Knockout ready for Landero
Champion Knockout CP Freshmart will defend his WBA minimumweight title against Toto Landero of the Philippines in Chon Buri on March 6, promoters said yesterday.
Knockout’s fourth defence of the title will take place at a makeshift ring outside Chon Buri’s provincial hall and will be shown live on Channel 7 from 1.45pm.
Knockout, 27, told yesterday’s press conference that he was confident that he would beat the Filipino.
“I am not worried much about the fight because I have been training for more than five months. I am ready for the bout,’’ said the Surin native whose real name is Thammanoon Niyomtrong.
“We have thoroughly studied tapes of his fights. He has good basic skills and is fast but we have done our homework.”
The unbeaten champion has a record of 16 wins with seven knockouts.
He outpointed Rey Loreto, also of the Philippines, in his previous fight in July.
Knockout is one of the three reigning world champions from Thailand, the other being WBC super-flyweight title-holder Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and WBC minimumweight king Wanheng Menayothin.
Knockout’s promoter Piyarat Wachirarattanawong said his boxer could be rusty since his last fight was some seven months ago. “But I am confident that Knockout is good enough to beat the challenger and keep the belt,” he said.
If Knockout wins, he is likely to face Xiong Chaozhong of China in his next title defence.
Meanwhile, George Groves vowed to be fit for May’s World Boxing Super Series final despite dislocating his shoulder in Saturday’s semi-final victory over Chris Eubank Jr. “I’m a fast healer. I broke my jaw in May and I was back training soon after. I have fought two times since then,” said Groves, whose shoulder popped out during the final round of a unanimous points victory over favourite Eubank.