By Miguel Rivera
Chonburi (Southeast of Bangkok), Thailand - Wanheng Menayothin (36-0, 12 KOs) captured the WBC minimumweight championship with a stoppage of Oswaldo “Gallito” Novoa (14-5-1, 9 KOs) of Mexico, after the defending champion was unable to come out for the tenth round of action.
It was a tough, grueling fight that both boxers fought in close quarters. After eight rounds of action, the WBC's official scoring showed a draw on one card with a 76-76 tally and two cards, 75-77 and 73-79, in favor of Menayothin.
During the ninth round, an overhand right hurt Novoa and nearly sent him down. There was some who felt the champion never recovered from the punches he took in that round and others who believe he was too physically exhausted to continue between the pace and the weather.
