Wongjongkam aims for 20

Thailand’s Pongsaklek Wongjongkam is aiming to reach the World Boxing Council record of 20 consecutive defences by defending his flyweight title five more times before the end of next year.

A common scene: Wongjongkam after another victory

Pongsaklek, who is unbeaten in over a decade, entered boxing’s Hall of Fame in June after his 15th successive defence and his more promoter Wirat Wachirarattanwong believes the record is within sight.
   
“Pongsaklek plans to make it 20, and he’s in great shape to do it,” Wirat said.
   
“He’s training well, and it’s very possible he can do it before the end of 2007.”

The Thai southpaw will make the first mandatory defence of his belt in three years on Nov. 17 when he faces highly-rated South African Monelisi “Showtime” Myekeni in Nakhon Ratchasima, Pongsaklek’s home town.

Wirat said his fighter was willing to make future defences outside Thailand, despite having previously turned down overseas fights as a gesture of respect to revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is celebrating his Diamond Jubilee this year.
   
Wirat fiercely rejected claims Pongsaklek had dodged big-name fighters in order to cling onto his belt.
   
“The main issue regarding Pongsaklek’s fights is his chances of winning,” he said.
   
“But if he has fought only weak fighters in the past, then I ask his critics to find someone who is matched with him.
   
“If he’s not a good fighter, then why does he always win?”
   
Pongsaklek’s record stands at 62 victories with two losses and 34 knockouts.
   
Myekimi, the number one ranked contender, has a record of 21 wins, eight inside the distance, with two defeats.

Source: Reuters