by Ronnie Nathanielsz

Two Filipino boxers have dropped tough fights to Thai opponents, continuing a distressing trend of defeats in Thailand.

26 year old Ruel Pusta lost by a 10th round TKO to the WBC's No. 2 ranked strawweight, 27 year old Wanheng Menayothin, in a WBC International title fight at the Toyota Office in Kanchaburi Province in what many regarded as a mismatch considering the Thai fighter's world ranking and unblemished record. With the win Menayothin moved up to 28-0 with 9 knockouts while Pusta dropped to 8-2-2 with 2 knockouts.

Boxing writer Damrong Sinakajornboon reported that Menayothin controlled the action and dropped Pusta with a right straight in round four.

The champion went after the Filipino challenger and following  a barrage of punches in round ten referee Montol Suriyachand called a halt.   

Earlier in Lopburi, Thailand, the WBC's No. 27 ranked undefeated bantamweight Tiger Tor Buamas, who has a record of 14-0 with 11 knockouts, retained his WBC Asia Boxing Council Interim title with a unanimous decision over former Pan Asian Boxing Association champion and No. 9 ranked Richard Garcia (26-16-1, 8 KO’s).

The three judges scored the fight for the Thai champion by big margins. Two judges had Tor Buamas winning 119-109 while the third judge also had it for the Thai by 117-111 count.