Panya Pradabsri Batters Norihito Tanaka in a Rematch
In Rayong, Thailand, Panya Pradabsri (40-1, 24 KOs) made the fourth defense of the WBC minimumweight title against Norihito Tanaka (20-10, 10 KOs) of Japan. It was a rematch between the two. They previously fought in August 2022, where Pradabsri won by unanimous decision.
The defending champion won the WBC strap in November 2020 when he defeated former long-reigning champion Wanheng Menayothin.
Pradabsri has emerged as one of the best in the lower-weight divisions with his versatile style and excellent boxing skills. He faced Tanaka, who was attempting to win the WBC crown in his third world title attempt.
OFF TO A HOT START
Thirty seconds into the first round, Pradabsri put Tanaka on the seat of his pants. The challenger got up and fought back hard in the second. But round three was big for the WBC champion, as he hurt the Japanese fighter several times.
Pradabsri continued what was an all-out assault in the fifth. He didn’t seem to miss with the straight right hand and right uppercut, landing those shots repeatedly on Tanaka’s face.
At age 38, Tanaka is a warrior. Despite being on the receiving end of an onslaught and dealing with a cut on his right eye, he continued to apply pressure and fight hard. The veteran is all heart.
But in the end, the punishment was too much to overcome. Pradabsri was having his way. He continued to tag and rock Tanaka on his heels. After a right-hand-left-uppercut combination buckled Tanaka in round eight, Tanaka’s corner jumped in and threw the towel.
Next for Pradabsri is a battle with the WBC Interim champion Yudei Shigeoka. They were to fight on April 16, but Pradabsri pulled out after falling ill.
