Philippines, 03 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Norihito Tanaka Arrives in Thailand, Aims to Dethrone WBC 105 World Champ Panya Pradabsri


PhilBoxing.com



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.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Allan Villanueva vs. Jyl Wright Headlines Peter Maniatis Event in Melbourne Oct. 3
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • BUSTAMANTE AND JONES NAMED CAPTAINS FOR REYES CUP 2025
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • Mike Tyson Joins BoltBetz as Strategic Investor and Promotional Partner to Usher in a New Era of Cashless Gaming
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • BOXING LEGEND MANNY PACQUIAO LAUNCHES “MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS” IN THE UNITED STATES
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • BOOTS HUNTING THE BIG FISH AT 154LBS
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • IBA Unveils Historic 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships as Part of a Spectacular Two-Week ‘Festival of Boxing’ in Dubai with Unprecedented $8 Million Prize Pool
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • Final Bell for 2025 USA Boxing National Open Event National Open Event Concludes with 1,870 Registered Participants in Tulsa, Oklahoma
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 15: JOE FRAZIER’S PROFESSIONAL CAREER
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • World Boxing relocates Congress 2025 to Rome
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Behind the WBC Boxing Grand Prix
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • JOHANN CHUA BEGINS TITLE DEFENCE AGAINST IVICA PUTNIK AS DRAW CONFIRMED FOR 2025 HANOI OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
    , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • CUBAN FUTURE CHAMPIONS YOENLI HERNANDEZ, ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI & GUSTAVO TRUJILLO HEADLINE ‘FISTS OF FURY 8’
    , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • USA Boxing Finishes Canada Duel Undefeated
    , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • Dana White Seeks to Make Significant Changes in the World Boxing
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 29 September 2025: Ferreira Retains IBF 135 Belt by Outpointing Moneo; Clavel Dethrones IBF 105 Champ Cudos
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Canelo Alvarez Facing Extended Layoff After Crawford Loss; Surgery Confirms Injury Rumors
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Dante Stone is last American standing in Inaugural WBC Grand Prix
    , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Age Defying Triumph: At Age 50 Toshihiko Era Wins World Title
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • TKO and Zuffa Boxing sign streaming agreement with Paramount
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Boxing Ephemera, Pacquiao’s Mouthguard, and the Meaning of It All
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • A turning point for global sport: IBA President Umar Kremlev and Donald Trump Jr join forces
    , Mon, 29 Sep 2025
  • Rosia captures PBF super fly title
    , Mon, 29 Sep 2025
  • Tancontians starred 2025 Sports Heroes Night
    , Mon, 29 Sep 2025
  • “Thrilla” guest list
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 28 Sep 2025
  • Why Do So Many Boxers Play eGames?
    , Sun, 28 Sep 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.