By Mark Vester
In a stunning upset, Japan's Daisuke Naito (31-2-2, 20KOs) won a unanimous decision over Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (65-3, 34KOs) to win the WBC flyweight title, ending Pongsaklek's 56-bout win streak, which included 17 defenses of the WBC title that began in July 1996. Naito avenges two previous knockout losses to the Thai champion.
Two American judges had it 115-113 and 116-113, and the Filipino judge scored it 116-113.
Naito simply outboxed Wonjongkam, but planned to retire had he lost.
"I just fought without thinking anything else and I wasn't sure of winning or losing. I was suddenly tired in the ninth round, but I managed to keep fighting. I was determined to retire if I had lost," said Naito.
Wonjongkam was humble in defeat, vowing to keep fighting.
"I admit I was beaten today. In any sports, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Naito was the same boxer when I fought him before, except now he was mentally stronger," said Pongsaklek. "It's disappointing to lose the title, but I'm going to keep fighting in this class for three more years.
