Aggressive as at all times, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (proper) used his full arsenal to assault Wuttichai Yurachai throughout their six-round combat, which Srisaket received by unanimous resolution. (Picture by Wasim Mather)
On Friday, former two-time WBC junior bantamweight titleholder Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (57-6-1, 46 KOs) made a triumphant return to the ring in Bangkok, headlining a card on the Ratchadaphisek Bazaar. In a scheduled six-rounder, the 38-year-old former Ring champion confronted off in opposition to 30-year-old Wuttichai Yurachai (1-2), a adorned newbie who represented Thailand internationally. Yurachai, who made his skilled debut in June, had already examined himself in opposition to powerful competitors, going the gap with former world title challenger Nawaphon Khaikanha (61-4-1, 50 KOs) in July.
From the opening bell, Srisaket imposed his will, pushing the tempo and shutting the gap. True to his model, the southpaw targeted on touchdown laborious left uppercuts to the physique and head, pinning his opponent in opposition to the ropes. Spherical 2 noticed Srisaket on the verge of an early stoppage as he dropped the youthful fighter twice with highly effective pictures. After the second knockdown, Srisaket unleashed a relentless barrage of uppercuts and hooks, leaving many spectators questioning if the referee would possibly step in. Nonetheless, Yurachai managed to outlive the onslaught and regroup.
Within the third spherical, the 30-year-old fighter — counting on his in depth newbie background — made key changes. He started utilizing his footwork and a pointy jab, mixing in test hooks to maintain Srisaket off-balance. Regardless of these efforts, the relentless stress from the veteran proved an excessive amount of. To his credit score, Yurachai, with simply three skilled fights underneath his belt, remained sport all through, even buying and selling on the within with the seasoned former champion.
The gifted Yurachai was capable of land some good pictures throughout the combat. (Picture by Wasim Mather)
After six rounds, all three judges scored the bout 59-54 in favor of Srisaket, giving him the unanimous resolution victory. It had been simply six months since his final look, however on condition that his earlier six fights had taken place each two months, the victory represented one thing of a comeback.
Can Srisaket do it once more? (Picture by Wasim Mather)
Now ranked eighth in The Ring’s junior bantamweight rankings, he has hinted at pursuing a 3rd world title. Addressing rumors of retirement, Srisaket informed the media, “Many individuals thought I would retire as a result of I had been inactive for a number of months. In actuality, I wanted to resolve private issues and plan my enterprise future. Now that every little thing is settled, I’m again in coaching. My coronary heart tells me to show myself as soon as extra. My physique remains to be succesful.”
The undercard featured former world title challenger Danai Ngiabphukhiaw (23-5-1, 12 KOs), who secured a unanimous resolution victory over Thanakon Aonyaem (0-2) in a scheduled six-round bout.
In the primary occasion, Phongsaphon Panyakum (25-2, 11 KOs) efficiently defended his WBC Asia bantamweight title in opposition to India’s Laldingliana (5-2, 4 KOs) in an explosive, back-and-forth battle. Each fighters have been lower and bloodied throughout the continuous motion over 10 rounds, nevertheless it was Panyakum who retained his belt in spite of everything three judges scored the combat in his favor.
Srisaket’s return to the ring has reignited pleasure amongst his followers, with many desperate to see, nevertheless slim the chance could also be, if the 38-year-old can as soon as once more attain the head of the game. As he units his sights on a 3rd world title, the previous champion has made it clear that he nonetheless has a lot left to supply. Whether or not this comeback results in one other reign or just provides to his storied profession, Srisaket stays a formidable drive within the division.
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