Thammanoon Niyomtrong Seizes Control and Takes Robert Paradero Out
At the Saphan Hin in Phuket Thailand, Thammanoon Niyomtrong (23-0, 9 KOs) made the tenth defense of the WBA ‘super’ world minimumweight title against feisty WBA thirteenth-ranked challenger Robert Paradero (18-2, 12 KOs).
Niyomtrong (AKA Knockout CP Freshmart) has set himself apart at 105 pounds and is currently the longest-reigning champion of any current world titleholder in the division.
Paradero was coming off a decision loss to current WBA ‘regular’ world champ Vic Saludar. But, he came to this fight well prepared and looking to score the upset.
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A WILD ONE
Things looked positive for Paradero early. He was very aggressive and made things uncomfortable for the defending champ during the first three rounds. However, Niyomtrong is a patient fighter with vast experience. The 31-year-old began to see the openings and found a home for the right hand, a punch he started to land consistently.
The only way to describe round four was chaotic. Both fighters went down multiple times from what seemed to be legit punches. Paradero was down three times. Niyomtrong went down towards the end of the round. Yet in each instance, referee Chalerm Prayadsab ruled a slip!
But, in round five, the champ said enough is enough. At the midway point, a picture-perfect right-hand dropped Paradero face-first. The challenger attempted to get up but couldn’t maintain his balance and fell again. In clear distress, Prayabsab correctly waved the fight over.
On December 21, Saludar faces the WBA number one ranked minimumweight contender, Erick Rosa. Look for Niyomtrong to fight the winner in the first half of 2022.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
