NONTHABURI : Lightweight Saddam Kiatyongyuth confirmed his status as Thailand's hottest prospect yesterday with an explosive second round knockout of Jimrex Jaca at Sukhothai Thammathirat University.

The match had been considered a real gamble for Saddam, but the Krabi-born power puncher hit the jackpot with an emphatic victory that is sure to fire him up the WBC world rankings.

Southpaw Jaca, from the Philippines, started the fight well with a sharp jab although 25-year-old Saddam landed a decent straight right hand before the end of the session to show he meant business.
The Thai upped the pace in the next round and stunned Jaca with a right hook , forcing him to give ground for the first time.
Saddam sensed the visitor was hurt and went for the stoppage, landing hooks from both hands with force.

Jaca, who went nine rounds with Juan Manuel Marquez two years ago, bought himself a momentary respite with a one-two combination before Saddam slammed home a series of uppercuts to regain control.
The Thai forced groggy Jaca into a corner with relentless pressure and then crashed home a hard overhand right which sent him backwards to the canvas.
The referee immediately waved the fight over at the 2:41 mark.

Saddam's victory on the AsiaBox-promoted show meant he retained his WBC-affiliated Asian Boxing Council title and took his record to 16 wins without defeat, with 12 knockouts.
He was ranked 39th in the world by the WBC before yesterday's contest and had a large following at the fight, with many wearing T-shirts bearing his name.
Jaca's tally dipped to 28-6-3, but the 25-year-old had never been beaten this quickly before.
Former WBA super-featherweight champion Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai, who was ringside yesterday, stopped the Filipino in six rounds in Pattaya in June.

Saddam had knocked out JR Sollano in one round on that undercard.
In the main support, flyweight Wandee Singwangcha outpointed Nino Suelo over six rounds.
ABCO is highly appreciated with Julian Turner from Bangkok Post for the story and picture.

Written By : JULIAN TURNER
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