BANGKOK, Thailand – In a hard-fought 12-rounder, undefeated Filipino Arvin Jhon “AJ” Paciones dropped, outsmarted and defeated tough Kitidech Hirunsuk of Thailand for a unanimous decision win to retain his WBA Asia light flyweight title on December 28 in a Highland Boxing Promotions show at the plush SpacePlus Night Club in Bangkok, Thailand.
Coached by his father, former MMA fighter Do Dong Paciones, the 18-year-old AJ had to dig dip to best a skilled and spirited Kitidech, who despite of visiting the canvas early in the fight, never stopped being dangerous, displaying skills and heart.
At the end, all Thai judges scored for Paciones (7-0, 4 KO’s), who made a successful first defense of the WBA Asian belt that he claimed last August in Vietnam.
The 16-bout show at the luxurious SpacePlus was promoted by Asian award-winning promoter Brico Santig of Highland Boxing Promotions.
In another title clash, Thailand veteran warrior woman Phannaluk Kongsang (12-13-1, 7 KO’s) appeared to have edged a win. – or at least a draw – in her fierce clash against Colombian-born Australian Viviana Ruiz Corredor (8-1, 4 KO’s), but was denied victory and instead got hit with a split decision loss.
One of the judges, got the numbers right in favor of Phanaluck, however getting ruled out by the other two officials who saw it for the world-ranked Ruiz. (Full fight video is available from the promoter’s YouTube Channel.)
With her split decision win, Ruiz Corredor claims the vacant WBA Asia Oceania strap, also improving her standing in the WBA world rankings where she is currently world’s #3.
The author, boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Panama was in attendance during the marathon show, which was one of the last ones in the “Land of Smiles” for 2023. Carlos can be reached at [email protected] and whatsapp +639184538152.