In a thrilling boxing match held in Perth, Australia, the WBA strawweight champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong, also known as Knockout CP Freshmart, successfully defended his title for the twelfth time. The fight was a closely contested one, with Niyomtrong ultimately securing a 12-round majority decision victory over local fighter Alex Winwood. Despite the official scorecards reading 114-112, 114-112 in favor of Niyomtrong and a draw at 113-113 from the third judge, many fans and experts believed that the champion had dominated the fight by a more significant margin.
The 33-year-old Thai boxer had a slow start to the fight, allowing the younger and faster Winwood to take control in the early rounds. However, as the fight progressed, Niyomtrong showcased his experience and resilience, gradually imposing his will on his opponent. In the seventh round, Niyomtrong landed a powerful knockdown on Winwood, displaying his signature left hook. The momentum continued in the ninth round when a well-placed right hand from Niyomtrong resulted in the second knockdown of the fight. From that point onward, it was all Niyomtrong, with his dominance raising questions about the close scoring of the judges.
With this victory, Niyomtrong solidified his status as the longest-reigning male world champion, having held the WBA title since 2016. Known for his entertaining fighting style, as seen in his previous slugfest against Robert Paradero in December 2021, Niyomtrong has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the strawweight division. Despite this successful defense away from home, the controversial scoring of the fight may lead the champion to reconsider future bouts outside of Thailand.
On the other hand, Winwood’s decision to challenge for a world title after only four professional fights was bold but ultimately unsuccessful. The 27-year-old fighter, now with a record of 4-1(2), displayed promising skills early in the contest but was overwhelmed by Niyomtrong’s experience and power as the fight progressed. However, this setback serves as a valuable learning experience for Winwood, who undoubtedly has the potential to bounce back and make a name for himself in the boxing world.
Thammanoon Niyomtrong’s victory over Alex Winwood was a testament to his skill, determination, and championship pedigree. As he continues his reign as the WBA strawweight champion, fans can expect more thrilling performances from the talented Thai boxer in the future.