Wasim Mather | That Boxing Guy
Matchmaker | Boxing writer
The Ring Magazine rating panel
Bangkok Post| Boxing News Monthly
Explaining boxing beyond the record
My four-page feature on Erik Morales is out now in Boxing News Monthly.
We discuss his biggest fights, the realities of making weight, and what defined that era of boxing.
The piece is based on an exclusive interview at the WBC Convention in Bangkok, focusing on how fighters approached the sport and the challenges they faced at the time.
Mexican veteran warhorse Cesar Juarez (31-21) 🇲🇽 put on another exciting, action-packed performance in the lightweight division that had the fans roaring. Nevertheless, Orlando Gonzalez (24-3) 🇵🇷 came away with a deserved unanimous decision win. All three judges scored it 79-72 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
#AcostaBui
Michael Eifert was always a sensible comeback opponent for Dmitry Bivol. A solid fighter with a win over Jean Pascal, but inactive since 2024 and not a major puncher with 5 KOs in 13 wins.
Already on the canvas in Round 1, the difference in timing and class is evident. For Bivol, this looks more about sharpening the tools after injury than taking a high-risk return bout.
The bigger tests come later. #Bivol #Boxing
After spending the day ringside at Nakornluang Stadium, I found myself thinking about more than just the result.
The latest piece on my website looks at the changing boxing landscape in Thailand and one of the best domestic fights I’ve seen this year between Chayanoi Worawuthe and Phongsaphon Panyakum.
Photos from the event are included as well.
Link below.
https://t.co/Umwn38xMwK
Today's Nakornluang Promotion card really delivered.
Fights like this are exactly why all-Thai matchups are so important. When two fighters know each other, have something to prove, and neither is willing to take a step back, you often get the kind of action that fans remember.
Going into the fight, I honestly thought Chayanoi Worawuthe would get the job done. He's a proven fighter with plenty of experience at a good level. But Pongsaphon Panyakum surprised me. He produced a tremendous performance, scored two knockdowns, and earned a well-deserved decision victory in a highly entertaining contest.
Credit to both fighters for putting on a great fight and showing the depth of talent in Thai boxing.
I'll be putting together a more in-depth article on the fight soon.
Phongsaphon Panyakum gets the job done over eight rounds, scoring two knockdowns along the way to earn a deserved decision victory over Chainoi Worawut at Nakornluang Promotion’s new venue tonight.
Looking at this SuperFly poster from 2017 with my good friend Armando Garcia today. Armando, who is officiating tonight's WBA Oceania title fight, made a good observation:
"Who would've thought Inoue would become a superstar?"
Almost 10 years ago, Naoya Inoue was the supporting co-main event. Today, he's one of the biggest stars in boxing and a fixture on pound-for-pound lists worldwide.
Funny how history looks in hindsight.
At Nakornluang Promotion today covering Chainoi vs. Phongsaphon Panyakum at the promotion’s new stadium. Looking forward to seeing how the new venue shapes up.
Back in camp with Justin. 🇹🇭
9-0 with 9 knockouts and now preparing for the biggest test of his career so far as we head to Germany for a scheduled 10 rounder next month under the guidance of Chatchai Sasakul.
The work continue
Former Thai national team member Arnon Yupang faces rising prospect Jackie “Little Yodsanan” for the ABF Continental super featherweight title over 10 rounds.
https://t.co/JVfEU9PH41
Interesting move from Tim Tszyu to set up part of camp in Thailand ahead of Errol Spence Jr. He’s been getting rounds with Bangkok-based Filipino southpaw Ador Torres (15-8-2), but it also raises questions about sparring availability in the region. Thailand is known for producing elite lighter-weight fighters, not naturally bigger southpaws around the junior middleweight division.
Finding quality larger southpaw sparring in Southeast Asia is not easy, especially for a fight of this level, so it’ll be interesting to see how Team Tszyu approaches the final stages of preparation for Spence.
Image: @fightnewsasia
Light Flyweight:
Thanongsak Simsri's next mandatory is due on January 13th 2027. Regie Suganob and Sivenathi Nontshinga are negotiating a final eliminator
Bumped into former world title challenger Apinun Khongsong today in Bangkok. Back in 2020, Khongsong challenged Josh Taylor for the IBF super lightweight world title during Taylor’s run towards undisputed status.
Today, he was on the other side of the ropes, bringing his amateur boxers to compete and gain experience on a local show in Bangkok. Always interesting to see former world-level fighters staying involved in developing the next generation of Thai boxing.