Srisaket vows all-out battle in WBC rematch
Upbeat Thai champ to face Gonzalez on Sept 9
>> Thai world champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai has left for California in a confident mood for his WBC superflyweight rematch with former poundfor-pound king Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez of Nicaragua on Sept 9.
Srisaket’s manager Surachart Pisitwutthinan said his fighter has had the best possible preparation for the title bout, which will be televised live by Channel 3 at 11am on Sept 10 (Thai time).
Surachart said: “Srisaket has been training regularly for four months, and I think he is ready for the title defence.
“He is fit and in a very good physical shape at the moment.
“We have a plan for the bout ready but we will be taking it on round-byround basis and keep changing our strategy depending on the way the fight is progressing.
“I am hoping that the Thai people living in the United States will come and cheer Srisaket as it is not going to be an easy fight for him.”
The title bout will take place at StubHub Center’s outdoor ring in Carson, California.
Meanwhile, Srisaket expressed confidence for another stellar show against his highly rated opponent.
“I am ready to put in my best,” said the Thai world champion.
“I am leaving in a confident mood and I will make every possible effort to retain the belt.
“I hope the Thai fans will cheer me as they have done during all my previous fights.”
Srisaket (42-4-1, 38KOs) had earlier admitted that he is expecting another tough battle.
“I think Roman will have his best possible preparation for this fight,” said t he 30-year-old southpaw said recently.
“But we will see what happens in the ring and who’s going to land the knockout blow.”
Srisaket dethroned t he t hen unbeaten Gonzalez with a stunning majority decision at Madison Square Garden in New York City in March.
It was one of the biggest upsets in boxing history as Gonzalez, the only fighter from Nicaragua to win world titles in four weight classes, was a 14-1 favourite to retain the title going into the 12-round fight.
But in a bloody, action-packed slugfest, Srisaket came out on top with a 114-112, 114-112 and 113113 decision.
The Thai sent Gonzalez to the canvas in the first round and the Nicaraguan also suffered two bad cuts because of accidental head butts during the fight.
After the first loss of his career in 47 fights, Gonzalez said he thought he won and demanded an immediate rematch.
Gonzalez got his wish when the WBC ordered the rematch less than three weeks after the bout at Madison Square Garden.
The 29-year-old Gonzalez (46-1, 38KOs) is determined to reclaim the 115-pound world title he had once held.
“I’m ready to go back into battle and reclaim my WBC championship from Sor Rungvisai on Sept 9,” Gonzalez said in an interview last month.
“I know what I have to do to become victorious and with God’s help I will be champion once again.”