Knockout outpoints Rojas again, retains WBA crown
Knockout CPF retained his WBA minimumweight title for the sixth time with a unanimous decision over challenger Byron Rojas in their 12-round mandatory title bout in Chon Buri yesterday.
Rojas was dethroned by Knockout two years ago in Khon Kaen and the Surin native again came out on top in their rematch after the three judges scored 115113, 117-111 and 116-112 in the champion’s favour at a makeshift ring outside Chon Buri’s provincial hall.
Rojas went toe to toe with Knockout as soon as the bell rang, drawing a loud cheer from the crowd, but it was the Thai champion who gained control as the fight progressed.
Knockout’s shots were more accurate in the second round and he connected with a flurry of body blows late in the third but Rojas survived.
Rojas was warned for head-butting in the seventh while Knockout was visibly unhappy with the Nicaraguan’s tactics and threw a series of wild punches, causing a cut above Rojas’ right eyebrow.
The 28-year-old Knockout, whose real name is Thammanoon Niyomtrong, stayed unbeaten after claiming his 19th career win yesterday while Rojas, also 28, saw his record drop to 25 wins, four losses and three draws.
Knockout also received a 200,000-baht cash bonus from sponsors after the fight.
Knockout is one of Thailand’s only three reigning world boxing champions, with the other two being WBC minimumweight title-holder Wanheng Menayothin and WBC super-flyweight king Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.