Tokyo, Japan
In Tokyo Japanese fans had a bit of a treat with with some matched bouts, at least on paper, and some big name fighters.

In one of the two main events fans saw former world champion Akifumi Shimoda (30-4-2, 13) beat Filipino Jerry Nardo (21-7, 11) in 5 rounds. This was one of Shimoda's best performances and he looked sharp from the opening bell. Whilst it's hard to see him winning another world title we really couldn't fault his performance.

The other main bout was a total mismatch and saw Yoshihiro Kamegai (26-3-1, 23) make very light work of Nelson Gulpe (8-6, 3) with a 3rd round KO. This bout was a mismatch, there's no two ways about it, however it was Kamegai's return to Japan after 3 bouts in the US.

On of the better matched bouts saw Kenya Yamashita (8-1, 5) score a 6th round TKO win against Musashi Suzuki (11-4, 4). Coming into this one Suzuki was ranked by the JBC and Yamashita had lost his previous bout, so this result will shake up the domestic rankings.

Another bout that looked good on paper saw Junki Sasaki (14-3, 5) take a shut out win against Yuki Ozawa (10-5, 2). This one looked good on paper but proved to be one-sided.

Another 8 rounder on this card saw the promising Masaru Sueyoshi (10-1, 6) take a clear win over Roman Canto (10-8-2, 5), with Filipino visitor Canto doing enough to survive but failing to win a round.

On the under-card Ryota Toyoshima (3-1-1, 2) defeated Kazumichi Ishizawa (3-6, 1) with a near shut out over 4 rounds whilst the debuting Yamato Hata (1-0,1) stopped Thailand's Muangpol NP Boxing Gym (0-1) in the second round.

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
In the main event fans saw the talented Paipharob Kokietgym (31-0, 24) continue staying active with a 2nd round win against out-matched Filipino Jopher Marayan (7-8-2, 3) in a bout that saw Paipharob retain his PABA Light Flyweight title.

Also on this card fans saw former world champion Kompayak Porpramook (54-5, 38) continue his career with a 4th round TKO win over Indonesian journeyman Ichal Tobida (12-17, 8). Although not the fighter he once was Kompayak still has far too much for fighters like Tobida.

Also on this card fans saw the unbeaten Manachai Banchamek (8-0-1, 6) extend his perfect record with a decision win against Boonmieng Laos PDR (0-1).

California, USA
In the US fans saw popular Filipino Mercito Gesta (29-1-2-1, 16) claim a narrow run over Miguel Angel Mendoza (22-7-2, 21). Gesta was dropped early in the fight and was said to have been fortunate to get the decision here.

New South Wales, Australia
In Australia fans had a chance to see a number of Thai's in action, sadly however it wasn't a good day for them.

The most notable of those Thai's was former world champion Denkaosan Kaovichit (63-6-1, 26) who was stopped in 5 rounds by the fast rising TJ Doheny (13-0, 9), who has seemingly shown that he's heading to bigger and better things than a PABA title, one of which he defended here.

Another was Mongkolchai Lookmuangkanch (12-5, 7) who was stopped by another former world champion, Vic Darchinyan (41-8-1, 30) in just 2 rounds. Despite the fact Darchinyan was 39 this always seemed like a serious mismatch.

Another man who picked up a loss was Denkamon Pakdee Gym (22-7, 13) who was stopped by Olympian Cameron Hammond (14-0, 8). Interestingly this result was originally reported wrong in what would have been a huge upset.

(Image courtesy of boxingnews.jp)

This past Friday was a busy day with Asian's in action around the globe along with a couple of Asian shows.

Tokyo, Japan
For us the most significant of the two Asian cards came from Japan where fans saw an OPBF title fight, a couple of world ranked fighters and some interesting action.

The main event was the aforementioned OPBF title bout which saw Lightweight champion Masayoshi Nakatani (11-0, 6) retain his title with a 5th round TKO win against Kazuya Murata (11-5, 5). This was Nakatani's 4th defense of the title and saw him get back to scoring stoppages after 4 straight distance bouts. The talented Ioka gym fighter took control early in the bout with his jab and movement and began to turn up the heat in round 4. At the end of round 5 the bout was stopped follow a doctor's inspection of the challenger who stopped the contest with Murata suffering a suspect eye injury.

In the chief support bout fans saw world ranked Super Bantamweight Shun Kubo (8-0, 6) make very light-work of Thailand's Jakarachlek Sor Wankaew (0-5). Kubo, who we had heard good things off through most of 2014, looked brilliant though the bout lasted just 54 seconds and it was hard to get a real read on just how good the Shinsei gym fighter really is.

Another world ranked fighter on this card was young Minimumweight hopeful Reiya Konishi (9-0, 4) who claimed a clear decision win over Naoya Haruguchi (7-6, 2). Konishi, who claimed the 2015 Rookie of the Year crown at 105lbs, showed some really nice touches in his work but he's a long, long, way from thinking about challenging for world honours. Saying that however he showed enough to suggest that he will be ready in 2016 for a Japanese title fight and we were genuinely impressed by his left hook to the body.

Konishi wasn't the only 2014 Rookie of the Year winner in action as Super Bantamweight winner Shohei Kawashima (11-0-2, 3) also picked up a victory. The relatively light hitting Kawashima managed to see off the limited Tatsuya Miyamoto (11-13-1, 7) in the 6th round following a lovely burst of shots. Although certainly not a puncher we do like Kawashima's combinations and he does look like a fighter who is going to grow in to his man strength in the coming years. Really one to keep an eye on.

In another bout at Super Bantamweight fans saw Yuta Uetani (17-5-1, 9) put in an impressive performance against the limited Serichai Nonpitayakom (0-2). On paper this was a mismatch but it was hard not to be impressed by Uetani's body punching, which put the Thai down for the count in roudn 2. Uetani might not be a top class fighter but he's going to be a handful for many fighters in and around the domestic level.

Another Japanese fighter to see off a Thai foe was Yasunori Kishigami (10-2-1, 6), who scored a 7th round KO against the win-less Kraithong Mansongkhram (0-3). Kraithong had made it to round 70 though was blasted with a vicious body shot in the opening seconds of the round. The Thai beat the count but was in no state to continue. Re-watching the shot it's amazing Kraithong didn't throw up on impact.

Bangkok, Thailand
The other card from Asia came from Thailand and was televised on Channel 7. The card was, for all intents, supposed to feature a couple of bouts that were warm up bouts for world ranked Thai's. Unfortunate for one of them the bout turned out to be less of a warm up and more of a nightmare.

One of those world ranked fighters was Paipharob Kokietgym (30-0, 23), who defended the WBO Oriental Light Flyweight title with an easy blow out win against Fanther Ndahiuw (7-4-1, 3). Ndahiuw, who had never been stopped, lasted just 105 seconds here as Paipharob kept up his hunt for a world title fight.

The other world ranked fighter was former challenger Pigmy Kokietgym (57-8-2, 23) who was surprisingly stopped in the 11th round by unheralded Filipino Jaysever Abcede (10-3, 6). The bout, for the WBO Oriental Minimumweight title was supposed to be a warm up for Pigmy before a showdown with Japan's sensational Kosei Tanaka. Instead it turned out to be a coming out party for 20 year old Abcede who finished the bout with a wonderful right hook in round 11. Whilst this is probably the end for Pigmy it's fair to say that Abcede may be worth keeping a serious eye on going forward.

On the under-card fans saw two unbeaten prospects extend their unbeaten runs. One of those men was the exciting Manachai Banchamek (7-0-1, 6), who stopped Singdech Laos PDR (0-1) in the 2nd round. The bout was a mismatch and although Singdech showed some heart he was battered by the aggressive and exciting Manachai.

The other prospect was Petchmanee Kokietgym (9-0, 4) who also picked up a 2nd round TKO as he beat Taosaifah Laos PDR (0-1). This was another mismatch in favour of the unbeaten man who showed touches of class, though was always far too good for Taosaifah.

South Africa
Another major shock involving a Filipino fighter occurred in South Africa where Rene Dacquel (15-5-1, 5) claimed the IBO International Super Flyweight title. The under-rated Dacquel scored two knockdowns on route to a split decision over local fighter Thembelani Nxoshe (13-6-1, 3). Coming into this one Dacque was 3-2-1 though this win will act as a major boost in

New South Wales, Australia
On a JNI promoted card in New South Wales fans saw two Asian fighters come up short.

One of those was Thailand's Paitoon Jaikom (5-16, 2) who was widely out pointed by the unbeaten Ahmed Dib (16-0, 9). Although the bout was scheduled for just 6 rounds one judge had Dib winning by 9 points, 60-51. Sadly for the Thai this defeat ends a 2 fight winning run.

The other Asian being beaten here was Aussie based Filipino veteran Aswin Cabuy (15-53-4, 7), who was shut out over 4 rounds by the unbeaten David Toussaint (6-0, 4).

New South Wales, Australia
A separate card in New South Wales saw Thai veteran Plaisakda Singwancha (38-22, 32) suffer an opening round TKO loss to Kariz Kariuki (26-11-2, 20).

District of Colombia, USA
In the US fans saw unbeaten Kazakh hopeful Shyngyskhan Tazhibay (2-0, 2) continue his perfect start with a 2nd round TKO win against the debuting Coleman Phelps (0-1). Tazhibay has been tipped as “one to watch” in some quarters though we must confess that his competition so far has told us very little about his ability or his true promise.

(Image courtesy of boxingnews.jp)

Thailand
The most notable action this past Tuesday came from Thailand where fans saw a number of really notable fighters in action.

One of those notable men in action was Kompayak Porpramook (51-5, 36) who made very light work of an “unknown” foe. This was Kompayak's first bout since his sensational bout with Koki Eto back in 2013 and although he was facing a limited foe it was still great to see him back in the ring.

Another notable fighters in action was former WBA Super Flyweight champion Tepparith Kokietgym (29-3, 18) who easily beat Indonesian visitor Hendrik Barongsay (28-22-3, 18). As with Kompyaka it is nice to see a former top Thai continuing their career and third was Tepparith's 3rd bout of the year so far after spending 51 weeks out of the ring.

A third bout of note here featured former WBA interim Minimumweight champion Paipharob Kokietgym (29-0, 22) who easily beat Indonesian Stevanus Nana Bau (2-4-1, 2)*. Paipharob is known to be targeting a world title fight at 108lbs and this bout seemed to be focused on staying busy as opposed to really forwarding his career.

This card featured one other bout but we're unsure on the names of either man involved.

Tokyo, Japan
There was also a small card in Japan.

In the main event fans saw recent Japanese Bantamweight title challenger Tatsuya Takahashi (19-6-4, 14) fight to an 8 round split decision draw with the tough Ken Achiwa (9-11-4, 3). Takashi, who caught our attention last year in a thriller with Kentaro Masuda, wasn't able to shine here in a genuinely shocking result. It was however the only real shock on the card.

In the chief support bout Yasuhiro Okawa (14-11-3, 5) saw off Indonesian foe Maxi Nahak (3-10-2, 1), with an 8th round TKO. This was Nahak's 6th stoppage defeat and his first bout outside of homeland however the fact he got stopped in the 8th says more about Okawa's lack of power than Nahak's toughness.

Another of the main supporting bouts went the distance as Masashi Noguchi (8-5-1, 4) took a competitive decision win over Keisuke Okta (9-8, 2) in a bout that was as competitive as we'd have expected, due to the limitations of the two men involved.

The middle portion of this card hard a pair of 6 rounders. One of those saw Toshizane Kinoda (5-1, 1) take a clear decision over the limited Tetsuya Koyama (5-7, 2). The other saw the heavy handed but flawed Hiroki Okubo (5-5, 4) take a rare decision win over Kosuke Hakamata (3-11-2).

The under-card had a trio of low level bouts, all of which ended early. The first of those ended at the end of the opening rounds as Ikki Fukutome (1-0, 1) stopped Takuya Numasawa (0-1) in an all debutant bout. Another debutant picking up a win was Norichika Kozu (1-0, 1) who stopped Nao Hirahara (1-1, 1) in the 2nd round. The third of the under-card bouts saw Yuya Nemoto (3-4, 1) take out Daiju Kogo (0-1) in the third round.

(Image courtesy of boxingnews.jp)

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.

Samut Prakan, Thailand
This past Friday was far from a busy day in the boxing world with only one notable Asian card, a card in Samut Prakan, Thailand.

Although the card was televised it was still a small one with only 3 bouts on it, or at least only 3 bouts on it being recorded on boxrec.com.

The most significant of those bouts saw the highly talented and hard hitting Paipharob Kokietgym (26-0, 20) successfully claim the PABA Light Flyweight title with a 12 round decision victory over Indonesian hardman Faris Nenggo (8-6-3, 2). The bout was the 4th time Paipharob had completed the 12 round distance and it was the 4th time that he looked to be shattered going in to the championship rounds. Although blessed with heavy hands Paipharob certainly needs to work on either his stamina or pacing if he's to progress to the next level.

Another Thai Vs Indonesian bout on this same card saw the highly experienced Pigmy Kokietgym (53-7-2, 22) take a decision win over popular Indonesian journeyman Samuel Tehuayo (18-25-2, 3). This bout was a mismatch on paper though Tehuayo made things interesting as he happily traded with the Thai in an entertaining contest.

The other bout on this show saw Fonluang KKP (21-1-1, 9) take a decision victory over Boido Simanjuntak (18-22-1, 7). This was the 5th successive loss for Simanjuntak whilst Fonluang is now 11-0-1 in his last 12 bouts.

Nonthaburi, Thailand
Thursday might not usually be a big day in the boxing world but this week saw Thai fans getting the chance to see some pretty notable action involving a former interim world champion a future world title challenger and a number of promising men who will, one day, be hoping to fight for titles of their own.

The most notable of the men in action was former WBA interim Minimumweight champion Paipharob Kokietgym (25-0, 20). Paipharob, now campaigning as a Light Flyweight, over-came Filipino Bobby Concepcion (11-5-1, 5) in a bout that saw a WBO regional belt on the line. Sadly we're unsure if it was the WBO Oriental Light Flyweight title, that Paipharob won in his previous bout, or the WBO Asia Pacific Light Flyweight title which was previously vacant. The one thing we are certain about was that the contest was a mismatch and Paipharob took an expected early victory stopping Concepcion in the 3rd round.

Whilst Paipharob has fought at the top level, scoring a notable win over Jesus Silvestre, he has never faced someone like Naoya Inoue. Inoue is now waiting for Samartlek Kokietgym (17-4, 5), who was on this show defeating limited Indonesian journeyman Domi Nenokeba (11-19-1, 7). The bout, a warm up contest for Samartlek, won't have helped prepare him for Inoue though will have helped him stay fresh and the 6 rounds of the bout will perhaps have helped Samartlek shaking off any rust he may have had, though he was in the ring just 5 weeks ago. For those wondering Samartlek was previously known as Samartlek Chaiyonggym.

Another fighter on this show who was recently in action was Ratchasak Kokietgym (23-3-1, 10) who of course fought Rex Tso in Macau on May 31st. Ratchasak, now going by the name "Ratchasak KKP", bounced back from his loss to Tso by over-coming the experienced and tough Samuel Tehuayo (17-24-2, 3) in a 6 round decision.

As well as the recognisable trio of Paipharob, Samartlek and Ratchasak the card also featured a trio of lesser known, but very promising, youngster who all secured stoppages.

One of those youngsters was Petchchorhae Kokietgym (6-0, 4) who continued his impressive career start by stopping Denmanee Sor Praithong (0-1) in the 6th round. On paper this isn't a notable bout however Petchchorhae has already over-come both Yokthong Kokietgym and Heri Amol so he certainly seems like a man to keep a close eye on. Another of the youngsters was Saenganan KKP (6-0, 5) who took out Fahpichit Or Ekarin (0-1) in 2 rounds. Whilst Saenganan hasn't beaten the quality of opponents that Petchorhae has beaten it is worth noting that he does hold wins over over a Yodmongkol, an Oleydong, a Wanhaeng and a Pornsawan sadly non of whom were the fighters we know with those names.

The other bout saw the debuting Petchnamchai Sor Sakulwong (1-0, 1) scoring a third round KO against fellow debutant Nongmai BangmodSport (0-1).

Lop Buri, Thailand
After yesterday's huge success for Amnat Ruenroeng, who successfully defended his IBF Flyweight title with a victory over Kazuto Ioka, the action turned to Amnat's homeland of the Philippines where we got the only Asian card of the day.

The action, televised on Channel 7, may not have been at the same level as yesterday's world title action but was still significant, especially the main event which saw the very highly regarded Paipharob Kokietgym (24-0, 19) claim the WBO Oriental Light Flyweight title. Paipharob, one of the real danger men in regards to Thai boxers, became the first man to stop Filipino Jay-ar Estremos (10-7, 4) after scoring a 4th round stoppage.

Whilst the victory for Paipharob was impressive it needs to be put into perspective and it needs to be said that Estremos had won 5 of his last 6, all 6 previous losses had been debatable decisions and the most recent was a very controversial defeat at the hands of the unbeaten, and very highly ranked, Kwanpichit OnesongchaiGym. To see that Paipharob did such an impressive job on the Filipino really should be eye opening.

Another impressive performance on this card came from fast rising prospect Petchchorhae Kokietgym (5-0, 3) who scored his second successive victory over an Indonesian opponent. Matched against the experienced Madit Sada (9-17-1, 3), we had expected a victory for Petchchorhae though we were aware that Sada had taken some very credible opponents, such as Fajlan Sakkreerin Jr and Wanheng Menayothin, the distance. This victory will be an under-rated one but is still excellent from the Thai.

A third stoppage on this card saw Fonluang Kokietgym (19-1-1, 8) over come novice foe Marcelo Santos (0-2), also in 4 rounds. This was a mismatch and really didn't need to take place though, as explained in our recent article about Thai boxing, this fight will help Fonluang collect a pay day and possibly go towards feeding his family.

Another stoppage on this card saw Saenganan Sithsaithong (5-0, 4) defeat the debuting Pornsawan Sor Saenpalang (0-1) in 2 rounds. Unfortunately for Saenganan this was his 5th straight bout against a debutant so we have no idea how good, or bad, he really is.

One bout on this show did go the distance and that one saw the 22 year old Ratchasak Kokietgym (22-2-1, 10) take a decision over Indonesia's Anis Ceunfin (16-20-5, 6). For a fighter like Ratchasak this will have been a huge disappointment considering that Ceunfin was stopped in 5 rounds by Naoto Uebayashi just a few short weeks ago.

Tokyo, Japan
As well as the Thai show we also had a major one in Japan as the Rookie of the Year-East kicked off with a monster 13 bout show.

The show began with a Light Flyweight bout that saw Kenji Ono (3-1, 2) stopping the previously unbeaten Kazutaka Matsunishi (1-1-1) in 3 rounds. This was the lowest weight bout on the show and was subsequently followed by a pair of Flyweight bouts. These saw Sonin Nihei (3-0-1, 1) stopping Naoki Inaba (2-2) and Naoki Mochizuki (4-0, 3) claim a surprisingly tough majority decision over the more experienced Muneyuki Kishii (3-3, 2).

At Super Bantamweight we had a show between unbeaten men as Ryo Hino (3-0, 1) took a unanimous decision against Toshizane Kinoda (3-1, 1) over 4 rounds whilst Hikaru Takaki (5-4, 4) as on the winning side of a majority decision against Yuta Itagaki (3-2-1, 1).

We had a trio of Featherweight bouts including an opening round including an opening round KO by Reiya Abe (4-1, 2) against Taichi Kimura (3-2, 2), a third round KO for Naoto Moriya (5-1, 2) who stopped the previously unbeaten Takahiko Suzuki (3-1, 2) whilst Yu Takegaki (4-2-1, 1) won a decision over Yuji Awata (4-1, 2).

In the Super Featherweight division Kaishi Shimizu (3-1, 2) took a second round KO over Fumio Ujihara (2-2, 2) whilst at Lightweight Shintaro Nakamura (3-2-1, 2) stopped Katsunori Yano (1-3, 1) and Ryusei Yabe (3-0, 2) continued his winning run by claiming a stoppage over Shingo Okada (1-2).

The highest weight that saw any action was Middleweight where we had two bouts. These saw Akira Naganuma (2-2, 1) wipe out Tatsuya Aizu (2-5, 2) in 100 seconds whilst Asahi Hatsumi (2-1, 1) stopped Takahiro Jin (1-1, 1) in 3 rounds.


New South Wales, Australia
In Australia Korean journey man Hwi Jong Kim (6-12, 1) was sadly stopped in 3 rounds by the very promising Kye MacKenzie (9-0, 7) who now seems likely to be moving towards title fights in his homeland. Whilst Kim may not be happy at suffering his 3rd stoppage loss there really is little doubting that MacKenzie is a talented fighter and this loss is nothing to be ashamed by.

(Image, of Paipharob, courtesy of boxrec.com)

This past Friday was a funny day for Asian boxing fans. It was funny because the most notable bouts featuring Asian fighters weren't in Asia and in fact the only competitive match ups were also not in Asia. That's not to say Asian's were in mismatches outside the continent but the most clear mismatches happened close to home.

Lop Buri, Thailand
The only Asian card of the day was in Thailand and was a shown on Channel 7. The show, promoted by Kokietgym, has only got 3 results currently available though they do somewhat show the mismatched nature of the action.

The most notable fighter on show was former interim world champion Paipharob Kokietgym (23-0, 18) who scored an expected stoppage victory over the over-matched Johan Wahyudi (9-28, 5) who had already been stopped 13 times. Paipharob, a very talented fighter, obviously used this bout to stay sharp and stay active but Wahyudi was really an unfit opponent having not won in almost 2 years.

Whilst the Paipharob fight was a mismatch from the onset we do need to applaud Saiyok Kokietgym (2-0, 2) who claimed the WBC silver Asia Welterweight title by stopping the usually durable You-Jie Zeng (5-6, 5) who had never been stopped before. Whilst this was a corner stoppage it was still a fantastic victory for Saiyok who is clearly one to watch despite his novice status. Hopefully it won't be a year before he returns to the ring again.

The only other result from the show that we currently have is that Petchchorhae Kokietgym (4-0, 2) scored a credible decision victory over Indonesia's experienced Heri Amol (34-15-5, 14).

Queensland, Australia
Whilst the card in Thailand was the only on in Asia there was also a show in Australia that featured more than it's share of Asian fighters. 

One of the bouts in Australia saw Thailand's Jaikom Paitoon (1-3) being very narrowly out pointed in a 3 round split decision by the previously win-less Cory Hess (1-1). 

In an all Asian bout the Australian based Filipino Jack Asis (30-18-5, 15) managed to out point Indonesia's Arief Blader (20-13-1, 7) in an 8 rounder. This bout looked like it could have been competitive on paper though Asis seemed to be the boss from the first round to the last in an excellent shut out victory.

Whilst those two other bouts featured Asian fighters it's fair to say that the real attention of the day was on the bout featuring Indonesian Eddy Comaro (27-18-5, 11) who travelled to Australia to fight the ever popular Michael Katsidis (29-6, 24). Comaro, given the opportunity of a life time, was battered, beaten and demolished by Katsidis who scored knockdowns in rounds 2 and 3 to finish the show.

Chaleena Hotel, Bangkok
This past Monday might have been viewed as "too close to Christmas" for some boxing fans but in Thailand the sport continued as it does through the rest of the year with a small, 4 fight, card put on by Kokiet Group Promotions.

The show, which lasted just a combined 8 rounds, may have been "boxing continuing" but there was more to it than just that.

For us the most notable fight was a Light Flyweight contest that saw Paipharob Kokietgym (22-0, 17) returning to action after more than a year out of the ring. Paipharob, a former WBA "interim" champion, made light work of Indonesia's Heri Amol (32-14-4, 13) who retired on his stool at the start of round 3. Amol, a former PABA and OPBF title challenger has now lost 3 of his last 4 fights and has been stopped in back-to-back fights suggest that he may need to think about retiring.

As well as a former WBA "interim" champion there was also two WBA Asia title fights. These saw Ratchasak Kokietgym (19-2-1, 9) becoming the first WBA Asia champion at Bantamweight as he stopped Panca Silaban (26-17-6, 12) in the second and Fonluang Kokietgym (17-1-1, 6) becoming the first WBA Asia Super Bantamweight champion courtesy of a stoppage over Budi Risky (7-3, 4), also in round 2.

The least significant bout on the show lasted just 161 seconds as Yokthong Kokietgym (15-3, 11) made light work of the debuting Daen Kalasin Soonkeelabangmod (0-1) in what proved to be a total mismatch.

As far as we're aware this is the final card before Christmas so to all our readers we want to wish you a great Christmas, see back here soon though!