WORLD BEAT
THAILAND BY WASIM MATHER Some exciting news out of Thailand: Yuttapong Tongdee is set to fight for his first world title since turning professional, and just recently I learned that junior bantamweight legend Srisaket Sor Rungvisai will be fighting in Osaka in April. Here we have two boxers from different eras: Yuttapong, the current hope for Thailand’s next world champion, and Srisaket, a revered veteran in the latter stages of his illustrious career. These two contrasting fighters, with their distinct styles and career trajectories, underscore both the promise of new talent and the enduring honor of boxing in Thailand. Let’s take a look at what these developments mean for the sport and for the legacy of Thai champions. Yuttapong Tongdee takes aim at WBO bantamweight title Tongdee (15-0, 9 KOs), the WBA Asia bantamweight titleholder, is set for the biggest fight of his career as he challenges WBO bantamweight incumbent Yoshiki Takei on May 28 in Yokohama, Japan. It will be his first world title shot and his first time fighting outside of Thailand as a professional – a major step into the global boxing scene. The fight was initially scheduled for December 24 on the Naoya Inoue vs. Sam Goodman undercard, but a cut Goodman suffered in sparring delayed the event. A rescheduled date was set, but the unbeaten Takei suffered a shoulder injury, forcing another postponement to its current date. Now both fighters are back in camp, preparing for a crucial moment in their careers. Takei, The Ring’s No. 4-rated bantamweight, is a dangerous puncher with an aggressive, high-output style. The former kickboxing champ has stopped eight of his 10 opponents since turning pro in 2021. He won the WBO title by defeating Jason Moloney
Yuttapong Tongdee (left) halted Thanachai Khamoon in three
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