By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing
Photos: Johnny Chaichotchuang

By Fightnews.com

IBF#10, 126 pounder, Mike Tawatchai (41-9-1) stopped Julio Delabasez (21-20-8) in round five of a scheduled twelve round bout to retain the IBF Pan Pacific championship in a nationally televised promotion on Wednesday at Banrungkarn, Nonthaburi, Thailand. The contest started at a fast pace as Tawatchai and Delabasez traded heavy punches from the opening bell that had the fight fans in attendance cheering. Tawatchai connected with a power left hook and right hand combination to the head of his opponent in round five that dropped the Indonesian and at in 2.05 min the referee crowned the hard punching Thai.

In the supporting bout, 154 pounder Narong Boonchan (25-2-0) stopped Rocky Alap Alap (5-15-0) in round three of a scheduled six.

In other action, 122 pounder Sukpraserd Ponpitak (15-6-0) stopped Hendrik Barongsay (29-25-3) in round six of a scheduled eight round bout.

Also, 140 pounder Downua Ruawaiking (5-0) outscored Punchai Sithfahsai (0-1) over six action rounds.

Jimmy Chaichotchuang, leading IBF promoter of Thailand said “Tawatchai showed a big improvement today with his skills under English trainer, Rian Munton. Tawatchai will be ready to challenge for the world title in 2017.”