January 19, 2008
TOKYO, JAPAN
WBC flyweight champ Daisuke Naito (32-2-2, 20 KOs), Japan, will face ex-titlist Pongsaklek Wonjongkam Kratingdaeg-gym (67-3, 35 KOs), a Thai southpaw, for the fourth time with his belt at stake at the Ryogoku Sumo Arena in Tokyo, Japan, on March 8.
The 33-year-old Naito, now a national hero by defeating flamboyant big-mouth Daiki Kameda in his initial defense last October, will risk his throne against the formidable ex-champ who had polished off in just 34 seconds of the first round in their first encounter in Thailand. Naito lost to Pongsaklek again in his second attempt to win the belt in October 2005, when the Thai lefty was awarded a unanimous technical decision over the bloodied Japanese in seven. All castigated Naito’s third shot at the same champ, but he decked an unexpected and unbelievable victory to dethrone the champ, who wasn’t in a tip-top shape due to his failure to properly make the weight probably because of his understandable overconfidence.
Naito, Japan’s Boxer of the Year for 2007, will have to prove it wasn’t a fluke by defeating the younger Thailander, 30, in their fourth encounter. As his lucrative encounter with WBA#1/WBC#3 unbeaten compatriot Koki Kameda is anticipated in the near future, the workman stylist must have his second defense successful, hopefully.
(1-19-08)