PONGSAKLEK LIKELY TO AVOID DONAIRE?
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 13 Jul 2007
Pongsaklek Wongjongkam.
WBC flyweight champion Pongsaklek Wongjongkam (65-2, 34 KO’s) who has thrived on fighting mostly mediocre opponents with the majority of his fights in Thailand is likely to avoid newly crowned IBF champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire despite claims by his manager Piyarat that he would go for a unification bout if he is offered “a very lucrative deal.”
Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today has learned that Pongsaklek’s manager who has allowed his fighter to fight abroad only in Japan, is eyeing a unification bout with WBA champion Takefumi Sakata (31-4-1, 15 KO’s) because chances are the purse will be bigger than if he fights Donaire in the Philippines and he has a better chance of winning.
Besides, Pongsaklek’s only two defeats were at the hands of the Philippines Jerry Pahayahay who won an eight round unanimous decision on December 22, 1995 and then knocked out Pongsaklek in the fifth round on July 11, 1996. However, Pongsaklek won the title with a first round TKO over Malcolm Tunacao on March 2, 2001.
Pongsaklek’s manager Piyarat is expected to discuss the possibility of a unification bout with Sakata’s handlers when Pongsaklek defends his title against Daisuke Naito on July 18 in Tokyo for which his purse is reportedly $100,000. But journalist Hisao Adachi reported last July 11 that Japanese sources had said former WBA light flyweight champion Koki Kameda had accepted an offer to face Sakata although “both are stablemates” from the Kyoei Boxing Gym.
It is believed that Pongsaklek’s manager won’t risk fighting Donaire whose spectacular one punch fifth round knockout of previously undefeated Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan may wind up as the “Knockout of the Year,” unless he is offered a purse of around $250,000 which is unlikely.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
SHAW SENDS A MESSAGE IN HUNT FOR UK OPEN GLORY | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Thu, 08 May 2025WBO presents the Amanda Serrano Championships
Thu, 08 May 2025GM Antonio faces tough competition in ASEAN Seniors Chess Championships in Penang, Malaysia
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 08 May 2025Boxing: Entertainment Sport or Sport Entertainment?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 07 May 2025JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
Wed, 07 May 2025CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Wed, 07 May 2025Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 06 May 2025Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
Tue, 06 May 2025The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, Tue, 06 May 2025Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
Tue, 06 May 2025Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 06 May 2025Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 06 May 2025Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
Tue, 06 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
Tue, 06 May 2025IBA embraces Bare Knuckle Boxing
Tue, 06 May 2025