‘Knockout CP Freshmart’ lives up to his name to defend title

The appropriately named “Knockout CP Freshmart” extended his undefeated record and defended his interim WBA 105-pound title with a fourth-round, stoppage win in Nakhon Ratchasima this afternoon.

In a fight broadcast live in Thailand, Knockout (who confusingly also competes in Muay Thai under the name Newlookrak Excidicalgym) defended the interim title for a second time against undefeated Venezuelan Alexis Diaz.

Having gone the distance in his previous two title fights Knockout had a bit of work to do in order to live up to his adopted first name. The 24-year-old from Surin started off patiently but began to apply pressure in the second stanza as Diaz began backtracking.

By round three Knockout really had the bit between his teeth and was beginning to throw heavy leather, landing hard shots to the body and head. Despite finding himself on the wrong end of a barrage Diaz didn’t seem particularly perturbed until a straight right hand to the body put him down for the count.  

The Venezuelan began the fourth round trying to buy time by hugging and holding but proved powerless to keep Knockout at bay as two right hands to the body followed by a slight shove sent him down for the second time in the fight.

By this stage the end was in sight and Knockout went to work with non stop hooks to the body and head. Diaz was trapped against the ropes and decided to take a knee at which point the referee mercifully decided to wave off the contest in order to save the outmatched South American from further punishment.

The win takes Knockout to 11-0 overall and a unification bout with regular WBA 105-pound champion Hekkie Budler must surely be on the cards for him. Diaz drops to 16-1 after tasting defeat for the first time in his professional career.

It’s been a good week for Thai boxers. On Saturday night Amnat Ruenroeng defended his IBF 112-pound title by beating Johnriel Casimero in Bangkok. He didn’t do it in quite the same emphatic style as Knockout, but won by decision after a match marred by numerous fouls.

Photo: Knockout CP Freshmart