February 11, 2000
SAMUT SAKORN, THAILAND-Mexican switch-hitter JOSE ANTONIO AGUIRRE, 104
1/2, wrested the WBC minimumweight title as he was awarded a majority
decision over Thailand's WANDEE SINGWANGCHA (previously fighting as
Wandee Chor Chareon), 103 1/2, over 12 close rounds.
Scored-Tony Perez (US) 115-113 and Barbara Perez (US) 116-112, both for the Mexican, and Marty Sammon (US) 114-114. Referee was David Chung (Korea).
The WBC top ranked Aguirre took the initiative by utilizing his superior height and reach from the outset. He was pressing the action in earlier rounds, but showed a sign of fatigue in the second half.
Wandee, who acquired the WBC interim title by beating Japan-based Taiwanese Rocky Lin by a hairline verdict in Yokohama in Aug., 1998, retaliated to win back points in later rounds. But his aggression was a bit too late to overcome his early deficit on points.
The newly crowed Aguirre improved his ledger to 23-1-1, 14 KOs. Wandee dropped to 26-4, 7 KOs.
Ex-WBC light fly champ SAMAN SORJATURONG appeared for the first time since his forfeiture of the title to Yosam Choi in Korea, and finished Filipino ROGELIO LAPIAN (this boxer's correct spelling to be checked later) in the third round.
Promoter: Sahasombhop Srisomvongse.
WBC supervisor: Frank Quill (Australia).
(2-11-00)