NIYOMTRONG RETAINS WBC WORLD TITLE VIA A UD OVER LORETO

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Thammanoon Niyomtrong, popularly known here also as Knockout CP Freshmart or Little Pacquiao used all his tricks in boxing to retain his WBA world minimumweight title via a unanimous decision win over Filipino challenger Rey “Hitman” Loreto on Saturday at the City Hall ground in Chonburi City.
The 26-year old Niyomtrong knocked down Loreto in the 9th round with a right cross. But it was only a push according to Loreto’s trainer Joven Jorda.
“The referee (Rafael Ramos) also failed to deduct the Thai despite many warnings already for too much clinching and an intentional headbutt in the 10th round,” said Jorda.
The three judges, however, scored all in favor of the Thai – Ignacio Robles (115-113), Ferlin Marsh (117-110) and Takashi Shimakawa (117-110).
Niyomtrong was able to counter against the attack of Loreto, who immediately stood up before the end of the mandatory 8-cound in the 9th round.
“It was not really a knockdown. I only lost my balance while trying to elude the punc,” said Loreto, who even rush back to Niyomtrong to throw a combination until the bell rang.
“It was a good fight since both boxers were good,” said Niyomtrong’s trainer Chatchai Sasakul, who lost his WBC world flyweight title to Manny Pacquiao in Thailand.
Loreto complained that Niyomtrong kep on holding his left hand to stop him from punching.
“Hinahawakan nya kamay ko at tinutulak pa ako. Nanghina rin ako dahil sa sobrang reduce ko ng timbang. Matagal na rin kasi akong hindi naka laro sa 105 lbs. mga five years na,” said Loreto.
His co-manager Naris Singwancha said Loreto must go back fighting in the 108 lbs.
“He’s fit in the 108 lbs. and must not go back in the 105,” said Singwancha.
“At least we’ve tried our best. But he was not able to recover his strength,” said manager Brico Santig of Highland Boxing Promotions.
“His punches were not snappy unlike his past fights,” said Jorda.
Loreto suffered a cut on his left eyebrow due to an accidental headbutt while Niyomtrong’s left eye was already starting to close due to the challenger’s stinging jabs.
It was Niyomtrong’s 16th straight win with seven knockouts to remain unbeaten while Loreto dropped to 23-14-0, 15 KOs. Niyomtrong, however, has not yet fought outside his country.
His team, however, now wants him to fight to other countries to prove that he is the undisputed world champion in the minimumweight division.
The fight was supposedly slated in China by promoter Lui Gang but it was cancelled after sponsors backed out in the last minute.
“If the fight had been held in China, it could have been different,” said Jorda, who reviewed the video of the fight.
“Loreto landed more telling blows and the referee failed to deduct the Thai for constant clinching and holding,” said Jorda, who scored a 4th round knockout against Medgoen Singsurat in 2004.
Sinsurat stopped Pacquiao via a 3rd round TKO to win the vacant WBC world flyweight title in 1999 also in Thailand.
Team Loreto also had the support of the Filipino community in Thailand and the Games and Amusement Board officials composed of Chairman Baham Mitra, Commissioners Edward Trinidad and Fritz Gaston and boxing division’s Ralph Diokno.

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