August 22nd

August 22nd is another day that hasn't stood out as being a huge one in Asian boxing but there has been some interesting days

In 1979 South Korean great Chong-Pal Park claimed his first international title, the OPBF Middleweight title, with a 2nd round KO over Cassius Naito. Whilst it was a break out moment for the Korean, who would later claim the IBF and WBO world titles at Super Middleweight, it was sadly the start of the end for Naito who fought just once more, losing in 6 rounds to Naoto Suzuki.

August 22nd 1985 saw the birth of Japanese based Venezuelan Jorge Linares. Linares, a Teiken managed fighter, would go on to claim Featherweight and Super Featherweight titles in the 00's and now looks towards becoming a 3-weight world champion with a WBC Lightweight title fight being imminent.

On exactly the same day as Linares was born we also had the birth of Thailand's world ranked Mike Tawatchai, real name Pipat Chaiporn. Tawatchi might not be a bit name in the sport but he is highly ranked by the IBF and has shared the ring with Daiki Kameda amongst others. There appears to be a lot more left for Tawatchai to achieve in his career though we're unsure on just how much potential he really has.

In 1993 then unbeaten Chana Porpaoin made the second defence of his WBA Minimumweight title by over-coming tough Filipino challenger Ronnie Magramo with a 12 round decision. Interestingly Magramo's last professional bout came in a WBA interim title fight against Songkram Porpaoin, the twin brother of Chana.

(Image courtesy of boxrec.com)

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