WBC champion Wanheng Menayothin successfully defended his title with a ninth-round knockout win over South Korea's Bae Young-Gil in Chon Buri yesterday.
Thailand's Wanheng Menayothin knocks out South Korea's Bae Young-Gil.
The 30-year-old Maha Sarakham fighter, who won the title from Oswaldo Novoa last November, registered his 15th KO in 40 wins and remained unbeaten.
Bae, 36, suffered his fifth loss against 26 wins and one draw.
The Thai needed only a draw against Bae to retain the 105-pound belt after the South Korean failed to make weight on Monday.
Promoter Piyarat Wachirarattanawong said he was satisfied with Wanheng's performance.
"I am happy with not only his win but also his style,'' he said.
"He fights like former champion Chatchai Sasakul and is better in terms of punching power. He does not have a weight problem so he should be able to fight in this division for a long time."
Piyarat said his boxer would next fight a Japanese challenger.
In Japan, IBF minimumweight champion Katsunari Takayama of Japan said yesterday that he will make his third title defence on New Year's Eve against Mexican Jose Argumedo.
In London, Britain's former world heavyweight champion David Haye will make his comeback in a London fight against Australia's Mark de Mori in January, he announced yesterday.
Haye, 35, last fought in July 2012 when he beat compatriot Dereck Chisora, but withdrew from proposed bouts against Manuel Charr and Tyson Fury the following year due to injury.
The smooth-talking Londoner was advised to retire by surgeons after undergoing shoulder surgery, but will now make his return against 33-year-old De Mori at the O2 Arena on January 16.
"I'm so happy to be able to step back through the ropes and back into the ring," Haye told a press conference at the fight venue.
"I've always set the bar high in my career. Please sit back and get ready for another fun-fuelled heavyweight campaign to the very top.' Bangkok Post/agencies