Panya Pradabsri vs. Carlos Cañizales Ends in Shock Decision

In a decision that was booed by those in attendance, Panya Pradabsri (44-2, 27 KOs) became a light flyweight champion against Carlos Cañizales (27-3-1, 19 KOs).

Pradabsri won a majority decision and now holds the WBC 108-lb title. While one judge had the contest 114-114, the other two somehow saw it 116-112 and 115-113 for the Thai. Kenshiro Teraji was the previous WBC light flyweight champion, later vacating to move up in weight. As a result, the vacant title was put at stake for Pradabsri-Cañizales.

The fight headlined a Petpiya Fight Promotions card at the Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Boxing fans around the world could catch the action live on the True4U website. Those in Latin America could also watch live on ESPN KnockOut.

Panya Pradabsri vs. Carlos Cañizales Ends in Shock Decision

Fight Recap

Cañizales had success early on with his left hook. Pradabsri was active, but his punches appeared to have little impact on the Venezuela native. As a result, Cañizales was able to come forward and land the more impactful shots.

In the middle rounds, he continued to dominate. The Thai fighter was getting hit with several hooks to the head and body, in addition to the occasional straight. At the end of each round, Pradabsri kept raising his arms, appearing to indicate that he had won the round. However, the opposite felt true as Cañizales was pressing forward and landing more than his opponent.

As the fight got into the last two rounds, Cañizales attempted to go for the stoppage. Pradabsri had little response to the onslaught but was able to make it to the final bell. After 12 rounds, it appeared that the Venezuelan had done enough to win, but it was Pradabsri who had his hand raised in the end. Once the scores were announced, the crowd voiced their displeasure, as evidenced by this video taken by Wasim Mather (a person I recommend following to learn more about Thailand’s boxing scene if you speak English but not Thai).

The Aftermath

With the outrage that was caused by the scorecards, both at the Rajadamnern Stadium and on social media, WBC Mauricio Sulaiman soon issued a statement on X:

“After a sensational close fight Pradabsri is awarded a majority decision in Thailand,” he wrote. “Cañizales is a warrior who fought his heart out. I am disappointed at the performance of the WBC judges in specific rounds and I will order an immediate review by the corresponding committee. WBC ring officials are accountable for their performance.”

What that committee will decide remains to be seen. One possibility is that a rematch could be ordered with a different set of judges. Boxing fans can expect to find out in the coming months.