Niyomtrong, Andales Make Weight for WBA Minimumweight World Title Clash in Thailand

By Carlos Costa

WBA World Champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong aka “Knockout CP Freshmart” (19-0, 7 KO’s) of Thailand and Filipino Challenger Ar Ar Andales (10-0, 2 KO’s) of the Quibors Boxing Gym in Bacoor, Cavite, both scaled-in at the limit of the division, 105 pounds ahead their WBA Minimumweight World Title battle Friday, August 2, in the “City of Angels,” Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand.

Niyomtrong will be making the 8th defense of his world title in his homeland of Thailand against the younger Andales, who battles for the very first time outside of his beloved Philippines.

Should Ar Ar Andales win the day — as his Quibors teammates hope and pray — then, the 19-year-old Warai-Warai fighter born in Northern Samar would become one of the youngest Filipinos ever to win a world title.

Will he be able to accomplish such a feat against all odds?

Undoubtedly, the mission is a tough one, though not an impossible one.

While its true that the 28-year-old Thai warrior Niyomtrong Knockout CP Freshmart (19-0, 7 KO’s) is an experienced unbeaten world champion making a riveting 12th world title appearance, it is also true that Andales is the reigning WBA Asian titlist with a warrior’s heart, speed, good fighting skills and above all, confidence.

In addition, Andales counts with the full support of his experienced boxing team, headed by his coach Jun Labandia, a former fighter and an experienced trainer 100% committed to his boxers.

Niyomtrong, Andales with promoter and WBA Officials

“However, my friends, we know that we are the underdogs in this fight,” shares Andales co-promoter Gerry Balmes.

“But nothing is impossible. That is why our boxer trained so hard. That is why ArAr Andales is willing to take the risk, and we want to win the world crown.

“ArAr must explode in every round, putting pressure on Niyomtrong… pressing the Thai boxer, same as ArAr has done before,” reasons Balmes.

Will ring savvy, far more accomplished Thailander Niyomtrong CP Freshmart dominate the younger Filipino warrior on the televised world title match in Bangkok?

Or will an extra-charged, super-energized, fast and highly effective ArAr Andales outmaneuver Niyomtrong CP Freshmart over the course of their hot afternoon rumble to claim the WBA Minimumweight World crown, making his childhood dream an awesome, amazing, shinning reality?

The Niyomtrong vs Andales match for the WBA Minimumweight World Title Friday, August 2, in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, is a production of Thai promotion company Petchindee Boxing Promotions, set to be televised LIVE in the Kingdom of Thailand.

May the Best Man Win.