In a thrilling evening for boxing enthusiasts in Thailand, the clash between Panya Pradabsri, known as Petchmanee CP Freshmart, and Carlos Canizales for the vacant WBC light-flyweight title will likely be remembered as one of the year’s most contentious bouts. With tenacity and grit displayed by both fighters over the span of twelve rounds, fans were treated to an exhilarating fight that culminated in a deeply controversial majority decision that favored the home fighter, Pradabsri.
His victory—scored 116-112, 115-113, and 114-114—was met with immediate backlash from the audience, underscoring the general consensus among spectators and analysts alike that Canizales had been denied a fair outcome. As the rounds unfolded, it became increasingly clear that Canizales not only landed more significant and damaging punches but also showcased superior boxing skills throughout the contest.
The bout was characterized by high-intensity exchanges, with both fighters demonstrating exceptional heart and resilience. Canizales, a seasoned veteran from Venezuela, came forward relentlessly, making his punches count and exhibiting a sharpness that had the crowd buzzing. He opted for aggression, throwing a diverse array of punches targeting both the head and the body, which not only kept Pradabsri on the defensive but also had audiences buzzing with excitement.
Round eleven proved pivotal, where Canizales landed a barrage of right-hand punches, clearly showing his control over the exchanges. During this pivotal moment, a clash of heads only served to underscore the chaos and intensity of the confrontation, leading to speculative comments about the judging. Remarkably, Pradabsri’s habit of raising his arms in triumph after each round further fueled debate, especially when he had visibly suffered during exchanges.
Despite these troubling signs, Pradabsri’s determination shone through, as he valiantly fought until the final bell—exemplifying the heart and spirit that boxing requires. However, it leads to the disheartening conclusion that the outcome seemed unduly influenced by the home advantage, as his age (33 years) and visible facial damage by the end of the match contrasted sharply with Canizales’ performance and preserved vigor.
Following the bout, Pradabsri’s record improved to an impressive 44-2 with 27 knockouts, marking his return as a two-time world champion after having previously held the WBC mini-flyweight title from 2020 to 2023. Conversely, Canizales found himself on the losing end, with his professional record slipping to 27-3-1 with 19 knockouts—a bitter outcome for a fighter who had given everything in the ring.
This controversy inevitably raises questions about the integrity and transparency of boxing judging, especially in scenarios where fighters compete in their home country. Canizales’ impressive skills and performance have led many to call for a rematch, which, given the extraordinary nature of the fight, is more than warranted.
The atmosphere surrounding the bout is emblematic of a broader issue within boxing—a consistent theme of questionable scoring that seems to plague the sport. Many have begun to label this bout as a potential “Robbery of the Year,” raising the importance of thoughtful evaluation of judges and their influences on outcomes in critical matches.
As boxing continues to grow globally, there is an urgent need to ensure fair play, not only to honor the fighters’ spirits but to preserve the sport’s integrity. The thrilling encounter between Pradabsri and Canizales serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of boxing, where bravery meets brutality, but also of the necessity for accountability in officiating. The boxing community and fans alike will undoubtedly watch closely for a potential rematch and hope for a definitive outcome that honors the efforts put forth by these courageous athletes.
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