Wonjongkam ~vs~ Naito

Those names look really alike :nut

In response to the author, I have all 4 fights. The first...well there is not much to say about that. Naito was inexperienced...went to Thailand...got KO'd by the Thai, the quickest ever KO in a flyweight title fight.

The second fight was more competitive, but Wonjongkam had the extra edge in class. He opened up a cut, I think it was a head clash if I recall early in the fight. Naito tried really hard but it wasn't enough, it was stopped in round 7 for the cut with the Thai leading on the cards.

At this point it seemed kinda weird to have fight # 3 considering Naito hadn't really been competetive so far. Maybe the doubts about the cut and the good money they are earning got the fight. Naito was of course a big underdog considering Wonjongkam hadn't lost for 10 years with so many defences.

This was a war. It was really will and desire over technique...Naito just threw the kitchen sink and more. He cut Wonjongkam from a punch. I think Wonjongkam took his foot after the gas and thought he would get another easy night whereas Naito just fought like a crazyman windmilling punches from every angle. He had some bad moments too, but did enough to get a fair decision in my eyes.

The fourth...you can see for yourself. Very good close fight.

I doubt it will be the last somehow...

 

You're a tad confused:

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Pong is well past his prime these days and should be on his way out shortly. He was an excellent southpaw technician at his best, but like most of the Thai's, has opted to stay and fight in his home country. Rarely do they do otherwise, it's not out of disrespect or "ducking" another fighter/fighters, just largely customary, though there have been exceptions.

I don't think he rates among the best ever Fly's though, or even among the best of the Thai crop. Just outside of that class for me, but still a very good fighter. Here's some of the man at his best:

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Many of those mid level Thai fighters (current or former national champions) consistently fight outside of Thailand, usually in Japan and the Philippines, sometimes in Indonesia.

It's those "star" Thai boxers who very rarely fight outside of their home turf.

I've seen many green, inexperienced Filipino boxers with few fights or losing records, be flown into Thailand to face a Wongjongkam type champion, and get severely battered. A couple of them died because of head trauma and because of the physical punishment they got, a few years back.

I think the Thais do that often because it's like a paid sparring session for their beloved champ. An easy, stay busy fight, and he gets to get paid well, and the fans can see him fight.

 

not the same guy

 

Ive seen all 4 fights...Good watching two contrasting styles have it out but as mentioned Pong was past his best by that stage.

Cant really add to much to the thread that hasnt already been said but I personally thought he was the best flyweight since TooSharp, though the division wasnt exactly teaming with talent during his reign..He was a well schooled technician, as sound defensively as anyone in the division at the time and quite tough aswell. I would have picked him over Arce, especially if he fought him in Thailand or in neutral venue like Japan..Also would have him beating Morel, flyweight Montiel, probably Pacheco, Parra and Sakata..I think he could beat Darchinyan..though the way Vic demolished Mijares makes me think it would be a very tough fight for Pong.

Catch his fight with Hussein, it was a good one..A top contender who pushed him all the way but Pong had an answer for everything ..Hussy was a versatile fighter..he could box and brawl and he tried both against Pong , even a little bit of dirty stuff here and there aswell but nothing could unhinge Wonjongkam. Though he reportedly had trouble making the weight (it took him 2 or maybe even 3 tries to make the weight in the end) its still one of his prime performances.

Its a shame he never showcased his skills out of Asia but he was well liked at home and seem to make some good coin fighting there, so who could blame him...His less then stellar resume will count against him in the end but H2H a tricky fight for all but the top tier fighters at the weight alltime.

 

wasn't he going to fight miagi in karate kid 3??then they made up??? but larusso beat his student

 

No, that was Sithchatchawal.