Coming off a career-defining victory in Japan this previous August, the place he handed Kento Hatanaka (15-1, 10 KO) his first skilled loss, Thailand’s Thananchai Charunphak (25-1, 15 KO) is ready to return to the Land of the Rising Solar. This time, the stakes are even greater as he challenges Seigo Yuri Akui (20-2-1, 11 KO) for the WBA flyweight world title.
The bout, scheduled for October 13, 2024, on the Ariake Area in Koto-Ku, will probably be an opportunity for Charunphak to cement his place among the many division’s elite.
In true Thailand boxing style, the 24-year-old Charunphak has been stored energetic since turning skilled, with this being his fifth combat of the yr. His relentless schedule has seen him steadily climb the ranks. One of many pivotal moments in his profession got here in 2020 when he defeated former WBC junior flyweight titlist Suriyan Satorn (61-14-1, 41 KO). This victory in opposition to a seasoned veteran marked a big step in his improvement, showcasing his potential to compete on the highest stage.
I spent the afternoon with Charunphak within the quiet Bangkok suburb of Nonthaburi, the place his fitness center is tucked down a slim avenue. This historic venue has been dwelling to a few of Thailand’s boxing legends, together with Veeraphol Sahaprom (66-4-2, 46 KO), Suriyan Sor Rungvisai (52-7-1, 28 KO), and extra lately, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (56-6-1, 46 KO).
As I walked in, I used to be greeted by Kittithat Ungsrivongs (22-2-1, 12 KO), Charunphak’s most important sparring associate. We spoke briefly in regards to the camp and the rising vitality within the fitness center as Charunphak’s world title shot neared.
A number of moments later, Charunphak entered, his face decided and targeted. He was a person of few phrases, however his presence carried a transparent depth. Quickly after, one other acquainted determine appeared—former WBC and Ring Journal tremendous flyweight champion, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.
The session started with the boxers leaping rope, easing into their warm-up. In the meantime, Mr. Surachart Pisitwuttinan, one in every of Thailand’s most outstanding boxing managers and Charunphak’s promoter, arrived. The day’s agenda was easy: 9 rounds of sparring for Charunphak, a part of his intense preparation for the most important combat of his profession. I used to be knowledgeable that no photographs or movies have been allowed throughout the sparring—an indication of simply how severely this camp is being taken.
The sparring companions have been no simple activity. Ungsrivongs, Charunphak’s most important coaching associate, and Navapon Khaikanha (62-4-1, 50 KO), a former world title challenger, have been able to push the younger contender to his limits. As I watched the rounds unfold, it grew to become clear how completely different Charunphak’s model is from that of his stablemate, Srisaket. Whereas Srisaket is thought for relentless stress, Charunphak depends on precision. His jab is sharp and educated, his motion fluid, and his distance management impeccable—a product of his beginner background.
After the sparring, Charunphak moved seamlessly into padwork, heavy bag drills, and footwork workouts, ending the session round 19:30 p.m. Regardless of the extraordinary coaching, the fitness center remained targeted however calm—a testomony to the expertise and self-discipline throughout the camp.
Once I lastly had an opportunity to talk with Charunphak, he mirrored briefly on his journey. “I began as a Muay Thai fighter after which switched to beginner boxing in highschool,” he shared. His solely loss, six years in the past, got here in opposition to his present stablemate, Phongsaphon Panyakum (25-2, 11 KO). “Again then, I used to be nonetheless new to the professional sport. I wanted extra expertise,” he mentioned.
Relating to his preparation for the upcoming title combat, Charunphak’s mindset was clear: “If I need to combat arduous, I would like to coach arduous. My model is technical, so I concentrate on precision.”
Mr. Pisitwuttinan was equally assured in his fighter’s possibilities. Once I requested about Seigo Yuri Akui’s two knockout losses, he remarked, “He’s been knocked out twice, so I’m unsure if he nonetheless has the guts.” As for future plans if Charunphak wins the title, Mr. Pisitwuttinan added, “We need to defend the belt in Japan.”
It’s clear that Charunphak is getting ready to one thing particular, and his camp believes in his skill to turn out to be a world champion. As Thai boxing continues to regain its momentum, figures like Charunphak are serving to pave the best way for a brand new technology of stars. Mr. Pisitwuttinan, who has managed a few of Thailand’s best boxers, advised me confidently, “I imagine all my fighters will probably be champions. We’ll see a brand new celebrity when the boxing financial system comes again.”
Because the session got here to an in depth, the quiet depth within the fitness center remained, a mirrored image of Thananchai Charunphak’s disciplined strategy to his craft. On October 13, beneath the lights of the Ariake Area in Tokyo, he received’t simply be preventing for a world title—he’ll be taking the subsequent step in a profession that has been steadily constructed on arduous work and dedication.
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