Yuttapong Tongdee defeats Giuliano Fantone in the ‘The Fighter’ final match

The ultimate spherical of “The Fighter” event in Thailand happened over the weekend, with the principle occasion ending with a win for native credit score Yuttapong Tongdee over France’s Giuliano Fantone in a card promoted by TL Boxing promotion that featured three thrilling televised bouts showcasing some of Thailand’s best fighters and broadcasted live on Work Point Television.

The primary occasion offered an intriguing matchup between Fantone (7-2, 4 KO) and Tongdee (15-0, 9 KO), who’s presently Thailand’s WBA Asia 118Ib champion. What provides to the intrigue is Fantone’s journey by the event. He had fought in opposition to Thai YouTuber Supphoolphol Tipphol (3-1, 2 KO), alias “Joker,” within the first spherical and brought about an upset with a unanimous determination victory. The younger southpaw has been energetic, combating six occasions within the final six months as a part of the event, earlier than being supplied a bout in opposition to Tongdee.

The bout was contested over 10 rounds with Tongdee’s title on the road.

The struggle commenced with Fantone sustaining distance and utilising his attain to strain the skilled Tongdee with a protracted jab. Nonetheless, Tongdee tailored all through the struggle, launching bursts of assaults to the physique of his taller opponent. Regardless of a second of fading within the center rounds, Tongdee, drawing on his veteran expertise, secured victory by unanimous determination over Fantone in an action-packed and entertaining bout.

At 30 years of age and ranked twelfth with the WBA, a title shot is imminent for Tongdee, as his promoter, Mr. Taweesin Laosuwanwat of TL Boxing Promotions, has expressed curiosity in a matchup with Takuma Inoue (20-1, 5 KO). For Fantone, aged solely 21, time is on his aspect. When requested about his emotions post-fight, the younger boxer commented, “It was a detailed struggle and a worthwhile expertise that helped me gauge my degree. That is the problem I used to be searching for, and now I do know the place I stand. I’ll be again quickly.”

Earlier than coming into the boxing world, Tongdee showcased his skills as a Muay Thai fighter and then transitioned to boxing, competing at a excessive degree for Thailand as an beginner and being a part of the nationwide workforce. With a file of 15-0, the 30-year-old is now getting ready to a shot at difficult for a world title.

On the undercard, junior flyweight Thanongsak Simsri (34-1, 31 KO), rated at No. 10 by The Ring at that weight, returned to the ring after his victory over Miel Fajardo in Japan in April 2024. Nonetheless, his bout over the weekend appeared extra of a stay-busy struggle for the 23-year-old O.P.B.F champion as he confronted fellow countryman Assada Rakmit (4-6, 1 KO), securing victory by knockout within the second spherical of their scheduled six-round contest.

Earlier within the evening, Chaiyapruk Chainikom (11-1, 5 KO), also referred to as “Boss,” competed in his fifth struggle within the event in opposition to Vachayan Khamon (12-44-1, 4 KO). Chainikom secured a unanimous determination victory over Khamon, outboxing the artful journeyman over six rounds.