By Jake Donovan

Wanheng Menayothin made the first successful defense of his strawweight title outpointing Jeffrey Galero over 12 rounds Thursday afternoon in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand.

Final scores were not announced. 

Menayothin (37-0, 12KOs) used the opening round as a feel-'em out session, as Galero offered lateral movement to keep the champion off balance, if not stay out of harm's way. The visiting Filipino would soon have his hands full, as Menayothin began to close the distance and turn a boxing match into the fight. 

Galero's face soon told the tale of the punishment absorbed. After a competitive round two, Menayothin took over the fight, save for a stretch where he slowed down enough in the middle rounds to reload for a strong finish. 

The win marked the first defense of the strawweight title Menayothin won at home in a 9th round knockout of Oswaldo Novoa just three months ago. 

Conversely, the night was a series of new experiences for Galero (11-0, 5KOs)- suffering his first loss as a pro, and also fighting for a title and outside of Philippines for the first time in his young career.

The bout aired live on Channel 7 in Thailand, and also streamed live on its website.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox