WANHENG MENAYOTHIN RETAINS ONE OF LAST TWO WORLD TITLES HELD BY THAI FIGHTERS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 03 Aug 2016
Wanheng Menayothin put in what was described as ?a disciplined and at times slightly defensive performance? to defeat Mexican challenger Saul ?Baby?Juarez in Chonburi and retain one of the last two world titles held by Thai fighters, yesterday after WBO bantamweight champion Pungluang Sor Singyu suffered a shocking 11th round knockout at the hands of 24 year old Filipino southpaw Marlon Tapales who rose off the canvas after two knockdowns in the 5th round to score a spectacular victory last July 27.
It wasn?t an exciting or action-packed bout as Menayothin comfortably outpointed the Mexican challenger despite a relatively modest punch output.
James Goyder of The Fight Nation reported that the first three rounds were uneventful with Wanheng seizing the centre of the ring but throwing very few punches. Juarez was able to score with some left hooks to the body but the champion picked up the pace in the fourth, walking his opponent down and landing a couple of left hooks and a solid straight right.
The WBC reported that Juarez landed solid punches from the beginning, while the patient champion responded with hard and often accurate counter punches that quite often found the mark, to tag the intrepid attacking Mexican fighter. After four rounds, two scorecards were 38-38, and the other one 39-38 favoring the champion. It was that close!
The World Boxing Council internet site noted that Menayothin started to edge ahead, effectively and often using the counter left hook. It scored significantly, but didn`t stop Juarez from advancing, perpetually on the offensive.
Juarez risked everything in the closing rounds, which inevitably left openings, and with them, opportunities. With his greater experience the champion managed to control those concluding stanzas, to secure the victory and successfully defend the WBC title. Yet Saul "Baby" Juarez, put up a tremendous and gallant effort, earning himself much credit.
The Judges?scorecards were 115-113, 116-112 and 116-111.
With this victory, Menayothin improved his undefeated record to 43-0, 17 KO?s, while Saul Juarez left the ring with a mark of 23-5-1, 12 KO?s.
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