This past Sunday was a busy day in Asian boxing with two shows from Thailand and another card from Japan.

Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
The most notable of two Thai shows came from Nakhon Pathom where fans saw a combination of prospects and title holders.

One of the prospects in action was Manachai Banchamek (3-0, 2) who blew away Saengpetch Kwanjaisrikot (0-1) in the second round of their Light Flyweight bout. This was Manachai's third bout this year and it seems clear he's going to be kept active through 2015.

Another notable prospect in action was Petchchorhae Kokietgym (11-0, 7) who took a 6 round decision over Indonesian veteran Samuel Tehuayo (18-34-2, 3). This was Tehuayo's second loss in the space of a week, following a previous loss to Suriyan Sor Rungvisai, and was his 11th straight loss, all in the space of just 8 months.

One of the title bouts saw PABA Flyweight champion Myung Goo Yuh (26-4-1, 21) successfully defend his title as he swiftly stopped Filipino fighter Richie Behec (2-3-1, 1) in the 3rd round of their bout. Behec, who has now lost his last 3 bouts, is likely to be forced into taking a break from the ring following this stoppage and that may not be a bad thing for the fighter who has managed to squeeze in 5 fights already this year. Despite being a Korean Yuh has impressively won 12 bouts in Thailand where he is now making a name for himself and moving towards a world title fight.

The other title bout here saw Petchbarngborn Kokietgym (31-7-1, 14) successfully defend his PABA Super Flyweight title as he scored an 8th round TKO against Indonesian fighter Frans Damur Palue (10-7-2, 5). This was the 9th straight win by Petchbarngborn who has been on an excellent run since his knockout loss to Sho Ishida back in September 2013.

Bangkok, Thailand
In Bangkok fans saw a pair of fights with each of them featuring an experienced Japanese visitor battling against a Thai novice.

One of the Japanese fights was Tatsuya Fukuhara (14-4-5, 4) who made very light work of Pangpormn Por Singdet (0-1). Fukuhara was returning to Thailand for his first bout in the country following his draw with Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr last September and is now 1-0-1 (1) in the country of smiles. 

The other bout saw Ryusei Yoshida (26-6, 13) take out Siangthip Sithbunkon (0-1) in the 3rd round. This is Yoshida's 4th straight win since coming up short against Paul Fleming back in April 2013 in Macau.  

Aichi, Japan
As well as the action in Thailand there was also a show in Japan featuring 6 bouts, though none of them looked particularly notable.

The main event here saw Japanese ranked Kazuya Maruki (18-3, 12) score an easy win over Thai visitor Mongoldam Sithwarunee (1-4, 1) with a 3rd round KO. This was Mongkoldam's 4th successive stoppage loss, according to boxrec.com, and in those 4 stoppages he has only survived a combined 15 rounds. For Maruki this is a good comeback win after he suffered a shock loss to Quaye Peter last December.

The chief support bout saw Takashi Omae (13-4-5, 1) take a hard fought win over Thai visitor Petchnamchao Sor Sakulwong (1-2, 1). On paper this was a mismatch though Petchnamchai gave a solid account of himself and will likely be invited back to Japan having given two solid performances there.

The under-card qas equally uninspiring. The most competitive of the bouts saw Yuta Imaizumi (2-1) take a split decision over the win-less Takumi Koroki (0-2) whilst another competitive match up saw Kohei Furusawa (4-6) take a narrow unanimous decision over the win-less Masahiro Hayakwa (0-5-1).

Still on the under-card fans saw Tamaki Miwa (2-0, 1) score an opening round win over the debuting Takashi Arakawa (0-1). It took just a round longer for Shinpei Tominaga (2-2, 2) to take out So Watanabe (0-1).


Jakarta, Indonesia
In Indonesian fans saw Abdul Haris Sofyan (3-2, 1)* claim a variation of the Indonesian national Featherweight title with a 6th round TKO against Agus Kustiawan (13-3, 5)*. Not many details of this bout are known though it was the third meeting between the two men who first fought back in 2012. 

Notably both records are believe to be incomplete.

This past Friday saw a number of Asian's in action with some of them being men on the very of possible world title fights.

Nonthanburi, Thailand
The only Asian show of the day came from Thailand where Channel 7 televised a number of fights featuring a variety of promising and established talent. Sadly the show also seems to have been only partially included in the boxrec.com database.

The most notable fighter on the card was the highly tanked Paipharob Kokietgym (28-0, 21) who scored a 3rd round TKO over Filipino foe Lionel Legada (12-8-1, 5). Legada had shown something in the opening round but was being broken down as the fight progressed and Paipharob went through the gears. Unfortunately for Legada that resulted in him taking some monstrous shots in the 3rd that forced the referee to call a halt. For Paipharob this was a defense of the WBO Oriental Light Flyweight title and he'll continue to eye up a potential world title bout later in the year.

Another semi-notable name on this show was South Korea's Myung-goo Yuh (25-4-1, 20) who completely destroyed Filipino Joan Imperial (11-6-6, 6) in just 2 rounds. Yuh, defending the interim WBO Asia Pacific title at 108lbs, was aggressive from the off and seemed to land body shots at will on Imperial who was down a number of times before the referee finally called a halt to the bout.

Sadly some of the the results aren't on boxrec at the time of writing. One of those saw the unbeaten Norasing Kokietgym (14-0-1, 10) scoring a decision win over an unknown opponent, believed to be a Filipino. Another of the unlisted results saw the unbeaten Manachai Banchamek (2-0, 2) beat down a very stubborn and tough opponent who is again unknown at the time of writing. Manachai was in control from the opening round though his opponent showed real grit and determination to last as long as he did in what was a real “ass whooping” for the better part of 4 rounds.

Other bouts on this show saw Thai based Indian Gurlal Redbluegym (4-0, 4) score an opening round blow out over Natsaran Suksomsri (0-1) whilst female fighter Naome Tacda (3-0, 3) blew out Orawan Kiengkaew (0-1), also in the opening round

*Note-Norasing's opponent is now listed on boxrec as Chapito Rivera (0-1)

New South Wales, Australian
In New South Wales fans got the chance to see title action as Filipino fighter Rey Las Pinas (19-10-5, 11) attempted to claim the IBO Oceania Featherweight title and score a major win over the world ranked Joel Brunker (28-1, 16). Sadly for Pinas it wasn't to be his day and he was destroyed in just 2 rounds by the exciting Brunker, who was fighting for the first time since he was stopped himself by Lee Selby.

Western Australia, Australia
Aussies had the chance to see more Asian fighters in action as a number of Asian fighters were in action in Perth. Sadly they again were on the losing end.

The quickest to be defeated was Indonesian journeyman Anshori Anhar Pitulay (8-15-2, 6), who was stopped in a round by the once beaten Nathaniel May (9-1, 5). Whilst Pitulay was stopped quickly he wasn't the only Asian stopped early doors and Filipino fighter Aswin Cabuy (14-51-4, 7) didn't last much longer in his bout with the unbeaten Wes Capper (9-0, 7).

Things were slightly better for Thailand's Pramool Boonpok (1-11-1) who lasted until the 4th round against Jamie Weetch (4-2, 3). Pramool was one of two Thai's on this show and his compatriot, Angor Onesongchaigym (7-2, 4) was also stopped in the 4th round as Louisa Hawton (4-0, 2) notched her most notable win. Impressively Hawson's victory over Angor took 5 rounds less than Momo Koseki did last year and a bout between Hawton and Koseki may become something interesting down the line.

This past Monday was a busy day in Asian boxing and although non of the action was headline making it was still an interesting day with several shows across the continent.

Gangwon-do, South Korea
The most significant action of the day came form South Korea where fans had a televised card with a trio of title fights as well as a number of interesting under-card contests.

The main event featured WBA world ranked Minimumweight-come-Light Flyweight Takuma Sakae (11-0, 7) who claimed his first professional title, the IBF Youth Light Flyweight title, as he took a 7th round TKO victory over Thailand's limited Jaipetch Chaiyonggym (4-3, 2). Sakae, who was crowned the All Japan Rookie of the Year at Minimumweight in 2013, was simply too good for the Thai who had lost previous bouts to Denver Cuello and Jonathan Taconing, both world class fighters themselves. Aged just 21 we are excited about the potential of Sakae though would like to see him in with more testing opposition later this year.

Another winning his first title was Shingo Eto (15-3-1, 9) who was forced to go 12 rounds by former OPBF Featherweight title challenger Maxsaisai Sithsaithong (15-7, 4) en route to winning a decision for the IBF Super Featherweight title. The talented Eto was a very clear winner with all 3 cards being lop-sided in his favour and it was a great return to action for a man who was out pointed last time out by Rikki Naito in a Japanese national title fight.

Whilst the show saw a pair of new champions it also saw one man retaining his title. That was Takuya Watanabe (23-5-1, 11) who took a 5th round TKO victory over Non Sithsaithong (12-7, 8) to retain the IBF Asia Featherweight title. For Watanabe this was the first of the title he won last year, when he defeated Yodpichai Sithsaithong by 7th round TKO, and we suspect we'll see him fight again Korea. Whilst this was his second win in the country it's fair to say he'll be best remembered by Korean fans for his loss to Jaesung Lee, a loss that resulted in a total blood bath.

We're now expecting both Watanabe and Eto to return to Korea in early March to fight against Korean opposition. From what we understand Watanabe will be fighting against Korean champion Bong-Joon Suk (8-1-2, 2) whilst Eto is though to be heading towards a fight with Korean Lightweight champion Sa-Ya Lee (6-2, 3)*.

Two other bouts on this card that featured Japanese fighters saw quick blow out wins as Daigo Higa (4-0, 4) scored and opening round KO against Pongpayu Chaiyonggym (0-2) and Shunsuke Fukushima (5-3-2, 3) took out Songpol Sithsaithong (0-2), also inside a round.

Sadly we suspect we won't be getting any other results from this card, which also included a female bout, involving two fighters who failed to recognise.

Chonburi, Thailand
As well as the action in South Korea there was also some action in Thailand.

The main event here saw yet another link to Korea as Myung-goo Yuh (24-4-1, 19) recorded a 3rd round TKO against the debuting Jakara Petchjinda (0-1). For Yuh this was a 10th win in Thailand, and his 8 win in Thailand inside 12 months, just sadly most of them have been fought at this appalling low level .

Yuh wasn't the only visitor to have success on this card, in fact all the winners were visitors. One of those fighters who tasted victory was Filipino Richie Behec (1-0-1) who maintained his unbeaten record with a 4th round technical decision win over Kiatisak Bangchalon (0-1), another Frenchman Jaoquim Mahe (8-0, 4) stopped Klasuk Patchinda (0-1) and another was Italian Ricardo Redbluegym (2-0, 2), who stopped Pornsawan Lookprabat (0-1).

Misamis Oriental, Philippines
In the Philippines fans had a small 5 bout show which included yet another title bout.

The aforementioned title bout saw Jerry Tomogdan (16-5-2, 8) take a majority decision win over the previously unbeaten Joey Canoy (8-1-1, 3) to claim the PBF Minimumweight title in a minor upset. The 21 year old Tomogdan had come into the bout on a 4 fight winning streak though those wins had come against opposition and he was seen an under-dog. He was however an under-dog that bit and ended Canoy's unbeaten record. 

Another of the bigger bouts on the show saw knockdowns being traded as Renoel Pael (16-1-1, 7) was given a scare. Pael was dropped in round 3 by the limited Nicardo Calamba (6-19-3, 3) though battled back to drop Calamba in round 5. Eventually Calamba called it a night at the end of round 7.

Arguably the most the most interesting bout, at least on paper, ended in a draw. This bout pitted touted power puncher Jeronil Borres (5-0-1, 5) up against Salatiel Amit (4-0-2, 3) and although both fighters appear to have power neither could stop the other here. Antoerh fighter who maintained his unbeaten record was Ramram Lagos (1-0-2) who took a 4 round decision over Fijun Taneo (0-1) whilst Michael Camellion (3-1, 2) made light work of the debuting Alex Caoktoy (0-1). who lasted just 78 seconds.

*Note-Boxrec.com list Lee at 5-2 (3), they don't however recognise his Korean title defence against Sung Tae Kim and they list Suk at 7-2-1 (2) which is also incorrect.

(Image courtesy of koreaboxing.or.kr)

This past Friday saw 2 separate Thai cards in what was a great day for Thai fans who were given some very competitive and tough bouts

Thon Buri, Thailand
The more significant of the two Thai cards came form Thon Buri province and featured two world ranked fighters as well as a previously world ranked fighter.

The main event of this show was the IBF world ranked Super Flyweight Rusalee Samor (25-5-2, 11) who successfully defended his IBF Asia Super Flyweight title with a well fought decision against Filipino visitor Fernando Ocon (13-8, 5). Samor, who is best known for his narrow loss to Rex Tso, has now won 5 straight and defended his belt twice as he's moved slowly towards a world title fight. As for Ocon we suspect he'll be able to get regular work in Thailand for his effort today which was good enough to push Samor at times.

Another world ranked fighter on this show was IBF Light Welterweight ranked Patomsuk Pathompothong (30-2-1, 18) who was forced to work very, very hard to take an incredibly narrow decision over Filipino Rodel Wenceslao (8-9-1, 2). The bout, a 10 round, was scored 96-94 by all 3 judges who were almost certainly expecting to turn in wider scorecards. Whilst the effort from Wenceslao probably saw him deserving a draw, at worst, we'd not be shocked to see him back in Thailand, or even Japan, where efforts like this are perfect to help improve local prospects.

Whilst Samor and Patomsuk are both currently world ranked the show also featured a former world ranked fighter, Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr (25-3-1, 15). Fahlan hasn't had a great year and since stopping Ryo Miyazaki last year his career really has faltered. Despite that Fahlan did get back to winning ways earlier today as he over-came South Korean visitor Da-Won Suh (3-4-1, 1) with a 6 round decision in what was a very entertaining scrap.

A fourth bout on this show saw yet another bout go the distance as Patomsith Pathompothong (10-2, 4) narrowly defeated South Korea's Ji-Hwan Lee (5-4-1, 2) in a 6 round decision bout. As with Patomsuk's bout this one was very competitive despite the records of the two fighters suggesting it was a mismatch. 

Chonburi, Thailand
The other Thai card came from Chonburi where fans had 4 bouts that all ended early. The main event here saw Korean Myung-goo Yuh (21-4-1, 16), a regular visitor to Thailand in recent years, score a 3rd round KO against Filipino veteran Rick Paciones (6-19-2, 3). For Paciones this was a 17th stoppage defeat and you now need to go back almost 17 years for his second most recent win. Sorry Rick but it's time to give up!

Another bout on here was a female bout that saw South Korean based Canadian Amy Berezowski (2-6-1, 1) take a 5th round knock-out win against Thailand's Nongploy Sithjemayurin (0-2) who was apparently fighting for the first time since 2011.

Another Korean fighter on this card saw Joon-Ho Moon (4-0-1, 2) scoring a 2nd round stoppage against the frankly hapless Stamp Sor Saknarin (0-6) who has now been stopped in all 6 of his bouts. 

Another visitor to have picked up a win here was Russian southpaw Alexey Kulikov (2-3-1, 2) who stopped the debuting Wajana Kiewon (0-1) in 3 rounds.