This previous Friday, I made the one-hour journey north of Bangkok to the Pathum Thani province, accompanied by Nort Beauchamp (19-7-1, 3 KOs).
Beauchamp, a seasoned fighter who has shared the ring with the likes of Brock Jarvis (21-1, 19 KOs) and Sam Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs), was there to spar with WBA titlist Thammanoon Niyomtrong (24-0, 9 KOs), also referred to as Knockout CP Freshmart, on the Thai Payak Boxing Gymnasium. Owned by former WBC flyweight champion Chatchai Sasakul, the ability has change into a key coaching floor for the champion.
As Nyomtrong’s coach, Sasakul is taking part in an instrumental position in getting ready him for his upcoming conflict with rising Australian prospect and 2020 Olympian Alex Winwood (4-0, 2 KOs) on September 7.
Sasakul, who was ringside getting ready for a sparring session, remarked, “I believe this can be a good struggle. If the struggle was in Thailand, I imagine Knockout would win simply, however going overseas shouldn’t be a straightforward process. Nevertheless, our likelihood is excessive. We can be flying out per week earlier than the struggle, so we now have time.”
This can be Niyomtrong’s second time combating away from residence turf. The final time he ventured outdoors of Thailand, he secured a unanimous choice victory over Chaozhong Xiong (27-8-1, 14 KOs) in Qingdao, China. This expertise of profitable on international soil provides one other layer of confidence as he prepares to face Winwood.
Niyomitrong, rated at No. 4 by The Ring at strawweight, was already gearing up for the session. The plan for the day was eight rounds of sparring with two companions. Within the first 4 rounds, he confronted an novice boxer from Saudi Arabia. The champion began gradual, methodically increase the depth because the rounds progressed. It was clear that regardless of his two-year absence from the ring, he had by no means actually left the gymnasium—his timing and conditioning have been impeccable.
Subsequent, he went 4 rounds with Beauchamp. Each fighters traded blows, their ring expertise on full show. The strain that the Thai star applies is a factor of magnificence—his ring generalship and skill to chop off the ring to arrange his punches are pure mastery. Endurance is one among his most notable qualities, a trait honed from years of combating since he was simply seven years outdated.
Niyomitrong first started his journey in fight sports activities with Muay Thai on the age of seven in his hometown of Surin, situated in northeastern Thailand. After dominating domestically, he moved to Bangkok to compete on the highest ranges on the Muay Thai circuit, ultimately turning into a Lumpinee Stadium champion at 105 kilos. With restricted competitors left in Muay Thai, the Surin native transitioned to skilled boxing, making his debut in 2012 the place he defeated Marzon Cabilla (18-23-1, 6 KOs) by way of sixth-round stoppage.
His subsequent main break got here in 2014 when he confronted Carlos Buitrago (38-14-1, 22 KOs), defeating the Nicaraguan by unanimous choice. He efficiently defended an interim title gained in that struggle thrice earlier than difficult Byron Rojas (29-4-3, 11 KOs) for the WBA championship in Khon Kaen, the place he as soon as once more secured a victory by unanimous choice.
Now, eight years later and at 33 years of age, the Thai champion prepares to go on the street for under the second time in his profession, desirous to defend his title in Australian.
Former novice standout Winwood is on the cusp of constructing Australian boxing historical past as he goals to win a world title in simply his fifth skilled struggle. Now ranked by all the most important sanctioning our bodies, Winwood made his debut on the finish of 2022, claiming the Western Australia State title in his first bout. Whereas Winwood made his debut in a 6-round bout, he rapidly moved on to longer fights. Niyomtrong, then again, has solely competed in 10-12 spherical title fights from the beginning of his profession, by no means collaborating in a bout beneath 10 rounds.
Knockout CP Freshmart (R) battles Wanheng Menayothin in July 2022. (Picture by Wasim Mather)
After the sparring session, I watched him hit the pads with Sasakul, who has been guiding him since turning professional in 2012. The padwork was fascinating—each punch was thrown with intention, and Sasakul meticulously corrected even the smallest particulars.
As soon as coaching wrapped up, I had the chance to take a seat down with the champion and talk about his upcoming struggle.
Reflecting on his preparations, he stated that “coaching has been good. It’s slowly intensifying as September 7 approaches. I watched and studied one among his 12-round fights. He strikes rather a lot, makes use of his agility, and tries to behave as a counter specialist—however I’m onto it.”
When discussing his preparation and ideas on Winwood, his confidence was evident. “We’ve a recreation plan, and we’re sticking to it,” he added. “Wait till September seventh to search out out.”
Acknowledging Winwood’s expertise, he continued, “Winwood is slick and has numerous novice expertise, however I’ve 24 skilled fights, and this bout is over 12 rounds. I’m assured and motivated.”
Requested about his latest inactivity and the issue in securing fights, he didn’t maintain again.
“I’ve had a number of fights fall via, particularly with Erick Rosa. The struggle fell via thrice, and sadly, we may by no means make it occur. Rosa has since moved as much as 108 kilos. I believe Rosa is avoiding me, defending his document, and doing something he can to keep away from a struggle with me.”
As for who he want to struggle subsequent, the Thai fighter was clear about his priorities.
“I’m simply trying ahead to being energetic once more. If I get previous Winwood, I’m open to combating Hasanboy Dusmatov (6-0, 5 KOs),” he stated.
When questioned about the opportunity of transferring as much as 108 kilos, the champion was measured in his response. “I wish to give attention to the Winwood struggle first. After that, it’s as much as my promoter and supervisor to determine what one of the best route is—whether or not it’s staying at 105 or transferring as much as 108.”
On his place within the strawweight division’s panorama, he was candid. “I haven’t fought shortly, and my inactivity prompted me to drop within the rankings, however I imagine I’m one of the best.”
Concerning his standing as the one boxing world champion from Thailand, he expressed his delight. “I’m very proud. I’m honoured to symbolize Thailand as a champion. The (strawweight) belt is a Thai belt and belongs in Thailand.”
With a recreation plan in place and a transparent understanding of the duty at hand, he’s set to show that he’s not solely one of the best within the division but in addition that his belt actually belongs in Thailand. Because the date approaches, all eyes can be on the champion to see if he can as soon as once more ship the sort of efficiency that has outlined his profession.
