WBC Light-Welterweight Champion - Saensak Muangsurin had a signed contract with Don King, for an October 21, 1978 date, and the bout to be fought in Puerto Rico. The opponent, former WBC Lightweight Champion, Esteban De Jesus. Saensak Muangsurin, the 28 year-old southpaw Champion from Thailand, a former Muay Thai Champion, turned professional boxer. The WBC Light-Welterweight Champion, at 13-1-0 (10 KO's) was looking for a 'big fight' in the 8th defense of his Championship crown, in his 'second reign'. Esteban De Jesus had moved up to Light-Welterweight (140 lbs.), following his 'brutal loss' to Roberto Duran in January 1978. The Puerto Rican, with a record of 53-4-0 (28 KO's), was still a 'high quality challenger'. But at 27 years-old, the 5' 4 1/2" Esteban would be at a disadvantage versus the 5' 7 1/2" southpaw Champion, and Saensak would also have a 4" reach advantage, and a significant power advantage. For Saensak Muangsurin, it would have been his first bout in North America, and a chance to show off his 'incredible' power in his 'hard left fist'. For the 'boxer-puncher warrior' Esteban De Jesus, a chance to rise to the top of the WBC 140 lb. division, and a possible rematch with the other Light-Welterweight Champion - WBA Antonio Cervantes.
But at 27 years-old, the 5' 4 1/2" Esteban would be at a disadvantage versus the 5' 7 1/2" southpaw Champion, and Saensak would also have a 4" reach advantage, and a significant power advantage. I didn't realize De Jesus was so short. Arquello at Ltweight / Jr Welter would have easily reached him with right hand bombs.
Longhorn71 I have no PM space feel free to send me a public message or ask me in the forum whatever it is you have to tell me, unless it's a particularly sensitive issue :good
The height and reach advantage for Saensak Muangsurin would be the difference here. And the high temperature in Puerto Rico would not effect the Thai fighter, as he was accustomed to fighting in 'crazy' high temperature climates. The shorter Esteban would outwork the Saensak over the first 5-rounds, as Muangsurin usually fought a 'slow pace' early. But by Round 7, as Esteban would start to straighten up, and he would fall into the Champion's puching zone. While trying to reach the taller Champion, Esteban would expose himself to Saensak's hard body punches. And after absorbing a few 'muscle turning to butter' mid-section punches, Esteban's legs would start to go. By Round 10, the long straight 'hard left fist' would take its toll on the Puerto Rican. Saensak by TKO 11. [url] This content is protected [/url]
