Pongsaklek title defense called off
PHUKET CITY: WBC world flyweight champion Pongsaklek Wonjongkam’s October 8 title defense against 15th-ranked challenger Carlos Bouchan was called off after the Mexican challenger suffered a training injury.
The Asian Boxing Council (ABC), an affiliate of the WBC, has instead organized a non-title fight on the same date, featuring Pongsaklek against Randy Mangubat of the Philippines.
On the same fight card, to take place at Phuket Arcadia Hilton Hotel, will be an ABC championship bout between Thai pugilists Denburapha Twinspecial and Panomrunglek Kratingdanggym, both 112-pounders, and a WBC Youth Championship encounter pitting 105-pounders Oledong Kratingdanggym and Jay Herla, also of the Philippines.
Admission to the event, which starts at 3.45 pm, is free. ABC President Pol Gen Kovid Bhakdibhum told the Gazette that WBC rules precluded a title defense for Pongsaklek on October 8.
“This will be a warm-up fight to get him ready for his next big title defense, which will take place in Japan on January 3.”
Japanese boxing promoter Akihiko Honda, who is expected to attend part of the five-day WBC Annual Convention, will announce Pongsaklek’s next opponent at that time.
The convention, to take place at the Phuket Arcadia Hilton Hotel from October 4 to 9, now has more than 500 confirmed attendees – among them controversial American slugger Mike Tyson and retired heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.
