BANGKOK, Thailand – India and Pakistan consistently create thrilling moments in the world of sports, the boxing contest between Kulbir Dhaka of Sonipat, India, and Shahir Afridi of Karachi, Pakistan, was no exception.
After a hard-fought ring battle, tall and strong Dhaka (8-2, 4 KO’s) successfully conquered the WBA Asia South middleweight title by outclassing and defeating by points difficult Shahir “The Markhor” Afridi (9-1-1, 5 KO’s) at the plush SpacePlus Night Club, RCA Plaza, in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand.
Promoted by Brico Langbay Santig and Supanat Chanram of Highland Boxing Promotions, the ten-round battle saw the best of each fighter, both young warriors giving their last drop of sweat in an exciting clash, though at the end, it was Dhaka – coached by former fighter Brijesh Kumar – the man destined to claim victory.
During the early going, the then unbeaten 28-year-old power-hitter Afridi was the aggressive warrior, landing terrific blows on the bearded Dhaka with obvious intentions of sending him into dreamland.
But as the rumble progressed, it was the Indian’s superior conditioning and counter-punching skills taking rounds, inflicting more damage on the Afridi’s face and body.
MORE RESULTS
In the co-feature, tall and lethal Kittipong Ho (6-1-1, 5 KO’s), fighting out of Singapore outboxed and battered more-experienced Thailand warrior Roongroj Audomrit (11-7, 5 KO’s), claiming for “The Lion City” the vacant ABF (Asia Boxing Federation) Super Middleweight Belt.
In heavyweights, slick and devastating Taimoor Khan of Pakistan improved his undefeated record to 12-0 with 11 KO’s by overpowering in less than 3 minutes big former Muay Thai combatant Chinnakrit Junkot.
During weigh-in, Taimoor came in at 103 kilos (227 pounds) at the scale, while Junkot made 127 kilos (280 lbs).
In women’s action, Linn Sandstrom (8-2-2, 2 KO’s) from Sweden scored a majority decision win over Thai lady warrior Arisara Wisetwongsa. Their 10-rounder rumble was in the bantamweight division with the smiley Linn feeling more than ready to challenge for the world title.
In another result, Russian born Australian “Sparrow Jr.” Sergei Vorobev (20-2, 14 KO’s) of Sydney knocked out brave-heart Chaiwat Mueanphong (8-5, 6 KO’s) of Lop Buri, Thailand. Their rough encounter was in super welterweights.
Furthermore, Hard swinging Aussie Jye Lane Taylor (5-2, 3 KO’s), also from Sydney, dominated and stopped tough former Muay Thai combatant Phollawat Nanthaekkaphong.
The Taylor vs Phollawat war was in the weight class were “Hands of Stone” Roberto Duran was the undisputed king: the lightweights.
Also at lightweight, unbeaten Sura Krishna Chakma (7-0, 3 KO’s), born in Rangamati in Eastern Bangladesh, obliterated 30-year-old Sornram Sopakul of Bangkok, Thailand.
In the opening the pro boxing part of the show, welterweight Dharringarra Trewhella from the Land Down Under easily handled Thai warrior Somran Taihirun of Bangkok, scoring his second pro win.
In a Muay Thai women’s combat Seynabou Konate (16-7-6) of France lost by points to Thai fighting girl Phetmaree Sit Pu-koong (12-6-2). For their collision, both women weighed-in at 48 kilos (106 pounds)
And last but not least, muay thai warrior Maxime Guyard (12-7-6) of France was defeated via unanimous decision by taller Vitsiam Sit Chansing (10-5-4) of Thailand.
It was an fantastic clash of titans with Vitsiam repeatedly landing on Maxime’s left leg, taking much of his mobility, even sending him down to the canvas. Their intense three-frame rumble was in the flyweight division.
The thrilling show was a production of Supanat Chanram and Brico Langbay Santig of Highland Boxing Promtions at the plush SpacePlus Night Club in Bangkok, Thailand.
The author, boxing reporter Carlos Costa was ringside in Bangkok. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp/viber/telegram +639184538152.