Knockout CP Freshmart shakes off ring rust in intense training ahead of clash with Alex Winwood

This past Friday, I made the one-hour trip north of Bangkok to Pathum Thani province, accompanied by Nort Beauchamp (19-7-1, 3 KOs).

Beauchamp, a veteran boxer who has shared the ring with the likes of Brock Jarvis (21-1, 19 KOs) and Sam Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs), was on hand to take on Thammanoon Niyomtrong for the WBA title. , 24-0, 9 KOs), aka Knockout CP Freshmart, at Thai Payak Boxing Gym. Owned by former WBC flyweight champion Chatchai Sasakul, the facility has become a training ground for the fighter.

As Nyomtrong's trainer, Sasakul is playing a major role in preparing him for his upcoming clash with rising Australian prospect and 2020 Olympian Alex Winwood (4-0, 2 KOs) on September 7.

Sasakul, who was still playing in preparation for the sparring session, commented, “I think this is a good fight. If the fight was in Thailand, I believe that Knockout would have easily won, but going abroad is not an easy task. However, our opportunities are many. We will fly one week before the fight, so we have time.”

It will be the second time Niyomrong is fighting away from home. Last time out of Thailand, he earned a unanimous decision win over Chaozhong Xiong (27-8-1, 14 KOs) in Qingdao, China. This experience of winning on foreign soil adds another layer of confidence as he prepares to face Winwood.

Niyomitrong, ranked No. 4 by The Ring at strawweight, was already preparing for the session. The program of the day was eight rounds of sparring with two partners. In the first four rounds, he faced a novice boxer from Saudi Arabia. The champion started slowly, building momentum as the rounds went on. It was clear that despite being out of the ring for two years, he hadn't really been out of the gym—his timing and form were good.

Next, he went four rounds with Beauchamp. Both fighters traded blows, their ring sense on full display. The Thai star's pressure is a good thing—his ability to often cut across the ring to land his punches is pure art. Patience is one of his most notable qualities, a trait honed from fighting since he was just seven years old.

Niyomitrong began his journey in Muay Thai at the age of seven in his hometown of Surin, in the northeast of Thailand. After dominating the area, he moved to Bangkok to compete at the top levels of the Muay Thai circuit, eventually becoming the Lumpinee Stadium champion at 105 kilograms. With limited competition left in Muay Thai, the Surin native switched to professional boxing, making his debut in 2012 where he defeated Marzon Cabilla (18-23-1, 6 KOs) via sixth round stoppage.

His next big break came in 2014 when he faced Carlos Buitrago (38-14-1, 22 KOs), defeating the Nicaraguan by unanimous decision. He successfully defended the interim title he won in that fight three times before challenging Byron Rojas (29-4-3, 11 KOs) for the WBA championship in Khon Kaen, where he also picked up a unanimous decision victory.

Now, eight years later and aged 33, the Thai champion is preparing to hit the road for only the second time in his career, eager to defend his title in Australia.

Former rookie Winwood is set to go down in Australian boxing history as he aims to win a world title in just his fifth professional fight. Now ranked by all the major sanctioning bodies, Winwood made his debut at the end of 2022, claiming the Western Australia State title in his first fight. When Winwood made his debut in a 6-round tournament, he quickly moved on to longer fights. Niyomtrong, on the other hand, has only competed in 10-12 title fights since the beginning of his career, never taking part in a contest of less than 10 rounds.

Knockout CP Freshmart (R) fights Wanheng Menayothin in July 2022. (Photo by Wasim Mather)

After the sparring session, I watched him hit the pads with Sasakul, who has been coaching him since he turned pro in 2012. The padwork was fascinating—every punch was thrown with purpose, and Sasakul meticulously worked out even the tiniest of details.

After training was completed, I had the opportunity to sit down with the champion and discuss his upcoming fight.

Thinking about his preparations, he said “the training has been good. It's getting more and more intense as September 7 approaches. I watched and studied one of his 12 round fights. He moves a lot, uses his skills, and tries to be a counter expert—but I do.”

When discussing his preparation and his thoughts on Winwood, his confidence was evident. “We have a game plan, and we're sticking to it,” he added. “Wait until September 7 to find out.”

Recognizing Winwood's ability, he continued, “Winwood is smart and has a lot of novice experience, but I have 24 professional fights, and this fight is over 12 rounds. I am confident and motivated.”

Asked about his recent inactivity and difficulty finding fights, he didn't hold back.

“I had a few passing fights, especially with Erick Rosa. The battle fell three times, and unfortunately, we couldn't do it. Rosa has moved up to 108 pounds. I think Rosa is avoiding me, protecting her record, and doing whatever it takes to avoid a fight with me.”

As for who he would like to fight next, the Thai star was clear about his priorities.

“I am looking forward to working again. “If I get past Winwood, I'm open to fighting Hasanboy Dusmatov (6-0, 5 KOs),” he said.

When asked if it is possible to move up to 108 kilograms, the champion was measured in his answer. “I want to focus on the Winwood fight first. After that, I promote it with my manager to decide which is the best way—to stay at 105 or to go to 108.”

In his place in the strawweight division, he was outspoken. “It's been a while since I've fought, and not doing anything made me drop in the rankings, but I believe I'm ahead.”

Regarding his status as the only boxing world champion from Thailand, he expressed his pride. “I am very proud. I feel honored to represent Thailand as a champion. The (strawweight) belt is a Thai belt and belongs to Thailand.”

With a game plan in place and a clear understanding of the work we do, he will prove that he is not only the best in the division but also that his belt belongs to Thailand. As the day approaches, all eyes will be on the champion to see if he can once again deliver the type of performance that has defined his career.

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