Panya Pradabsri, Norihito Tanaka Make Weight for WBC 105 World Title Clash in Thailand

By Carlos Costa

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand — Defending World Champion Panya Pradabsri of Thailand and Japanese Challenger Norihito Tanaka successfully made weight ahead of their 12-rounder collision for the WBC Straw-weight World Title unfolding tomorrow, Wednesday, August 31, at the SaveOne Night Market in Nakhon Ratchasima, Kingdom of Thailand, 260 Km northeast of Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok.

The champion Panya Pradabsri – rated as the best fighter in this weight-class by BoxRec.com – stepped on the scale at the limit of the division, 47.62 kilos (105 pounds), while the warrior challenger from The Land of the Rising Sun, currently rated at WBC # 14 Norihito Tanaka made 47.54 kg (104.8 lbs), both men looking superbly confident and strong for their crucial battle.

During the medical check up, Panya had a resting blood pressure of 123/79, a pulse of 62 BPM and O2 of 99%; while the Norihito showed a BP of 140/75, pulse of 68 and same O2 of 99%, getting the OK from physician in charge Dr. Jirasak Bubpachart.

The rumble will be the 3rd world title defense for the skilled 31-year-old Panya Pradabsri (38-1, 23 KO’s), who claimed the WBC straw-weight crown in November of 2020 by scoring a unanimous decision over then unbeaten 54-0 champ Wanheng Menayothin, a.k.a. Chayaphol Moonsri; months later decisioning him again in their rematch.

At the same time, the fight will be the 2nd world title chance for the friendly 37-year-old Norihito Tanaka (20-8, 10 KO’s), a pro boxer since 2005 who wants more than anything else to become a champion for Japan. Will he succeed?

The WBC referee in charge is the experienced Malcom Bulner of Melbourne, Australia, a fighter in his youth, and a third man since 1970.

The panel of WBC judges include Dr. Thawuth Pluemsamran, an Associate Professor at Thailand National Sports University, as well as veteran judge Hisatosh Miyazaki of Wakayama, Japan.

Supervisor for the WBC is Colonel Thanapol Bhakdibhumi, an active officer of the Thai Royal Army, while Surapote Pongjivanich

and Poptorn Roongsamai of WBC Asia play their part in logistics and supporting roles.

HOW TO WATCH:

Fans outside Thailand may watch the action LIVE and free from the official website of the broadcasting TV station, Channel True4U. Telecast starts at 6 PM (Thailand Time UTC +7).

Link here: https://true4u.com/live/

(see if the link works in your location. you’ll need a fast connection)

The show is a production of Thailand’s legendary Boxing and Muay Thai outfit, Petchyindee Boxing Promotions (Diamond Boxing).

BOXING HISTORY CAPSULE:

The reigning champ Panya Pradabsri is WBC’s straw-weight world champion # 18 since the weight-class was established in 1987.

The Thai is the latest entry to a list of WBC straw-weight world champions that include notable star fighters of the past and present.

Some starry warriors who have hold the WBC straw-weight world belt strapped around their waist include Japanese 4-division world champion Kazuto Ioka, the classy and durable Wanheng Menayothin of Thailand, and El Rey of them all: Mexican Hall-of-Famer Ricardo “Finito” López.

Photos by Carlos Costa

The author veteran boxing writer Carlos Costa of Panama will be at ringside in Thailand. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and Whatsapp +639184538152.