Wanheng Menayothin-Young Kil Bae Set, 6/2 In Thailand
Apr 29, 2015 • 3:32 AM ET
By Jake Donovan
Wanheng Menayothin is prepared to make the second defense of his strawweight title. The unbeaten Thai boxer will return June 2 at a yet-to-be announced location in Thailand versus South Korea’s Young Kil Bae (nee Myung Goo Yuh).
Confirmation of the opponent was first reported by our friends at AsianBoxing.info.
Menayothin (37-0, 12KOs) claimed his first major title with a rousing 9th round stoppage of Oswaldo Novoa last November. The 29-year old—who turned pro in 2007—is coming off of a 12-round decision win over previously unbeaten but overmatched Jeffrey Galero in February.
Bae (26-4-1, 21KOs) comes in riding a 17-fight win streak—all by knockout—but entirely comprised of nondescript competition. The upcoming title fight will mark his 7th straight appearance in Thailand, and already his fourth fight of 2015.
The selection of Bae is an odd one, considering that the 35-year shows no history of fighting at strawweight, or—at 5’5”—comfortably able to make the weight. His last fight was for a regional flyweight title, with most of his bouts taking place at 108 lbs. and above. He is ranked at 108 lbs. by the World Boxing Council (WBC), who recognizes Menayothin as its 105 lb. champion.
Assuming he wins, the bout the will likely serve as Menayothin’s final permitted optional defense before satisfying mandatory obligations.
Denver Cuello remains the leading candidate but awaits his marching orders for a showdown with Panama’s Carlos Ortega. The two were due to meet in a final eliminator, but talks were delayed after Cuello suffered injuries from a motorcycle accident earlier this year. The veteran southpaw from Philippines has since recovered and is back in training.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
