Heavy-handed Nattapong Obliterates Challenger, Retains WBA Asia 115 Belt in Thailand

By Carlos Costa

Bangkok, THAILAND — World-ranked Thai super flyweight Nattapong Jankaew obliterated former world-title challenger Wicha Phulaikhao (a.k.a. Pigmy Kokietgym) in two stormy chapters to retain his WBA Asia Super Flyweight Strap today at the Sathian Muay Thai & Fitness Center in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand.

Inspired by Thai super flyweight sluggers Khaosai Galaxy and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, the aggressive Nattaphong (9-0, 5 KO’s) rocked battle-tested Wicha with solid hands, shocking him with a left hook-right uppercut combinations, staggering the strong foe, forcing him to absorb solid punishment before flooring him head-first to the black canvas, hammering a cracking noise as Wicha’s head hit the floor.

Visibly hurt, the brave Wicha managed to beat the count of veteran referee Pinit Prayadsab just seconds before the sound of bell, but just to being in the next stanza overpowered with more damaging bombs to the body and head, succumbing the wounded warrior down, knees first. The time was 2:35 in round two.

With the devastating TKO win, Nattpong keeps on climbing on the 115-pound weight-class, wanting dangerous battles, aiming to making a mark of his own in the exciting division, currently dominated by the 6 veteran super fly stars Mexicans Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada, Carlos “Principe” Cuadras, Japanese Kazuto Ioka, Filipino Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas, Thai Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Nicaraguan super star Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.

Will the unbeaten Nattapong – now ranked # 8 by the WBA – become one day a future fighting star in the super flyweight division?

In another rumble, Thai super featherweight Chakkit Ratchakhot (7-5, 5 KO’s) of Roi-Et scored a win by points over rookie compatriot Visanu Phenti (1-1, 1 KO) of the Tantelecom Team in a competitive, entertaining battle.

Chakkit, 24, showed fans a better punching output and experience in the non-title 4-rounder rumble, in which no warrior got knocked down nor cut. The battle was handled by third man Arkom Wanasit of Bangkok.

Plus, 18-year-old Niratsai Panthong (2-2, 2 KO’s), ravaged veteran former Asia-Pacific champ Khachonsak Pothong (a.k.a. Khachon Sor Vorapin), rocking him down to the canvas 4 times, till the hurt Khachonsak, kneeing down, head down, could not raise up no more.

Dramaticaly enough, it was back in Jakarta in 2003, when today’s loser Khanchonsak with his own fists killed in the ring Indonesian flyweight Antonius Moses during their fateful fight at the studios of Indonesian TV station RCTI TV.

Due to Khachonsak’s heavy bombardment, Antonius suffered a brain injury and died 6 days a the fateful 2003 fight. The referee in that clash 18 years ago was Nus Ririhena, who according with Boxrec.com records, was in his second fight as a third man. Nus Ririhena is still working as a referee.

But today, it was Khanchonsak the one to assimilate brutal blows, losing by TKO in 3 with official time at 1:38.

Fans witnessed another case of reverse fortunes in boxing, which never cease: a winner today could be the loser tomorrow.

Perhaps that’s why fans appreciate when winners are gracious and magnanimous in victory because only God never know what could happen tomorrow.

In yet another battle, heavy-handed 20-year-old 108-pounder Phanuwit Siriwong (10-2, 9 KO’s) brutalized the less experienced 16-year-old rookie Sukrit Nakpreecha (0-1) who was lacing his gloves as a pro for the very first time in his life.

The winning Phanuwit dominated the taller, brave Sukrit with tough hands to the mid-section that diminished the newcomer, taking oxygen and a heavy toll in the teeenager, clearly depraving him of stamina, weakening him, till the unfolding of the action of round 5 when the punishment was too much, war halted at the 1:15 mark.

The afternoon of action boxing in boxing – loving Thailand was promoted by Thai man of boxing Yutthapong Kontngerm of Tantelecom Boxing Promotions.

Photo shows WBA Asia Super Flyweight Champion Nattapong Jankaew being declared the winner by referee Pinit Prayadsab and his brother, supervisor Chalern Prayadsab.

The author, boxing reporter Carlos Costa, can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp +639184538152