The WBC World Light Flyweight title bout, held on December 26 at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, saw hometown fighter and WBC No. 2 contender Panya Pradabsri (Thailand, 44 wins [27 KOs], 2 losses) defeat Carlos Cañizales (Venezuela, 27 wins [19 KOs], 3 losses, 1 draw) by unanimous decision after 12 rounds to become the new champion.
However, the decision has been heavily criticized by fans and boxing insiders worldwide, with some calling it the worst decision of 2024.
In response, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman expressed his disappointment on social media, stating, “I am disappointed in the judges’ performance,” and added, “I intend to order an immediate review by the relevant committee.”
The WBC’s ring officials have acknowledged responsibility for the judging performance and expressed regret over the outcome, indicating a strong commitment to take corrective measures.
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The official scorecards read: Zanashir Taznar (Mongolia) 116-112 and Antonio Carrillo (USA) 115-113 in favor of Panya, while Malcolm Bulner (Australia) scored it a 114-114 draw, resulting in a majority decision win (2-0) for Panya. However, the moment the result was announced at Rajadamnern Stadium, the crowd erupted in loud boos—a truly rare sight. In fact, such a reaction may have been unprecedented.
It seems almost certain that a rematch will be ordered, but whether Cañizales can replicate his strong performance is uncertain—that’s the unpredictable nature of boxing. Fighters often struggle after having left everything in the ring.
While it’s expected that Panya’s Thai camp will secure promotional rights for the rematch, possibly through a purse bid, fans are hoping a “white knight” will step up for Cañizales. Could that come from Saudi Arabia—or perhaps from Japan, which boasts a deep pool of rising talent?
Thailand has traditionally celebrated joyously when their own fighters win, but the loud boos that erupted at Rajadamnern Stadium the moment Panya was declared the winner show that even Thai boxing fans are beginning to change.
This article has been translated and published with permission from BOXING MASTER.
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