Amnat eyes comeback in heavier division

Amnat eyes comeback in heavier division

Johnriel Casimero sends Amnat Ruenroeng to the canvas. reuters
Johnriel Casimero sends Amnat Ruenroeng to the canvas. reuters

Thailand's Amnat Ruenroeng, who was dethroned as the IBF champion in China on Wednesday, is contemplating a move up to the heavier super flyweight division.

The Thai failed in his sixth title defence of his 112-pound belt when he was stopped in the fourth round by top challenger Johnriel Casimero in the mandatory fight.

While many see this to be the end of Amnat's professional career, the 36-year-old, however, is still hungry for success and determined to stage a comeback.

"It is too hard for me to fight in this weight category because I am a bit old now," said Amnat, who suffered his first loss in 18 fights on Wednesday.

"I still want to continue fighting but I need to move up to the 115-pound division."

His manager Ekkarat Chaichotchuan confirmed that he would continue managing the Thai boxer.

"Definitely, I will continue to work with him. I want to give him another chance," said Ekkarat.

"He might move up to the 115-pound division because prior to his title defence [against Casimero], he had problems in making the weight limit."

The manager admitted that he was shocked to see the Thai lose so early in the fight because he had started quite well.

"The first time, he was floored by a very quick and powerful left hook to his chin and the second one to his body was too tough to handle," he said.

The victory for Casimero was a sweet revenge for his controversial loss to Amnat in Bangkok a year ago and it also gave him his second world title.

The 26-year-old Filipino is a former IBF junior flyweight title champion and his victory over Amnat has improved his record to 22 wins with 14 knockouts against three losses.

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