Over the last few days we’ve seen some lower key bouts being announced, and whilst none of them are major bouts, several are noteworthy on, or around, the fringes of world level.
One of the cards announced is a March 29th show in Thailand, featuring some very notable fighters, though not in particularly taxing bouts.
One of the notable men involved is unbeaten Thai hopeful Thattana Luangphon (24-0-1, 15) who will be in a WBC regional title bout, as he continues his slow and somewhat frustrating march to a world title fight. The talented Thai will be up against tough Chinese fighter Guangheng Luan (3-5-1), who isn’t well known, but has proven his toughness going the distance with not only former world title challenger Wulan Tuolehazi but also former world champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, and there really is no doubting that he's durable, knows how to survive, and should give Thattana, also known as Chanoi Sor Worawut, some good rounds here.
On the same card we will also see former world title contender Navapon Khaikanha (58-4-1, 48) and Phongsaphon Panyakum (22-2, 11) taking on lower level fighters in 6 rounders.
We also saw a bout recently announced for a PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions event on April 30, with once beaten Filipino fighter Regie Suganob (14-1, 4) taking on exciting Japanese fighter Kai Ishizawa (11-3, 10) [石澤開] in a bout for the WBO Global Light Flyweight title. Suganob will be defending the title for the first time since claiming the belt last November, and he has bounced back well since a competitive loss to Sivenathi Nontshinga in an IBF world title fight. As for Ishizawa, he now can't afford a loss after losing 2 of his last 3, and despite being incredibly dangerous, it's hard to know what he has left to offer, after setbacks against Masataka Taniguchi and Vinca Paras in recent bouts. A loss for Ishizawa will leave him in no mans land, however he will be the under-dog as he travels to the Philippines for this bout, with the highly skilled Suganob.
As well as the bout that have been announced, there was also one bout that took place yesterday in Mexico, and that bout was a real gem of a contest that lived up to expectations. The bout in question was a brutal, punishing, high tempo all action war as veterans Miguel Roman (68-14-0-1, 49) and Takuya Watanabe (40-13-2, 22) put it all on the line. The bout saw Roman pressing the action and Watanabe being forced to respond, often with his back pressed on to the ropes. This was non-stop brutality from the opening bell to the final bell, as both men showed their toughness. Roman was in control for much of the bout, his work-rate being higher and his output being more effective, but he was hurt himself late on as Watanabe showed his incredible will to win. Sadly for him however he was second best, with Roman winning the unanimous decision. Despite the loss for Watanabe, he will have earned fans here with his gritty determination and exciting style, against the Mexican veteran.
