The WBC has announced that the direct rematch between WBC World Light Flyweight Champion Panya Pradabsri (Thailand) — 44 wins (27 KOs), 2 losses — and No. 1 contender Carlos Canizales (Venezuela) — 27 wins (19 KOs), 3 losses, 1 draw — will take place on August 1 (Japan time: August 2) in Caracas, Venezuela.
The two fighters previously faced off in a title bout on December 26 last year at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Panya won by decision and was crowned the new champion, but the verdict immediately sparked a wave of criticism on YouTube and ESPN, where the match was broadcast.
The moment Panya was declared the winner, the crowd at Rajadamnern Stadium erupted in loud boos. Even the fervent hometown fans appeared to acknowledge that Panya had clearly been defeated.
The official scorecards read: Zanasair Taznaar (Mongolia) 116–112, Antonio Carrillo (USA) 115–113 for Panya, and Malcolm Bulner (Australia) 114–114 — a majority decision. However, as Panya received the winner’s announcement, his right cheek was visibly swollen.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman promptly responded to the decision that was widely criticized by fans and boxing officials around the world as one of the worst of 2024. He stated, “I am disappointed with the judges’ performance. I intend to order an immediate review by the relevant commission,” expressing his intent to assign competent and completely neutral judges for the rematch.
The rematch was ordered without delay, with a negotiation deadline set for February 18 (Japan time: February 19). A purse bid was scheduled in case no agreement was reached. However, negotiations stalled. At one point, Thailand was rumored to be the likely venue, but talks made no progress, and time continued to pass.
Since there had been hopes for the fight to be held in a neutral country other than Thailand, the decision to host the rematch in Canizales’ hometown of Caracas gives him a significant advantage. If he can replicate the condition he showed in the previous bout, he stands a strong chance of reclaiming the world title for the first time in over four years.
Meanwhile, the WBC will hold a light flyweight title eliminator on July 11 (Japan time: July 12) in San Diego, California, between No. 2 ranked Erick Padilla (Mexico) — 17 wins (8 KOs) — and No. 7 ranked Gerardo Zapata (Nicaragua) — 15 wins (5 KOs), 2 losses, 1 draw. The winner will earn a mandatory title shot against the winner of Panya vs. Canizales.
Since this is a rematch of the fight that drew loud boos from the crowd at Rajadamnern Stadium, it’s sure to generate a lot of excitement! I’m really looking forward to it!
This article has been translated and published with permission from BOXING MASTER.
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