Wanheng Menayothin is set to return, but will he ever fight Knockout CP Freshmart?
WBC Minimumweight champion Wanheng Menayothin (54-0, 18ko) is set to return to the ring against fellow Thailand fighter Panya Pradabsri (34-1, 22ko) on November 27. According to Asian Boxing news, this announcement came from the champion’s team as they are looking for a venue to host the fight.
OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME
Pradabsri has a career-changing opportunity, having never fought for a world championship. Moreover, his only defeat was for a minor title, that came at the hands of then-WBA International titlist Chaozhong Xiong (27-8-1, 14ko) back in 2017.
The challenger has been on a sixteen-fight win streak against subpar competition. However, what is impressive is the fact that he has fought three times in 2020 despite COVID-19. Furthermore, he is currently the WBC Asian boxing titlist and ranks as the organization’s #5 fighter.
The 29-year-old challenger can shock the boxing world with a victory and fulfill the dream that motivates every fighter that steps in the ring, becoming a world champion.
A CHAMPION NOT RESPECTED
The WBC champion is the division’s longest-reigning champion, having a vice grip on the title since 2014. His undefeated record is constantly under attack due to sharing the ring with a poor level of competition.
However, lately the champion has been stepping it up with fights against solid competitors. Such fights were against Melvin Jerusalem (15-2, 9ko), Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-7-6, 7ko), Simpiwe Konkco (19-6, 7ko), and current IBF champion Pedro Taduran (14-2-1, 11ko)
Over the summer of 2020, the champion had the boxing community talking with a brief one-day retirement. This was a puzzling situation.
OPTIONS TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE
If Menayothin is victorious in defending the title for the thirteenth time, there are ways to get the respect of some fans and enthusiasts inside the boxing community. A unification fight always gets people’s attention and respect. Also, there is a 2018 rematch with the IBF champion on the table. Lastly, a match-up with WBO champion Wilfredo Mendez (14-2-1, 11ko) is intriguing.
The champion can really shut people up by fighting the one fighter that people have been waiting to see him fight; WBA champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong. Alias Knockout CP Freshmart (21-0,7ko), many feel he is the best fighter in the division.
By: Garrisson Bland
