CHON BURI - Knockout CP Freshmart comfortably retained his WBA minimumweight title with a TKO win over Japanese challenger Go Odaira on Wednesday.
The Thai stopped the Japanese in the fifth round to extend his unbeaten run to 15 wins with five knockouts.
In his second defence of the 105-pound crown, Knockout had few problems against the 32-year-old challenger.
Odaira suffered an eight count in the fourth round after the champion landed a series of punches.
Knockout finally stopped the Japanese fighter 1.07 minutes into the fifth round.
The 26 year-old champion said after the bout he was happy with the victory and that he fought according to his plan.
"This win boosts my confidence and I am now ready to fight overseas," he said.
"I am happy with the result and my performance."
Following his third unsuccessful attempt to win a world title, Odaira admitted that Knockout was much too strong for him.
Odaira now has a record of 13 wins (1KO), six losses and three draws.
He failed to claim the WBC minimumweight title last year when he was stopped, also in the fifth round, by Thai champion Wanheng Menayothin.
Knockout's manager Piyarat Wachirarattanawong praised his boxer's performance.
"This win proves he is ready to fight abroad. It is highly likely that his next fight will be in Japan,'' he said.
"We have already had talks with a Japanese camp. It is likely that Knockout will fight a Japanese challenger in Japan this year."
The promoter also said he hoped boxers from his Petchyindee camp will win more world titles.
Knockout and Wanheng, who is also promoted by the Petchyindee camp, are Thailand's only two current world champions.
Also on Wednesday, Thai boxer Noknoi Sitthiprasert, or Noknoi CP Freshmart, beat compatriot Kaenpetch Sitmuangkarn in a warm-up bout.
Noknoi will face WBA flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka in Japan next month.