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Philippines, 20 Feb 2026 |
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Norihito Tanaka Arrives in Thailand, Aims to Dethrone WBC 105 World Champ Panya Pradabsri By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Mon, 29 Aug 2022  Team Tanaka at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport. BANGKOK, Thailand — Japanese challenger Norihito Tanaka (20-8, 10 KO’s) of the Misako Boxing Gym in Tokyo has landed in Bangkok, Thailand, ahead of his title rumble against Thai WBC Minimumweight World Champion Panya Pradabsri a.k.a. Petchmanee CP Freshmart (38-1, 23 KO’s), this coming Wednesday, August 31, in Korat, Kingdom of Thailand. Fearless and confident, Tanaka was seen at the airport proudly carrying his Hinomaru Japanese National Flag, feeling honored to battle for his country in boxing in a world title match. The clash of the titans will be the 3rd title defense for the skilled 31-year-old Panya Pradabsri (world's best minimumweight by BoxRec), who claimed the WBC minimumweight crown in November of 2020 by edging via unanimous decision then unbeaten 54-0 king Wanheng Menayothin (a.k.a. Chayaphol Moonsri) and decisioning him again in their rematch. At the same time, the contest will be the 2nd world title chance for the 37-year-old Norihito Tanaka who would do anything to become a champion of the world. Two years ago, the aggressive, coming forward Norihito Tanaka tried to dethrone reigning WBA Minimumweight Super Champion Niyomtrong Thammanoon (24-0, 9 KO’s), losing via unanimous decision by wide margins. Then, what will happen to Tanaka’s next world title shot on Wednesday? Will he succeed? That’s what we have to find out. Interestingly enough, according to statistical data from the JBC, no Japanese challenger has ever dethroned a Thai world champion in Thailand. That has never happened in boxing history. There have been 26 attempts since Japanese legend Fighting Harada lost his WBA Flyweight Belt in Thailand in 1963. Since that historic defeat, there had never been a single win for a Japanese challenger in any regular world title fights of any sanctioning body in the Kingdom of Thailand. Not even one. Just one draw, and that’s it. Numbers are a shocking reality, taking into account the fantastically awesome quality of Japanese fighters. So, the question for you is this: “With such an adverse record for Japanese challengers fighting Thai world champions in Thailand, does challenger Norihito Tanaka stand a winning chance?” Can statistics like this one help you make up your mind on guessing what boxer could win a fight, or there’s even more to the story? One fact, however, must remain crystal clear to all who love with boxing: “In boxing anything can happen.” Absolutely. And we have seen that truth repeat itself, dropping out jaws time and time again. Right? So let’s watch and see who wins Wednesday, if Panya or Norihito... and may the best man win. Luckily for all, especially the boxers, the referee in charge for “Panya Pradabsri vs Norihito Tanaka” will be experienced WBC referee Malcom Bulner of Melbourne, Australia, who has already arrived in the Land of Smiles. Bulner has been a third man since 1970. The panel of WBC judges include Dr. Thawuth Pluemsamran of Thailand and Hisatoshi Miyazaki of Wakayama, Japan The world title show unfolding August 31 is a production of Thailand’s legendary boxing outfit Petchyindee Boxing Promotions. The author veteran boxing writer Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.  |
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