In a fight that tested both heart and experience, Thammanoon Niyomtrong (25-0, 10 KOs), also known as Knockout CP Freshmart, demonstrated why he remains one of Thailand’s most enduring champions. Defending his WBA strawweight title for the 12th time, Niyomtrong faced Australia’s rising star Alex Winwood (4-1, 2 KOs), in a thrilling bout at HBF Stadium in Perth. The Thai champion’s majority decision victory not only extended his unbeaten record but also solidified his legacy as the sport’s longest-reigning titleholder.
After the fight, I had the opportunity to sit down with Niyomtrong’s longtime trainer, former world champion Chatchai Sasakul (63-4-1, 38 KOs), to get his perspective on the champion’s performance.
“Knockout’s last performance, I say he performed 80-90% of his potential because he hasn’t fought in two and a half years, but I think his skill and instinct are still there. For his next fight, everything will be better,” Sasakul shared.
From the start, Winwood, a former Olympian with aspirations to make history by winning a world title in fewer than five fights, showcased his technical prowess. His sharp, fast jab controlled the early rounds, leaving many to wonder if the 33-year-old Niyomtrong’s long layoff had dulled his edge. Winwood’s speed and precision posed real challenges for the Thai fighter, and there was palpable tension in the air as Niyomtrong struggled to find his rhythm.
But champions are built for adversity. By the fourth round, Niyomtrong shook off the ring rust and began working his way inside Winwood’s jab, landing a left hook that signalled a shift in momentum. Sasakul explained the preparation that went into the fight: “For Alex Winwood, we focused a lot on the left hook. Before the fight, I studied Alex Winwood and I had an idea of the strategy.”
Though the shot was controversially ruled a slip, it was clear that Niyomtrong was gaining control. The seventh round proved pivotal when a thunderous punch from Niyomtrong sent Winwood to the canvas. While the Australian managed to survive the round, he was visibly shaken, and the gap in experience between the two fighters became evident.
Winwood fought bravely, even making adjustments in the later rounds, but the relentless pressure from Niyomtrong was too much. Another knockdown in the ninth round all but sealed Winwood’s fate. Despite the young challenger’s heart, Niyomtrong’s years of experience and superior ringcraft carried him to a well-earned majority decision (114-112, 114-112, 113-113).
Sasakul praised Winwood’s potential, saying that “Winwood has a good style because of his amateur background. Alex is fast, but from what I see, he doesn’t have that much power. If he can improve this, I think he will be a future world champion.”
This win was more than just another title defense for Niyomtrong. It was a statement. Fighting outside of Thailand for only the second time, he proved that even after a long layoff, he remains a formidable champion on the global stage. For Thai boxing, which has seen its presence in the lower weight divisions diminish in recent years, this victory serves as a beacon of hope.
Sasakul emphasized the importance of this victory for Thailand: “In Thailand, we only have one world champion—Knockout—and he worked hard before the fight. This fight was good for Thailand, everything is hard work.”
Niyomtrong’s triumph is also a reminder of the rich boxing tradition in Thailand, a nation that has produced legends like Khaosai Galaxy (47-1, 41 KOs) and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (57-6-1, 46 KOs). With young talents such as Petch CP Freshmart (76-1, 53 KOs) and Anuchai CPF (16-0, 7 KOs) on the rise, Niyomtrong’s performance signals that Thailand’s era of boxing dominance is far from over.
What’s Next for Niyomtrong?
Now rated at No. 2 by The Ring Magazine in the strawweight (105 lbs) division, Niyomtrong has firmly established himself as the division’s king. With his recent successful defense against Winwood, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for the undefeated Thai champion?
A potential unification bout could be on the horizon. Niyomtrong has cleared out many challengers during his WBA reign, but unifying the titles would cement his legacy as the undisputed champion. Possible unification fights include Pedro Taduran (17-4-1, 13 KOs), the former IBF champion from the Philippines known for his relentless pressure and knockout power; Melvin Jerusalem (22-3, 12 KOs), the current WBC champion and a tough, durable fighter who would pose a tactical challenge; and Oscar Collazo (10-0, 7 KOs), the undefeated Puerto Rican sensation and WBO champion. Collazo, who is currently rated No. 1 by The Ring, is seen as Niyomtrong’s biggest potential rival, and a fight between the two would determine who is truly the best in the 105-lb division. With both fighters undefeated and holding prestigious titles, this showdown could crown the undisputed champion of the strawweight division.
However, when asked about moving up to the 108-lb division, Sasakul was less optimistic: “I think it’s too late because he is 34 years old. It’s too late to go up. Maybe at 105, we will try to keep the belt longer.”
A unification bout with any of these champions would not only bring prestige to the division but also provide Niyomtrong with a golden opportunity to cement his legacy. Whether it’s Taduran’s aggression, Jerusalem’s durability, or Collazo’s power, Niyomtrong’s next move could shape the future of the strawweight division.
Regardless of the challenge ahead, Sasakul remains focused: “We will keep trying, and I’m happy if I have more world champions.”
