Chon Buri: WBA minimumweight champion Knockout CP Freshmart retained the title with a unanimous decision against Toto Landero of the Philippines yesterday.

The Thai was the better boxer throughout the 12-round bout at a makeshift ring outside the provincial hall of this eastern province.

The challenger kept backpedalling but the champion could not finish him off.

Following the dull contest, the three judges scored it 119-110, 115-113, 117-111 in favour of the local star.

It was the fifth defence of the title for the Surin native, who extended his unbeaten record to 17 wins (7KOs), while Landero dropped to 10-2-2 (2KOs).

"My performance was not very good. I will learn from the mistakes I made in this fight and improve my skills,'' said the 27-year-old title-holder.

"I promise to do better next time."

His promoter Piyarat Wachirarattanawong and trainer Chatchai Sasakul admitted that Knockout looked rusty as his previous bout took place last July.

"Knockout looked sluggish and he has to improve his attack," Chatchai said.

However, he said he was also to blame for his imprudent tactics. "I did not think Landero would run so much,'' he said.

Piyarat said it is highly likely that Knockout, whose real name is Thammanoon Niyomtrong, will next fight Xiong Chaozhong in China.

Knockout is one of Thailand's three current world boxing champion along with WBC super-flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and WBC minimumweight title-holder Wanheng Menayothin.

IN OTHER NEWS: Saul "Baby" Juarez and Gilberto "Yaqui" Parras went face to face for the first time leading up to there highly anticipated WBC Jr Flyweight title clash this Friday from Blackberry Auditorio in Mexico City, Mexico.

The two met in the traditional "Martes de Cafe" hosted by the World Boxing Council were the fighters and media gather to talk about upcoming title bouts. On Hand were CEO of Producciones Deportivas Ricardo Maldonado Jr, WBC representative Victor Cota, WBC Silver Champion Gilberto Parras, and former World Title contender Saul Juarez.

Saul "Baby" Juarez(23-7-1 12KO's) from Mexico City, Mexico had a few words for his fellow country man Parras stating "We are ready to demonstrate that baby juarez is not yet finished despite past performances" he added " On Friday night Parras will not use me as a stepping stone and everyone watching will see a rejuvenated Baby Juarez".