Strong Thais to Boxing! Panya Pradabsri Two-Time WBC Champion
Born on February 21, 1991, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, Panya Pradabsri, also known as Petchmanee CP Freshmart, has established himself as one of contemporary Thai boxing’s brilliant beacons and greatest stars . He has been crowned a two-division world champion of the World Boxing Council.
Originally from the Muay Thai school, Pradabsri made his professional boxing debut in 2014. With polished technique, an orthodox style, and great mobility in the ring, he quickly began to climb the world rankings ladder.
His consecration came on November 27, 2020, when he surprised the world by defeating the undefeated and legendary Wanheng Menayothin, who held an impressive 54-0 record, by unanimous decision. With that victory, Panya became the WBC minimumweight world champion, ushering in a new era in the division.
During his reign, he made successful defenses against contenders like Danai Ngiabphukhiaw, Norihito Tanaka, and in a rematch against Menayothin himself. However, in October 2023, his winning streak was interrupted when he lost the title to Japan’s Yudai Shigeoka in Tokyo by unanimous decision.
Far from giving up, Pradabsri returned to the gym with his sights set on a new conquest. His opportunity came on December 26, 2024, when he faced Venezuela’s Carlos Cañizales for the vacant WBC light flyweight (108 lbs) title. In a close and controversial bout, the Thai fighter prevailed by majority decision, claiming his second world title.
The fight generated controversy over the judges’ scorecards, to the point that WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán called the decision “horrible” and announced an immediate rematch. Despite this, Panya remains an active world champion in a new category, with a professional record of 44 wins (27 by knockout) and only two losses in 46 fights.
Today, Pradabsri is a symbol of “persistence, discipline, and resilience”. With a technical and effective boxing style, he has successfully adapted to the challenges of the ring, solidifying his position as one of the most enduring figures in Asian boxing. His immediate future will depend on the outcome of the eagerly awaited rematch against Cañizales, which promises to be another high-voltage chapter in his already distinguished career.
Related posts
test