Nattapong Jankaew Claims WBA Asia 115 Belt in Thailand, Wants Tougher Battles

By Carlos Costa

In a competitive clash, promising Thai 115-pounder Nattapong Jankaew (7-0, 3 KO’s) scored a hard-fought 10-round unanimous decision win over experienced former world-title challenger Karoon Jarupianlerd (44-10, 20 KO’s) to claim the WBA Asia Interim Super Flyweight Title Sunday at the Blue Arena Stadium in Pak Nam, just south of Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand.

Pushed to his limits, the younger Nattapong had to resort to his superior boxing skills and lighting speed to capture the tough win, as he got seriously tested by the 35-year-old warrior-heart Karoon whose best fighting moment thundered during the action of chapter 2 when he solidly staggered Nattapong with a well-delivered left bomb that rocked the Tantelecom rising-star against the ropes for urgent defensive maneuvers.

Then, showcasing excellent conditioning and a burning desire for victory, Nattapong regrouped, edging the contest’s middle chapters, not allowing Karron’s coming-forward menace to command their battle.

Still, the relentless Karron had enough will in him to dominate the final minutes of the entertaining youth vs experience encounter.
There were no knockdowns nor cuts during the well-fought contest refereed by top Thai third man Pinit Prayadsab.

By the end of actions, the 24-year-old Nattapong Jankaew had piled up enough numbers to get the nod, feeling ready to defend his newly-acquired WBA Asia interim belt against any tough-caliber challenger in the 115-pound division.

Nattapong (L) and Karoon in a Furious Exchange for the WBA Asia Belt in Thailand

The fight was a learning experience for Nattapong; undoubtably a rough test that could make him a better, more-resourceful combatant in subsequent rumbles. That remains to be seen.

In the co-feature, unbeaten bantamweight slugger Boonrueang Phayom (9-0, 9 KO’s) continued his reign of terror ravaging journeyman Khachonsak Pothong in three rounds for a TKO triumph.

Other winners for live-streamed Tantelecom show were new-comers flyweight Visanu Phenti, light flyweight Wutthichai Montri, super flyweight Niratsai Panthong and flyweight Thitisak Hoitong. Supervisor for the event was Chalerm Prayadsab. Fight inspector Roselyn Lilaruchiwong.

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