Pradabsri, Menayothin Make Weight for WBC-105 World Title Rematch in Thailand
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 28 Mar 2022
Nakhon Sawan, THAILAND -- Two of the world's top-3 fighters in boxing's lightest weight-class, the 105-pound division, have just easily beat the scale, both men looking strong and focused ahead of their much-anticipated WBC world-title rematch tomorrow, Tuesday March 29, here in Nakhon Sawan, Kingdom of Thailand.
Thailand's WBC Strawweight World Champion Panya Pradabsri, a.k.a. Petchmanee CP Freshmart (37-1, 23 KO's), weighed-in at 105 pounds (47.64 kilos), while his compatriot and stablemate, former long- time 105-pounder king Wanheng Menayothin, a.k.a. Chayaphon Moonsri (55-1, 19 KO's), came-in at 104.5 lbs (47.46 kgs).
During the medical check up, the champion Panya gave a resting Blood Pressure of 113/74 with pulse of 46 BPM, respiratory rate of 18 and oxygen saturation of 98. Menayothin, meanwhile, had a B/P of 133/76, a fantastic pulse of 48 while at rest, RR of 18 and an equality awesome oxygen of 98%, both men awesomely fit pro athletes.
This exciting rematch - expected to be a highly competitive and technical clash - is a crucial war for the two elite boxers, a battle likely to unfold as close as their first contest which took place at the same venue two and half years ago.
In that first rumble, then challenger Panya Pradabsri edged and dethroned Menayothin in one of the biggest boxing upsets of 2020, Panya narrowly besting Menayothin who was making his 13th world title defense.
Scored 115-113 (x3), the battle saw Panya Pradabsri not only putting a surprising end to Menayothin's 6-year reign, but also shattering his amazing unbeaten 54-0 record, numbers that at the time threatened Floyd's 50-0 mark.
For the shy, quiet Menayothin, the defeat was not only heart-breaking, but also unexpected.
Wanheng Menayothin and Panya Pradabsri pose with boxing officials during Monday's weighin in Thailand.
Boxing fans here in Thailand were surprised too, jaws dropped.
That was because, as good as Panya Pradabsri is, most observers thought that Menayothin's superb quality and experience should get him through as the winner. That did not happen.
What transpired was in a way similar to WBC 108 ruler Kenshiro being dethroned by his unknown compatriot Yabuki; or Andy Ruiz claiming Anothony Joshua’s belts. Braddock decisioning Baer. Nobody expected those results. But they did happen, and are in the history books.
The unexpected could always happen on top of the square ring; and that truth one of the thrilling beauties of boxing, right?
Then, will Panya Pradabsri repeat his surprising win, prescribing Menayothin with the second loss in his stellar career, denying him of the coveted green 'n golden belt that for so long belonged to him?
Or will former King Wanheng Menayothin, now 36, a former Muay Thai champ, known here in Thailand as "The Giant Dwarf," find himself again in top form, fast and accurate to handsomely defeat the younger Panya Pradabsri, 31, tomorrow here in the "Heavenly City" of Nakhon Sawan in Central Thailand?
The interesting rumble airs live in Thailand on True4U TV Channel 24, with the action starting at 6 PM Thailand Time (UTC + 7).
Hold on, you can watch it. Boxing fans outside the Kingdom may enjoy this title clash live online for free in this link :
https://true4u.com/live/
The experienced WBC Ring officials for tomorrow's event include Dr. Thawuth Pluemsamran, Royal Thai Army Colonel Pongpan Rattanasutorn, and Assistant Professor Visuth Yingaupagarm and Carlos Costa of Panama.
The WBC rules for the battle were explained by WBC executive Kevin Noone of Ireland, who conveyed the best wishes sent to the teams from WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán. The supervisor for the WBC is Royal Thai Army Colonel Thanapol Bhakdibhumi.
Pradabsri vs Menayothin 2 for the WBC Strawweight World Title is a production of veteran Thai promoter Piyarat “Tung” Vachirarattanawong of Petchynindee Boxing. Matchmaker is Panya Prachakorn.
The author veteran boxing writer Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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