Articles of 2006
Pongsaklek-Myekeni in the Works…When I See It, I’ll Believe It
Commercials are now regularly shown on Thai TV to promote Pongsaklek Wonjongkam’s record-breaking boxing career. He is shown gleefully running the streets of Bangkok, ala Rocky, with a flock of youthful well-wishers following behind him. “Fifteen in-a-row!” he cheers.
If they only knew.
Word is he is shooting for twenty in-a-row before he retires.
Twenty in-a-row against who though?
If they only knew that his title-reign has become a complete farce with the help of Red Bull of Thailand, Diamond Promotions and of course, the ever present divine ruler of boxing in Thailand, the W.B.C.
If they only knew.
If they only knew boxing they would know Wonjongkam had forgone the path of many a great Thai fighter; Pone Kingpetch, Chartchai Chionoi, Samart Payakarun and a host of others who took the hard road to greatness instead of fighting a perpetual bum-of-the-month tour.
The WBC has blatantly and with disregard for boxing fans, allowed their flyweight champion, Pongsaklek Wonjongkam to face every taxi, tuk-tuk and jeepney driver his promoter could find, rolling up defense after defense and turning a blind eye to the fact it’s been nearly three years since he’s fought a mandatory; the last being in November of 2003 against Hussein Hussein.
Sounds like a courtroom drama, doesn’t it? It could be. It should be.
If they only knew.
After making the fourteenth straight defense of his flyweight title against Daigo Nakahiro in May of this year, Wonjongkam was finally ordered to face the WBC mandatory challenger, Monelisi Myekeni of South Africa. As has been the norm though, Wonjongkam ended up fighting someone named Everardo Morales, a fighter who somehow climbed from number nineteen in the rankings to thirteenth despite losing two of his last three fights. His lone win was against Lauro Lopez, a fighter who had lost eight out of his last nine fights!
The Thai powers that be wanted Wonjongkam to face Myekeni on June 30th in conjunction with the King of Thailand’s sixtieth year anniversary on the throne.
Wonjongkam planned to present the King his belt after his record-setting fifteenth defense. Myekeni’s promoter, Branco Sports Productions (BSP), subsequently declined the fight. It was BSP’s intention to bring the fight to South Africa and the timeframe was not only insufficient to put together the fight but also for Myekeni to adequately prepare. The green light for Wonjongkam’s fight against Morales was then given by BSP on the condition the winner would then fight Myekeni within 90 days. Wonjongkam easily won his June 30th fight with Morales via TKO4 and the stage was again set for a fight with Myekeni.
An August 4th deadline was then set by the WBC with the understanding that if negotiations failed to bring about an agreement by the deadline, the fight would go to a purse bid. Branco Sports Production wants the fight in South Africa; Wonjongkam’s promoter, Diamond Promotions, not surprisingly wants it in Thailand. As the South African government would also like to see the fight take place in the country, don’t be surprised if Wonjongkam ends up fighting outside of Asia for the first time in his career.
Wonjongkam’s camp put forth an offer of $30,000 for Myekeni however this amount was turned down. Wonjongkam’s camp then asked the South African promoter to push back the August 4th purse bid for one week (until Friday, August 11th). The two parties were in the advanced stages of negotiations so BSP agreed.
Myekeni is a solid fighter and from all accounts has been steadily improving. He’s certainly got a good chance of winning and a much better chance than Isidro Balabat, Gilberto Keb Bass or Randy Mangubat.
Who?
Myekeni is rated 7th by the IBF, 6th by the WBO and first by the WBC; the guy can fight and has earned the right to fight for a title, unlike many of Wonjongkam’s opponents.
An impressive Wonjongkam victory, especially if in South Africa, may stave off some criticism, at least temporarily. The Thai has received scathing reviews from boxing fans outside of his country and justifiably so. He may indeed have the best skills in the division, but until he proves it he’s just another champion milking the title for all it’s worth.
Upcoming Fights
August 18th, 2006 – Patumthani, Thailand
Thong Por Chokchai (10-4-1, 6 KOs) vs. Jaime Barcelona (22-28-1, 6 KOs)
Devid Lookmahanak (13-0, 8 KOs) vs. Marvin Tampus (13-4-2, 10 KOs)
Napapol Kiatsakchokchai (37-2, 33 KOs) vs. TBA
Veeraphol Sahaprom (52-3-2, 37 KOs) vs. Anthony Mathias (14-6-1, 5 KOs)
If Sahaprom can’t get past Mathias, it’s truly over for the once great champion. Mathias is a runner who couldn’t break an egg if you stuffed hammers in his gloves so there’s no reason why Sahaprom shouldn’t a) administer a beating Mathias won’t forget or b) put him out of his misery quickly. Mathias has lost his last four in a row; if Veeraphol loses, he definitely needs to hang it up.
Sahaprom should end up in the top-ten of the all-time great Thai fighters and has nothing left to prove. He was blown out by Hasegawa and his chances of regaining a title are slim, barring any miracles or freebie title shots. If Sahaprom is impressive it would be nice to see him end his career on a high note but as is the case with many fighters, they never know when it’s time to quit until it’s too late.
August 31st, 2006 – Bangkok, Thailand
Denkaosan Kaovichit (34-1-0, 15 KOs) vs. Nino Suelo (5-11-1, 3 KOs)
Prawet Singwancha (30-2-1, 18 KOs) vs. Kiatchai 13 Riantower (18-4, 11 KOs)
Siriporn Sor Siriporn (5-2, 2 KOs) vs. TBA
Nongmai Sor Siriporn (4-1, 2 KOs) vs. TBA
September 9th, 2006 – Bandung, Indonesia
Chris John (37-0-1, 20 KOs) vs. Renan Acosta (18-4, 5 KOs)
WBA Featherweight Championship
John takes on the light-hitting Acosta and gets a freebie. Is he willing to take on Marquez in the U.S.? Was it a hometown decision or does he have enough to pull it off once again? We may never know as John is in no hurry to fight outside of Indonesia.
September 18th, 2006 – Japan
Katsushige Kawashima (30-4, 20 KOs) vs. Christian Mijares (25-3-2, 9 KOs)
WBC Interim Super Flyweight Championship
October 25th, 2006 – Swisshotel Stamford, Singapore
Solomon Egberine (14-2, 9 KOs) vs. Daudy Bahari (29-1-1, 11 KOs)
October 28th – Palangkayara City, Borneo, Indonesia
Muhammad Rachman (51-7-4, 23 KOs) vs. Donnie Nietes (13-1-2, 9 KOs)
IBF Minimumweight Championship
Rachman turns down $55,000 to fight Ivan Calderon, takes $40,000 to fight Nietes. Rachman has stated he wants $100,000 to fight Calderon in Puerto Rico.
November 26th, 2006 – Seoul, Korea
Rudy Lopez (19-2-1, 13 KOs) vs. Injin Chi (30-3-1, 18 KOs)
WBC Featherweight Championship
Does Chi still have it?
I wouldn’t bet against him while fighting in South Korea. Chi via UD12.
Articles of 2006
Peter/Toney Ii: Peter Has The Brutal Punch
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.?
Articles of 2006
The Sweet Science P4P Rankings for Asia
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
Articles of 2006
Iceman Stops Tito Ortiz Win Streak
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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