In a fight that tested both heart and experience, Thammanoon Niyomtrong (25-0, 10 KOs), also known as Knockout CP Freshmart, showed why he remains one of Thailand’s most enduring champions. Defending his WBA strawweight title for the 12th time, Niyomtrong faced rising Australian star Alex Winwood (4-1, 2 KOs) in a thrilling fight at HBF Stadium in Perth. The Thai champion’s majority decision victory not only extended his unbeaten record, but also cemented his legacy as the longest reigning champion in the sport.
After the fight, I had the opportunity to speak with Niyomtrong’s longtime trainer, former world champion Chatchai Sasakul (63-4-1, 38 KOs), to get his perspective on the champion’s performance.
“Knockout’s last performance, I would say he showed 80-90% of his potential because he hasn’t fought for two and a half years, but I think his skills and instincts are still there. In his next fight, everything will be better,” Sasakul shared.
From the outset, Winwood, a former Olympian with aspirations of making history by winning a world title in less than five fights, showed his technical ability. His edged, quick punches controlled the early rounds, leaving many wondering whether the 33-year-old Niyomtrong’s long layoff had eroded his advantage. Winwood’s speed and precision posed a real challenge for the Thai fighter, and there was a palpable tension in the air as Niyomtrong struggled to find his rhythm.
But champions are built to withstand adversity. In the fourth round, Niyomtrong shook off his ring rust and began to get inside Winwood’s jab, landing a left hook that signaled a change in dynamics. Sasakul explained the preparations for the fight: “With Alex Winwood, we focused mainly on the left hook. Before the fight, I studied Alex Winwood and had an idea of a strategy.”
Although the punch was controversially ruled a slip, it was clear that Niyomtrong was taking control. The seventh round proved pivotal when a powerful punch from Niyomtrong sent Winwood to the floor. Although the Australian managed to survive the round, he was visibly shaken, and the difference in experience between the two fighters became obvious.
Winwood fought bravely, even making adjustments in the later rounds, but Niyomtrong’s constant pressure was too much. Another knockdown in the ninth round all but sealed Winwood’s fate. Despite the newborn contender’s heart, Niyomtrong’s years of experience and his excellent ring skills led him to a well-deserved majority decision (114-112, 114-112, 113-113).
Sasakul praised Winwood’s potential, saying that “Winwood has a good style because of his amateur background. Alex is rapid, but from what I see, he doesn’t have that much power. If he can improve that, I think he’ll be a future world champion.”
The victory was more than just another title defense for Niyomtrong. It was a statement. Fighting outside Thailand for the second time, he proved that even after a long layoff, he remains a formidable champion on the international stage. For Thai boxing, whose presence in the lower weight classes has waned in recent years, the victory is a beacon of hope.
Sasakul emphasized the importance of this victory for Thailand: “In Thailand, we only have one world champion – Knockout – and he worked challenging before the fight. This fight was good for Thailand, everything is challenging work.”
Niyomtrong’s triumph is also a reminder of the affluent boxing tradition in Thailand, a country that has produced legends like Khaosai Galaxy (47-1, 41 KOs) and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (57-6-1, 46 KOs). With newborn talents like Petch CP Freshmart (76-1, 53 KOs) and Anuchai CPF (16-0, 7 KOs) on the rise, Niyomtrong’s performance signals that Thailand’s era of dominance in boxing is far from over.
What’s next for Niyomtrong?
Currently ranked #2 by The Ring Magazine in the 105-pound strawweight division, Niyomtrong has firmly established himself as the king of the division. After his recent successful defense against Winwood, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for the undefeated Thai champion?
A potential unification fight could be on the horizon. Niyomtrong has defeated numerous contenders during his WBA reign, but a unification of the titles would solidify his legacy as the undisputed champion. Possible unification fights include Pedro Taduran (17-4-1, 13 KOs), a former IBF champion from the Philippines known for his relentless pressure and knockout power; Melvin Jerusalem (22-3, 12 KOs), the current WBC champion and a tough, hard-wearing fighter who would pose a tactical challenge; and Oscar Collazo (10-0, 7 KOs), an undefeated Puerto Rican sensation and WBO champion. Collazo, who is currently ranked No. 1 by The Ring, is considered Niyomtrong’s biggest potential rival, and a fight between the two will decide who is truly the best in the 105-pound division. Both fighters are undefeated and hold prestigious titles, so this fight could determine the undisputed strawweight champion.
But when asked about moving up to 108 pounds, Sasakul was less positive: “I think it’s too behind schedule because he’s 34. It’s too behind schedule to move up. Maybe at 105, we’ll try to keep the belt longer.”
A unification fight with any of these champions would not only bring prestige to the division, but would also provide Niyomtrong with a golden opportunity to cement his legacy. Whether it’s Taduran’s aggression, Jerusalem’s toughness, or Collazo’s power, Niyomtrong’s next move could shape the future of the strawweight division.
Regardless of the challenge ahead, Sasakul remains focused: “We will keep trying and I will be joyful if I can win more world championships.”
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