January 25th

2017-Wanheng Menayothin v Melvin Jerusalem
In 2017 we saw WBC Minimumweight champion Wanheng Menayothin defend the title against the then unbeaten Filipino Melvin Jerusalem. This was Wanheng's 6th defense of the title and saw him advance his record to 45-0 (17), as he edged closer and closer to 50-0.
 
Since the bout Wanheng has scored 4 more defenses and moved to 52-0 (18), with his next defense planned for March 1st 2019, against Tatsuya Fukuhara. Sadly Jerusalem has gone 3-1 and not yet manged to show the energy he showed against Wanheng. However at 24 years old Jerusalem has time on his side, and we can't help but feel he will get another shot, sooner rather than later.
 
2011-Ali Raymi debut
The man, the myth, the legend, Ali Raymi made his debut on this day in 2011 beginning what was a short, historic and controversial career.
 
Raymi, from Yemen, would fight 25 times, winning all 25 bouts inside the distance, and the first 22 inside the opening round, setting a world record. Whilst an excellent achievement on paper, Raymi's competition did seem inept to say the least. He would enter certain world rankings, be linked to big international fights and seem like a charismatic fighter though unfortunately passed away in May 2015 following a bomb strike in Yemen.
 
He had put Yemen on the boxing map, but since his death, at the age of 41, left more questions than answers about his career, his life, and even his death.
 
1985-Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo
Thailand's Conlatarn Piriyapinyo, aka Suriya Tatakhun, would enter the world on this day in 1985. Born in Amnart Charoen, Thailand, the fighter would make his debut at the age of 18 and go on to have a notable career in the 00's and 10's. 
 
As a boxer Chonlatarn would win his first 43 fights, before losing in a world title bout to Indonesian great Chris John in 2012. He would get his second world title shot in 2014, and losing a clear decision to Ukrainian sensation Vasyl Lomchenko. Despite those setbacks he continued to fight on and fought Miguel Berchelt in 2016 for the WBO interim Super Featherweight title, losing in 4 rounds. He has only fought once since that loss scoring a low key win in Thailand.