough; undiscovered gems and potential superstars who wait for their moment in the sun.

The Sweet Science P4P Rankings – Asia

1) Manny Pacquiao – There’s no way to dispute Pacquiao is the best fighter in Asia, if not all of boxing. He’s exciting, he wins with Je Ne Sais Quois and is definitely “the man” in boxing.

2) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam – Although his competition leaves much to be desired, his longevity and skills are undeniable. He is currently Thailand’s only world champion and is undefeated in ten years. Need I say more?

3) Chris John – A victory over Juan Manuel Marquez, however controversial, shows he belongs at the top of the heap. He easily outpointed Renan Acosta to close out 2006 and should have no trouble defending against Jose Rojas in February. A fight with Pacquiao would not be a good move on his part but a rematch with Marquez would not hurt – especially if he defeats the Mexican again.

4) Hozumi Hasegawa – Hidden away in Japan, Hasegawa is a sharp punching southpaw who put former champion Veeraphol Sahaprom to sleep. He recently bested Genaro Garcia and his herky-jerky style will give fits to any one who steps in the ring with him.

5) Masomori Tokuyama – Tokuyama has never shied away from a good fight and although he only fought once in 2006 (UD12 Jose Navarro), he ledger shows wins over Katsushige Kawashima (twice), Gerry Penalosa (twice) and In Jin Chi (twice). A fight with Hozumi Hasegawa is a distinct possibility in 2007.

6) Nobuo Nashiro – With only seven fights under his belt he took on WBA champion Martin Castillo – and defeated him. Although he’s only fought a total of nine fights, nearly all have been against quality opposition. A victory in a rematch with Castillo would cement his claim as the king of the 115-pound division.

7) Yukata Niida – This light-hitting minimumweight defended his title twice in 2006, winning a technical decision against unbeaten Eriberto Gejon (Tech Win 10) and the other on points over Ronald Barrera (W 12). Scheduled to meet Katsunari Takayama early next year – the best has yet to come for this WBA belt holder.

8) In Jin Chi – Won back the title he lost to Takashi Koshimoto in January from Rudolfo Lopez. While there’s little uncertainty to his skills, at thirty-three, 2007 may provide some insight as to just how much he has left.

9) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai –Sor Nonthachai is an exciting, top-shelf fighter with an iron chin. Has no trouble making mincemeat of mid-level opposition and deserves a title shot in 2007. Time is running out.

10) Rey Bautista – He’s young, relatively inexperienced in big-time boxing, but will continue to shine in 2007. One of the better prospects in boxing, he should snag a title in 2007.

Asian Fighters Ranked in Ring Magazine

Pound for Pound:

Manny Pacquiao (Philippines): #2

Jr. Lightweight

Manny Pacquiao (Philippines): #1
Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai: #9

Featherweight

Chris John (Indonesia) #1
In Jin Chi (Korea) #3
Takashi Koshimoto (Japan) #5
Hioyuki Enoki (Japan) #7

Jr. Featherweight

Somsak Sithchatchawal (Thailand) #4

Bantamweight

Hozumi Hasegawa (Japan) #2
Veeraphol Sahaprom (Japan) #3
Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (Thailand) #6
Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (Thailand) #10

Jr. Bantamweight

Nobuo Nashiro (Japan) #1
Katsushige Kawashima (Japan) #7
Pramuansak Phosuwan (Thailand) #10

Flyweight

Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (Thailand) #1
Takefumi Sakata (Japan) #7
Daisuke Naito (Japan) #10

Jr. Flyweight

Koki Kameda (Japan) #1

Minimumweight

Yukata Naiida (Japan) #2
Eagle Kyowa (Japan/Thai) #4
Katsunari Takayama (Japan) #5
Rodel Mayol (Philippines) #7

Boxing in Thailand

There’s no shortage of boxers in Thailand. With a huge pool of Muay Thai fighters to draw from and several talented amateur boxing prospects turning pro after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Thailand seems destined to remain a boxing powerhouse in Asia.

The country is known for having tough, determined and disciplined fighters who give their all whenever the step in to the ring. However, consistently losing while fighting abroad and padding their records with no-hopers has done nothing to enhance their reputation.

Whether because of a lack of marketability, a lack of funds or their unwillingness to travel abroad, the vast majority of boxers from Thailand remain a mystery to fans in the west. If anything though, the boxing scene involving Thai fighters will be active. In fact, it’s one of the most active in the world; since 2000, the number of fights has nearly doubled in the country.

The Sweet Science P4P Rankings – Thailand – August 2006

1) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam
2) Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym
3) Somsak Sithchatchawal
4) Wandee Singwancha
5) Sirimongkol Singwancha
6) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai
7) Veeraphol Sahaprom
8) Pramuansak Phosuwan
9) Terdsak Jandaeng
10) Oleydong Sithamerchai

Current Sweet Science P4P Rankings – Thailand

1) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (Flyweight) – Definitely the top dog in Thailand

2) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai (Super Lightweight) – He’s a seasoned fighter who has proven himself in the big-time. He’s one Thai who can fight outside of Asia. He has an abundance of skills and one-punch power. His overall ability and ease in dispatching anyone other than championship caliber get him the runners-up spot.

3) Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (Super Bantamweight) – After losing to Vladimir Sidorenko he’s bounced back. He’s young, he can punch, but the former interim champion needs to prove himself against a name fighter.

4) Somsak Sithchatchawal (Super Bantamweight) – Was his win over Monshipour a fluke or was Celestino Caballero just that good? Did Sithchatchawal catch Monshipour at the right time and can he rebound from the devastating loss? The jury is still out.

5) Wandee Singwancha (Flyweight) – He doesn’t have much of a punch which will be his downfall in the end. He can box, as was evidenced in his recent victory over Juanito Rubillar, but this won’t be enough. He can no longer make the Jr. Flyweight limit and with no punch he’ll have a hard time competing against the “big boys.” Although he’s now rated second by the WBC, he doesn’t deserve to be.

5) Sirimongkol Singwancha (Super Lightweight) – Get this guy a fight. He’s better than Jose Armando Santa Cruz and would have beat up Inada had the fight taken place. He’ll fight anyone but his biggest obstacle is staying motivated fighting tomato cans in Thailand. Like many Thais, he needs a fight against a name opponent.
6) Wandee Singwancha (Flyweight) – He doesn’t have much of a punch which will be his downfall in the end. He can box, as was evidenced in his recent victory over Juanito Rubillar, but this won’t be enough. He can no longer make the Jr. Flyweight limit and with no punch he’ll have a hard time competing against the “big boys.” Although he’s now rated second by the WBC, he doesn’t deserve to be.

7) Pramuansak Phosuwan (Super Flyweight) – A genuine tough guy. Always calm and focused no matter how heated the battle. But at thirty-eight, he’ll be in trouble should he fight one of the division’s elite.
8) Veeraphol Sahaprom (Bantamweight) – Will be lucky to get another crack at the title. Although he has a puncher’s chance of winning a belt, that’s about all he has left at this point. A third shot at Hasegawa is unlikely.

9) Oleydong Sithamerchai (Minimumweight) – He’s fought better than the usual opponents faced by Thais at his level and he moves up one spot with the departure of Terdsak Jandaeng. He lacks the punch and is in the wrong division to become a superstar. He’ll need to defeat a name opponent to convince me.

10) Saenghiran Lookbanyai / Napapol Kittisakchokchai (Super Bantamweight) – These two square-off in early March, supposedly to see who deserves a shot at Israel Vasquez. Kittisakchokchai has the edge in experience but some feel Lookbanyai has the edge in heart and is the favorite.

Neither has defeated a top twenty fighter and yet are ranked number one and two respectively in the WBC’s world.

In Kittisakchokchoi’s lone shot at the big-time, he was TKO’d in 10 by Oscar Larios. His dreadful performance against Larios and lack of quality opposition leads me to believe Saenghiran might have more of a shot at beating him than some suspect. Regardless, neither of them lasts longer than six rounds with Israel Vasquez.

Honorable Mention: Wethya Sakmuangklang, Denkaosan Kaovichit, Devid Lookmahanak, Nethra Sasiprapa, Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo, Pornsawan Kratingdaenggym

Thai Fighters Ranked in Ring Magazine

Pongsaklek Wonjongkam: #1 Flyweight
Pramuansak Phosuwan: #10 Jr. Bantamweight
Veeraphol Sahaprom: #3 Bantamweight
Ratanachai Sor Vorapin: #6 Bantamweight
Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym: #10 Bantamweight
Somsak Sithchatchawal: #3 Jr. Featherweight
Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai: #9 Lightweight

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