THAILAND currently has just one reigning world champion: Thanongsak Simsri (39-1, 34 KOs), the IBF light-flyweight king. The country’s other recent star, Panya Pradabsri (44-3, 27 KOs), was dethroned by Carlos Canizales in Caracas this past August, losing his WBC belt at 108 lbs before announcing his retirement from the sport.
With the WBC convention approaching, there is already speculation that a world title fight could soon land on Thai soil. Like everywhere, the sport here has had its ups and downs. Right now, it sits somewhere in the middle, but Nakornluang Promotion is aiming to shift the momentum with two important fights now confirmed.
Chainoi “Rockman” Worawut in Tokyo
One of those bouts sees Chainoi “Rockman” Worawut (26-1-1, 16 KOs) travel to Tokyo on October 1 for an eight-round super-bantamweight contest against former IBF champion Yukinori Oguni (22-4-3, 9 KOs) at the storied Korakuen Hall.
The 28-year-old, ranked No. 13 by the WBC, made his name with highlight-reel stoppages on Thai television. Signed to Nakornluang, he is the son of Muay Thai great Chatchainoi Chaoraioi, and his aggressive, heavy-handed style reflects that pedigree. Fresh off a knockout win over tough journeyman Sukprasert Ponphitak (32-24, 22 KOs), he heads into Japan with confidence and momentum.
Oguni, now 37, is a former world champion who has shared the ring with the likes of John Riel Casimero (34-4-1, 23 KOs), Ryosuke Iwasa (25-5, 18 KOs) and Jonathan Guzman (27-2, 26 KOs). He will bring experience, home advantage and the support of a Korakuen Hall crowd that has seen him through many battles.
For Rockman, this is his second fight abroad following last year’s eliminator loss to Sam Goodman in Australia, which briefly dangled the promise of a title shot at pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs). Reflecting on that defeat, he admitted the need “to be faster and throw a wider range of punches.” He says this camp has emphasised accuracy and timing in every shot.
A win in Tokyo would not only strengthen his standing in the rankings but also push him closer to the world-title picture at 122 lbs, where the division is currently stacked with talent. For Nakornluang, it could signal the start of a resurgence for boxing in Thailand on the global stage.
Sathaporn Saart vs Luis Nery
A surprise announcement that few saw coming was the confirmation of Sathaporn Saart (17-2, 9 KOs) facing Mexico’s former two-weight world champion, Luis Nery. The fight is scheduled for October 26 on neutral ground in Kyrgyzstan, promoted by 3150 Fight Promotion.
For Sathaporn, just 22 years old and ranked No. 30 by the WBC at featherweight, this represents a massive step up. He is the current WBC Asia featherweight champion and will be fighting outside Thailand for only the second time.
The first came in 2024, when he travelled to Japan and lost by seventh-round TKO to the unbeaten Mikito Nakano (14-0, 13 KOs). Since then, he has rebuilt with four straight victories.
Saart is known for always bringing a fight, but on paper this looks a daunting task. Nery, 30, is a puncher and a seasoned veteran who has faced some of the division’s best. This will be the Mexican’s second fight at featherweight — in his last outing, he stopped Kyonosuke Kameda (15-5-2, 9 KOs) in the seventh round.
Saart’s stablemate is none other than Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (58-7-1, 47 KOs), who famously dethroned Roman Gonzalez (53-4, 42 KOs) before embarking on a dominant run at super-flyweight. Promoter Surachart Phisitvuthinun may see echoes of that storyline in his young featherweight prospect. Like Worawut, the opportunity is enormous — and as the saying goes in boxing, all it takes is one. A win over Nery would catapult Saart into the rankings and put him on the map overnight.
Boxing, like everywhere, has its ups and downs. Two Thai fighters are now ready to prove themselves on the world stage and possibly put the country back on the map. In this sport of unknowns, everyone has a puncher’s chance. As for the WBC convention—more on that later.
