Pankorn, Sirimongkol Claim Knockout Win In Thailand

By James Goyder

Pankorn Singwangcha won the ABF 140 lbs title with a stoppage win over Chinese light welterweight Hi Li Fu, who didn’t come out for the ninth round of their main event Wednesday afternoon in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Pankorn made a blistering start and landed a right hook to the cheek of his southpaw early in the opening round. The punch caused immediate swelling, but the more telling blow came seconds later as a right cross floored Li Fu for the first time in the fight.

Moments later, the Chinese southpaw was down again, barely beating the count but managing to survive the round. He fared far better in rounds two and three, but was badly hurt by a body attack in round four. 

At some point, a clash of heads opened up a small cut above Pankorn’s right eye. The Thai fighter—who was able to us his head movement to easily evade the punches of Fu—slowed down at that point, content to cruise to a decision win. 

That changed in round eight, when a two-fisted attack left Li Fu bruised and batter, the evidence worn across his face. The damage was enough to convince his corner to not allow the boxer to come out for the 9th round. 

Pankorn moves to 5-2-1 with the win, while Fu drops to 1-1.

The co-main event of the card saw faded former world champion Sirimongkol Singwangcha (83-2) score a somewhat predictable third round KO win over outmatched American school teacher Jacob Martinez (0-1).

Both bouts aired live on Channel 11 in Thailand.