BOXING / WBA FLYWEIGHT
Controversial title defeat sparks appeal
KITTIPONG THONGSOMBAT
Denkaosan Kratingdaenggym is going to ask the WBA for a rematch with flyweight champion Takefumi Sakata in Thailand, his manager Naris Singwangcha said yesterday.
The 31-year-old Thai failed to clinch the title after a controversial draw with Japan's Sakata on Sunday, which meant the champion kept hold of his belt.
Denkaosan was set to win a wafer-thin split decision when American referee Mark Nelson took a point off him for holding with 30 seconds left in the final round.
Naris said that his boxer had performed superbly and should have been awarded the match, even with the point deduction.
''I will appeal against the decision and I believe we can get a rematch,'' said Naris.
''I have prepared all the documents, including the scorecards, to show WBA officials.
''I am quite confident the rematch will take place within 90 days.''
He will make a bid of US$140,000 to host the fight in Thailand but is prepared to go to Japan again if the money is right.
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| Thai challenger Denkaosan Kratingdaenggym lands a right uppercut on Japanese champion Takefumi Sakata during their WBA flyweight title match in Saitama on Sunday. — AFP |
''Even if the rematch happens in Japan, Denkaosan can win the fight,'' Naris said.
Naris said the Thai had injured his finger in the fifth round, which affected his performance.
He had knocked Sakata down in the first round but struggled down the stretch as Sakata battled to keep hold of his title.
Denkaosan is ranked second by the WBA behind Japan's Koki Kameda.
Naris is also considering getting Wandee Singwangcha a shot at IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire of the Philippines.
Naris said he has been unable to push Wandee into the frame with the WBC, as champion Daisuke Naito is set for a rematch with Pongsaklek Wonjongkam in the near future.
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Wandee
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Donaire first travels to the USA to defend against Mexico's Luis Maldonado on December 1.
Wandee will meet Fernando Lumacad of the Philippines for the vacant ABCO flyweight title on November 19 at The Mall Bang Kapi, with WBC president Jose Sulaiman set to be at ringside watching the action.
Naris said he hoped Wandee would impress the WBC president and help him get a shot at their belt, which is the one he really wants.
However, if the current situation doesn't improve then Naris said he would go the IBF route.
The main bout on the same day will be women's WBC light-flyweight champion Samson Sor Siriporn defending against Momo Koseki of Japan.
Sulaiman is staying in Thailand to watch the all-Thai WBC strawweight showdown between Eagle Den Janlaphan and Oledong Sithsamerchai on November 29.
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