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EDION Arena Osaka, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
The most interesting show this coming Saturday comes from Osaka, where we see a very solid looking regional title bout, a former world title challenger in the chief support bout and the debut of a touted Japanese youngster. The main event will see world ranked youngster Riku Kano (19-4-1, 10) face off with fellow youngster Yuga Inoue (13-2-1, 2) in a bout for the WBO Asia Pacific Flyweight title. The bout will serve as Kano's first test since moving up to Flyweight earlier this year, and should see him being asked questions as he looks to move towards a second world title fight. As for Inoue the bout is a huge opportunity for him, and a win would put him in the mix for a world title fight, though he will ned a career best performance here against the most notable opponent of his career so far. Our preview of this bout can be read here Riku Kano and Yuga Inoue battle for regional honours In the chief support bout we'll see former world title challenger Sho Ishida (30-3, 16) take on Filipino fighter Alvin Medura (10-6, 7), who appears to be a late replacement for Ronnie Baldonado. On paper this one looks like a mismatch, and it's hard to imagine Medura being any kind of a test for Ishida, especially given the fact Medura has lost 4 of his last 6, with all 4 of those losses coming on the road including a 2018 loss to the then 1-0 Yuki Yamauchi. A third bout of note will see 19 year old hopeful Yuga Ozaki (0-0) make his professional debut, as he takes on Narathip Sungsut (5-8, 2). As an amateur Ozaki went 32-8 and is tipped for big things for the future. The Thai visitor has been stopped 7 times in total, with 6 of those stoppages happening in bouts in Japan, and we expect to see him being taken out early again here. Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan As well as the show in Osaka, there is also a notable one in Tokyo, as part of the Dynamic Glove series. Sadly this show lacks any sort of stand out matches, but does have two bouts that are worth being aware of. The main event will see former world title challenger Ryo Akaho (38-2-2, 25) take on Filipino fighter Edrin Dapudong (35-7-1, 21). On paper this looks a pretty even match up, and had both men been in their primes it could have been a very interesting bout, but now a days both guys are well beyond their primes and it's hard to imagine this being anything other than a bit of a mess, especially having seen Akaho's recent bouts on NTV G+. Akaho is clumsy, awkward but is still heavy handed and can do damage. Dapudong, now 36, is best known for his 2013 win over Gideon Buthelezi but has gone 5-1-1 since then. Sounds good on paper, but that dates back 9 years and he's only fought once since 2018. This has a loser retires feel to it. The other notable bout on the show sees the hard hitting and unbeaten Kazuto Takesako (13-0-1, 12) take on Thai visitor Niwat Kongkan (11-8-0-1, 8). Takesako is one of the few Japanese Middleweights worthy of attention, with his power and exciting style. Sadly however he's only fought twice since the start of 2020 and has lost much of the momentum his career once had. This bout appears to be about getting some momentum back and getting a quick win over a former OPBF Light Middleweight champion. Kongkan is unbeaten in his last 4, but that says more about the level he's been fighting at, and he's lost in his last 4 bouts outside of Thailand. Spaceplus Bangkok RCA, Bangkok, Thailand As well as the action in Japan there is also a pretty notable card in Thailand, headlined by one of the hottest teenage hopefuls in world boxing, and also featuring a former world title challenger. The aforementioned teenager is the really promising Phoobadin Yoohanngoh (14-0, 9), who will be defending his WBA Asia Light Welterweight title, as he takes on Filipino Rimar Metuda (15-6-1, 9). The 18 year old Phoobadin has held the title since July 2000 and will be seeking his 5th defense here, in what is a minor step up in class for him. Metuda is no world beater but he is a very solid fighter, who fought to a draw with Nihito Arakawa in 2018. Sadly since that draw he has gone 3-3 and we suspect he will come up short again here as he takes on a truly fantastic young prospect. The other notable fighter on this card is former world title challenger Yutthana Kaensa (22-4, 9) aka Stamp Kiatniwat, who will be expected to pick up a very easy win as he takes on Adisak Ketpiam (8-4, 7). Stamp, who seems to have been around for years, is still only 24 but sadly already looks to be on the slide and has lost 3 of his last 5, including a shock loss in July to F. Zoramchhana. He'll be looking to bounce back with a win here, and should be strongly favoured to over-come Adisak, who has been stopped twice already this year.
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 Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan
The most notable card this coming Saturday for us is in Kazakhstan, where we see several promising Kazakh fighters in action. Sadly the bouts aren't the most attractive, but they do feature some noteworthy and promising fighters in action. In one of the most notable bouts on the show the unbeaten Daniyar Yeleussinov (10-0, 6) will take on Juan Hernan Leal (15-1, 4), who appears to have been a late replacement for former world title challenger Dante Jardon (34-7, 25), in a bout for the IBF Welterweight title. The talented Yeleussinov, who won a gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics, is a man who should have been pushed hard by Matchroom over the last few years, but was really let down by Eddie Hearn and co. who instead pushed Josh Kelly as their big Welterweight hopeful. Yeleussinov may not be a threat to the divisional elite, but he's a very talented fighter who has shown a lot of development in recent bouts and we suspect he's going to try and make an example of Leal. As for Leal this will be his 4th bout of 2021, but his first bout outside of the South America, and a win here would be among his best. Another fighter who was let down by his promoter, albeit not Matchroom this time, is Ivan Dychko (10-0, 10) who should have been well and and truly in the world title mix by now. Sadly Dychko's career has been among the most frustrating of any fighter in the sport, and it's been stop-start with more bouts being cancelled than actually going ahead. Here he's looking to shake some ring rust and score a win over a limited, but well known, name as he takes on the huge Aleksandr Ustinov (36-5-1, 27). This should be a straight forward win for Dychko who needs better fights in the new year. Thankfully this will be his second fight of 2021, and hopefully will be the final stay busy before taking on a contender level fighter in the new year. Another unbeaten Kazakh hopeful on this card is Zhankosh Turarov (24-0, 17), who fights for the first time since July 2019. The talented Turarov, who's sadly had major issues with activity since 2017, will be up against 40 year old Egyptian fighter Abdumonem Said (22-1-1, 11). On paper this looks like an interesting match up, but Said is stepping up massively, has little on his record to suggest he can test Turarov, and is unlikely to last the distance with the Kazakh. Bangkok, Thailand Over in Thailand we're expecting a small card, featuring a top teenager in one bout, and a 50 year old in another, as the wild west of boxing shows just how odd the sport can be at times. The talented teenager is 17 year old Thai Phenom Phoobadin Yoohanngoh (11-0, 6) who will be looking to defend his WBA Asia Light Welterweight title as he takes on Filipino challenger Joepher Montano (11-5-2, 10). The talented Phoobadin came into the year with a lot of momentum, but inactivity has slowed his rise and allowed him to physically mature without fighting, which may actually serve him well. As for Montano the Filipino is no push over, but he has been beaten in 3 of his last 5, including a loss to Atchariya Wirojanasunobol, who was stopped by Phoobadin last year. This should be a straight forward win for Phoobadin, but it's still nice to see him in the ring again before 2021 ends. The 50 year old on this card is Thai based British female fighter Denise Castle (3-2, 3) who will be up against Filipino Norj Guro (11-7-1, 4). Sadly Castle, who was a very good Muay Thai fighter, is well past her best and has hardly been active as a boxing since making her debut in 2014. Guro, although a long, long way from a major, is only 31 and will be hungry to continue a run of 4 straight wins. We don't expect this to be a great bout, but it's still very interesting to see a 50 year old in action. Bekasi, Indonesia We also get a small card in Indonesia, where fans will get a small domestic card with a couple of UBO title bouts. One of those title bouts will be at Light Flyweight, as Silem Serang (18-22-3, 2) faces off with Frengky Rohi (7-11-1, 3) for the vacant title. This is a rubber match between the two men, with Rohi taking the honours in their first bout, back in 2017, before Serang got revenge earlier this year. Coming in Serang has won his last 3, and is unbeaten in Indonesia since 2017! Rohi on the other hand typically lost on the road, but is 5-11 on his last 16 bouts and has no momentum at all coming into this one. The other title fight will see Stevie Ongen Ferdinandus (33-17-1, 19) take on a yet to be announced opponent for the UBO title at 154lbs. Despite his scratchy record Ferdinandus is enjoying a good run of form, winning his last 6 bouts, and he has rebuilt well since being blasted in a round by Tim Tszyu back in 2018. Sadly with no opponent named for this bout it's hard to imagine him facing anyone of any real quality. EDION Arena Osaka, Osaka, Osaka, Japan In Japan we get a show in Osaka, albeit a small show that is entirely focused on female boxing with 5 bouts in total. Sadly this isn't a big show, but it's still good to see the domestic Japanese female seen laying down it's foundations for the next generation. The main event of the card will see 29 year old Kaoru Iga (4-2-1) battle against 25 year old Sarasa Ichimura (4-8-1), in a bout between two JBC ranked fighters. Iga is ranked #5 at Atomweight, and is the smaller fighter, whilst Ichimura is ranked #4 at Minimumweight. The winner of this would likely be on the verge of a Japanese title fight next year, with the two women having this bout at 105lbs Another bout worthy of some attention on this card is the debut of Hinami Yanai (0-0), who went 20-6 (7) in the amateurs and is making her debut in a 6 rounder against JBC ranked #5 female Flyweight Michiko Abiru (3-5, 1). On paper Abiru doesn't look too testing, but it's clear that Yanai and her team, the Shinsei gym, are going to look to move her quickly, like they did with Kasumi Saeki, and a win here could be followed by a Japanese title fight next year, and potentially world title fights as early as 2023. Abiru should provide a test, but one that Yanai should pass with relative ease. A third bout worthy of some attention is the one 4 rounder on the card, which will feature Sumire Yamanaka (3-0), the younger sister of former world champion Ryuya Yamanaka. The talented 20 year old southpaw will be up against the experienced Natsuki Tarui (4-7-2) in what is an intelligent step up in class for Yamanaka. This is the first time she's taken on someone with some real experience and we should see this as a genuine developmental fight for her. Ayub Stadium, Quetta, Pakistan We also get a small card in Pakistan, where boxing is still in it's formative years. The one standout bout on this card is one of the most interesting Pakistani domestic bouts we'll see as the unbeaten pairing of Akmal Khan (3-0, 1) and Tariq Ahmadi (7-0, 4) face off. These two are both young, both are 21, promising, and are looking to make a name for themselves domestically. They are, clearly, not going to be racing away to world title fights or anything like that, but it's still great to see this generation of Pakistani fighters slowly helping create a boxing scene there, and given the age of these two it could end up being a great Featherweight rivalry for the country.  This coming Saturday is a hectic day for fans of Asian fighters, with a host of shows through out Asia, some of which will show case some of the brightest prospects in Thailand and the Philippines. As well as the action in Asia there is also set to be some interesting action in Russia, which could end up stealing the day!
Suamlum Night Bazaar, Ratchadaphisek, Bangkok, Thailand The best of the Asian action, at least on paper, comes from Thailand where we get two bright prospects taking on veterans in what should be very good tests for the youngsters. One of the youngsters on this card is 17 year old sensation Phoobadin Yoohanngoh (10-0, 5), who will be looking to record his second defense of the WBA Asia Light Welterweight title, as he clashes with former multi-time world title challenger Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo (61-7, 41). The talented Phoobadin has been impressing for a while, and really shone last year, particularly in his title defence against Atchariya Wirojanasunobol, but there is a lot of work for him to do before thinking about world titles. The highly experienced Chonlatarn, best known for losing in world title bouts against Vasyl Lomachenkoand Chris John, is going to be a game opponent here, but we suspect the 36 year old will be under-sized and under-powered against the very promising teenage hopeful. The second notable hopeful on this show will be Tanes Ongjunta (7-1, 4), who takes on Kompayak TC Muay Thai (61-11, 41), also known as Suriyan Satorn or Kompayak Porpramook. The talented Ongjunta was upset early last year, when he came undone against an inspired Adrian Lerasan, but since then he has reeled off 3 low key wins and is now taking a big step up, as he tried to give his career a kick start. The 38 year old Kompayak has lost 6of his last 8, but has, typically, been in the ring looking to score wins. We suspect Kompayak will be in there giving his all against Ongjunta, but will come up short, and potentially suffer a late stoppage against the talented Ongjunta. Cebu, Philippines As well as the action in the Philippines there will also be prospects in action over in the Philippines. One of the exciting prospects on this card is the once beaten Peter Apolinar (13-1, 8), who looks to record a 9th successive win, as he takes on Juanito Paredes (8-6-1, 3). There talented 25 year old Apolinar has shown some real potential, but has faced far too many limited opponents to develop his skills properly and he really does need some step ups when the world returns to normality. Sadly Paredes looks like another limited foe for Apolinar, and another man he should easily defeat. Another mismatch featuring a bright hopeful will see the unbeaten Mark Vicelles (12-0-1, 6) take on Arnold Garde (10-10-3, 4). The unbeaten 25 year old Vicelles has won his last 9 in a row including solid wins over the likes of Robert Onggocan and Jesse Espinas but sadly this looks like a massive step backwards for him. Garde has lost his last 4, and 6 of his last 7 and it's unlikely he will pose anything of a test for Vicelles. The exciting and hard hitting Tomjune Mangubat (12-2-1, 10) will be in action against the very limited Ryan Maano (5-10-2, 1). Although certainly not a big name Mangubat can be involved in some really great action fights, as we saw in his 2019 thriller against Jong Seon Kang. Sadly this looks very much like a tick over for the exciting 23 year old. Maano has scored 2 wins his last 11 and it's hard to imagine him picking up another one here. The unbeaten Regie Suganob (5-0, 1) has slowly been developing his reputation in the sport and he looks to continue building as he takes on Paolo Sy (6-5-1, 3) here. The talented Suganob isn't being rushed, but this is a good step forward and will be the first time he's competed in an 8 rounder, which should force him to answer some new questions. Although Sy's record is under-whelming he did should some real toughness in his 2019 loss to Shokichi Iwata and we suspect he will serve as a bit of a test for Suganob here. Former world title challenger Arthur Villanueva (32-4-1, 18) will fight for the first time since his 2019 loss to WBC Bantamweight champion Nordine Oubaali. The talented Villanueva will be matched somewhat softly here, as he goes up against domestic foe Bryan Tamayo (6-1-2, 2). It's hard to see anything but a win for the skilled and experienced Villanueva, but there are question marks about the long lay off and his hunger after losing in several world title bouts. On the other hand this is a gigantic step up in class for Tamayo, who has never faced someone with more than 10 wins. Hard to see past a Villanueva win, though we do wonder about his long term future in the sport. Another former world title challenger on this card is Mark Anthony Barriga (9-1, 1), who returns to the ring after more than 2 years out of the ring. The talented Barriga was last out there losing a split decision to Carlos Licona in December 2018 in a bout for the IBF Minimumweight title, sadly he lost that bout by split decision and then took a lengthy break from the ring. His return looks to be a super easy one as he takes on Junuel Lacar (8-6-3, 6) in a 6 round Light Flyweight bout. As with several others on this show the focus seems to be on shaking some ring rust from the A-side and giving them some rounds whilst having plans for bigger things later in the year. Jakarta, Indonesia We stay in Asia for a show in Indonesia, which is a much lower quality show but does feature a decent main event. That main event will see the once touted Patrick Liukhoto (11-2-2, 7) take on veteran Tommy Seran (28-18, 16). Liukhoto won his first 9 bouts in a row before going through a rough patch, where he went 0-2-1, and lost all the moment he was building. Since then he has gone 2-0-1 and is pretty much in "must win" territory. Seran on the other hand is a true stalwart but a man who has been consistently picking up losses in recent years, losing his last 6 and going 5-17 in the last 8 years. This should be a chance for Liukhoto to kick start his struggling career. RCC Boxing Academy, Ekaterinburg, Russia We also get a number of Central Asian fighters in action in Russia on an RCC card in Ekaterinburg, in what is genuinely a solid and exciting card. The most notable of the Central Asian hopefuls is unbeaten Tajik contender Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov (16-0, 9), who looks to score his 17th win as he takes on fellow unbeaten Lunga Sitemela (13-0, 7). The bout will see Yaqubov looking to make his 4th defense of the WBC International Super Featherweight title, which he won back in 2018, and a win here should move him another step towards a world title fight, potentially later this year or early next year. Sitemela is a South African hopeful who will be making his international debut, and fighting outside of his homeland for the first time. On paper Sitemela looks like a good test, but his competition so far has been under-whelming and this should be regarded as a massive step up in class for him. In another good looking match up Erzhan Turgumbekov (8-1-1, 2) will take on Gaibatulla Gadzhialiev (7-2-1, 3). The Kyrgyzstan born, Russian based, Turgumbekov will be looking to bounce back from a 10th round TKO loss to Albert Batyrgaziev, which he suffered last August, but isn't being matched softly here and is instead in with a live opponent. Gadzhialiev begane his career in the US, way back in 2016, but has been fighting in Russia in recent years. Sadly for him he is 1-2-1 in his last 4, but the losses have all been close and there is a good argument he should have taken a win in his draw. This could end up being the hidden gem of the weekend, and should be a very hotly contested match up. In a female match up Russian based Kazakh born Tatyana Zrazhevskaya (10-0, 3) will be up against Estrella Valverde (18-6-2-1, 3) for the WBC "interim" female Bantamweight title, a title that has no real right to exist given the WBC female Bantamweght title was defended just a few months ago. The unbeaten Zrazhevskaya has been matched softly, to say the least, and this is a big step up for her on paper, though it's one her team will be confident that she can make without too many issues. Valverde has lost in her 4 bouts outside of Mexico and we suspect she'll lose again here, but she is, by far, the most notable opponent for Zrazhevskaya so far.  This coming Saturday is a pretty busy day in terms of Asian boxing with two shows in Japan, one in Thailand and one in India. Across those shows we will see a couple of regional title bouts, and a number of very promising youngsters as we move towards the end of November.
Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan The most notable show of the day is an Ohashi promoted event at Korakuen Hall, which will feature a world ranked fighter defending a regional title, two interesting domestic fights and noteworthy exhibition. In the main event we'll see WBO Asia Pacific Featherweight champion Musashi Mori (11-0, 6) take on the heavy handed Tsuyoshi Tameda (21-5-2, 19) in an excellent match up. Mori, who is currently world ranked by the WBO, will be 21 when this fight takes place and will know that a win will help him move one step closer to a world title fight. Although a light puncher the talented youngster is maturing and following the guidance of legendary trainer Ismael Salas, and has become a very skilled young fighter. Tameda was once touted as one to watch, but in recent bouts he has been picking up losses, and appears to be falling short of expectation. Despite that Tameda is a rock fisted fighter and his power could give him a real chance, if he can catch Mori clean. Our in depth preview of this bout can be read here Young regional champion takes on dynamite puncher! In a supporting bout JBC #1 ranked Lightweight Seiryu Toshikawa (12-5, 7) will be taking on Takahiko Kobayashi (9-3, 7) in a good looking 8 rounder. The 24 year old Toshikawa, who will be risking his ranking here, has won 6 of his last 7, and has bounced well since a 2018 loss to Shawn Oda, in a very close fight for the Japanese Youth title. This however is not a gimme for him. In Kobayashi we have an under-rated 24 year old puncher who gave Handy Hiraoka real problems in 2017, leading on all 3 cards before being stopped, and beat touted Korean Jeong Han Cha last time out. Although not a spectacular bout on paper this is a really interesting match up, and could be a very, very compelling one when the men get in the ring. In another supporting bout we'll see the in form Hiromu Murota (6-4-1, 4) take on former Japanese Super Featherweight champion Seiichi Okada (22-7-1, 13). We've seen Murota really turn his record around after a 2-4-1 start, and he has run off 4 straight wins coming in to this bout, but they have all been at a very low level. As for Okada the 38 year old is well past his best, and it's more than 8 years since he lost the Japanese title to Daiki Kaneko. At his best Okada had more than enough skills to over-come Murota, but the question is what does he have left at this point in his long career. Also on this card will be an exhibition between former 3-weight world champion Akira Yaegashi (28-7, 17) and rising Japanese prospect Taku Kuwahara (7-0, 4). Although Yaegashi has retired as an active fighter it is good to see him remain in the sport, and it will be good to see him again here. Despite being retired he has continued to work in the sport, and is now working as a trainer at the Ohashi Gym. As for Taku Kuwahara the 25 year old Flyweight is one of the best prospects in Japan and this will be a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills against a loved figure of Japanese boxing ahead of his next fight in January. EDION Arena Osaka, Osaka, Osaka, Japan On a second card in Japan, over in Osaka, we see several interesting match ups. The main event will see Kyonosuke Kameda (5-2-1, 4), the cousin of Koki, Daiki and Tomoki, battle against the debuting Daiki Asai (0-0). On paper it's easy to assume that Kameda will be favoured here, especially after he reached the 2019 All Japan Rookie of the Year final last year, where he lost to Jinki Maeda, however this bout isn't the gimme it looks. Despite Kameda being from a successful boxing family it needs to be noted that Asai is a former amateur standout and went 61-16 (33), and will be looking to make a statement now he's turned professional. This could be a very intriguing bout, despite having the debutant status of Asai. Another very interesting bout here will see novice professional Ayato Hiromoto (2-0, 1) take on Japanese ranked Super Flyweight Ryosuke Nasu (12-5-3, 2). Originally we were expecting to see Hiromoto battled for world title challenger Masayuki Kuroda but with Kuroda being injured Hiromoto's team looked elsewhere and secured him this bout with Nasu. So far Hiromoto has looked a real talent, with excellent skills and boxing craft, but this is a serious step up. As for Nasu he's looking to secure a third straight wins following a 2019 loss to Kenta Nakagawa. This should be a very interesting match up, and a genuine test to see what Hiromoto really has to offer going forward. A third bout of interest here will see JBC ranked Light Flyweight Sho Omote (8-1, 3) take on Shota Asami (7-7, 4). The once beaten 26 year old is riding a 6 fight unbeaten streak, and had a sensational 2019 which included him winning the All Japan Rookie of the Year in December. The 25 year old Asami might not have a great record, and has lost his last 2 bouts, but he's had a number of very close bouts and he is much better than his record looks. With that in mind we wouldn't be surprised, at all, if Omote was given a very serious test by Asami here. Suamlum Night Bazaar, Ratchadaphisek, Bangkok, Thailand We also get a really good bout in Thailand pitting two talented unbeaten fighters against each other in a truly mouth watering contest. In one corner will be talented teenager Phoobadin Yoohanngoh (9-0, 4), who will be looking to defend his WBA Asia Light Welterweight title, whilst the other corner will play host to unbeaten challenger Atchariya Wirojanasunobol (13-0, 5). Aged just 16 Phoobadin is one of the most promising teenagers in the sport, and is tipped incredibly highly following several excellent performances. He will however need a career best performance here to over come the once touted Atchariya. As for Atchariya this will be his second bout since the start of 2019, following a lengthy legal battle, which derailed a bout in Japan against Andy Hiraoka. Aged 31 Atchariya can't afford an in ring set back, but he's in with a big, strong, skilled, youngster looking to make a big mark and move his career forward. This is a very, very interesting bout, and will be shown live on Thairath for fans interested in watching it live. Bawing Gym, General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines In the Philippines we'll see unbeaten prospect Criztian Pitt Laurente (5-0, 3) take on Renan Portes (10-13, 6), in what is expected to be another win for the talented Laurente. At one point Portes was a very capable fighter but he has now lost 8 in a row, and has been stopped in his last 5 suggesting he's essentially given up with trying to win. Given the talent of Laurente it's hard to see anything but a win for the youngster here. INTHEPINK FITNESS CLUB, Bangalore, India There will also be a show in India, albeit a very, very low key card. In one of the bouts on this show the unbeaten Karthik Sathish Kumar (5-0, 3) will be up against the debuting Jayapal Jaganadhan (0-0). The 24 year old Kumar debuting in April 2010 and has become a well travelled fighter already, with bouts in Thailand, Dubai and India. Sadly for him this will be his first bout since January. As for Jaganadhan, the 21 year old is really an unknown, and this looks like a tough debut, at least on paper. Another fighter making their debut on this card will be Shaik Nagma (0-0), who takes on the once beaten Ramandeep Kaur (6-1) in a female bout. Kaur was beaten last time out, by Rinky Inder Kishore, but will be looking to get back to winning ways here.  Thailand
Boxing returns to Thailand this week coming Saturday as TL Promotions put on a show with two regional title bouts. Given the start of Thai boxing at the best of times we were never expecting anything huge, but this is actually an interesting show of unbeaten hopefuls. In the main event 16 year old rising hopeful Phoobadin Yoohanngoh (8-0, 4) will take on former Muay Thai fighter Kulabdam Sor Jor Piekuthai (2-1, 1) in a bout for the WBA Asia Light Welterweight title. Last year Phoobadin won "The Fighter" tournament, despite his age, but did struggle in a number of those bouts and this is a clear step up in class compared to some of his fights, in terms of competition and the length of bout and the weight class. Kulabdam was a standout Muay Thai fighter, though notably he was stopped in his last boxing bout, last December, by a man that Phoobadin would later beat. This is a good chance for Phoobadin to claim his first title but Kulabdam will be looking to give his boxing career a kick start after a stumble last time out. Another unbeaten hopeful on this card is 22 year old hopeful Arnon Yupang (4-0, 1), who takes on veteran Inthanon Sithchamuang (31-13-1, 19) in a bout for the lightly regarded WBA Asia South Featherweight title. Although Yupang has won his first 4 bouts he has only been fighting at a very low level and this is a massive step up. Whilst Anon is stepping up it's worth noting that Inthanon is very much a naturally smaller man, and has made his career at Super Flyweight. We suspect Yupang will be too big for Inthanon, who looks to be shot to pieces and has been stopped in his last 4 bouts, however Yupang is lacking pro boxing experience and may be looking to get some rounds under his belt here. |
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