Thammanoon Niyomtrong needed two knockdowns to outpoint Alex Winwood
Thammanoon Niyomtrong, also known as Knockout CP Freshmart, retained his WBA minimumweight title with mixed decision victory over Australian star Alex Winwood in Perth on September 7.
It was the long-reigning champion’s 12th title defence and he needed two knockdowns to gain an edge on the scorecards.
Winwood was challenging for the world title in just his fifth fight but was dropped in rounds seven and nine.
The scorecards were 114-112 twice for Niyomtrong and one even at 113-113.
The 33-year-old titleholder started slowly but grew into the contest, getting stronger with each passing round. The younger challenger was quicker and started brightly, taking most of the opening rounds.
Niyomtrong scored a heavy knockdown in round seven, which Winwood did really well to get back up and make it through the rest of the round.
In the ninth, Niyomtrong’s strong right hand caused a second knockdown and from there he took over the rest of the action.
Niyomtrong is the longest reigning male world champion having held his WBA bauble since 2016.