Knockout CP Freshmart (Thailand, 35), the defending champion set to face WBC light flyweight No. 2 contender Shokichi Iwata (Teiken) as part of the triple world title event at Yokohama BUNTAI on the 15th, is progressing smoothly with his preparations. On the 10th, he held a public training session for the media at Yokohama Hikari Gym.
チャチャイ・トレーナーとミット打ちを行うチャンピオン
Knockout CP Freshmart, the ring name of Thammanoon Niyomtrong, adopted the moniker following his transition from Muay Thai to professional boxing, reflecting his reputation for power and frequent knockouts during his kickboxing career. However, his professional boxing record stands at 29-1 (11 KOs). “CP Freshmart” denotes his primary corporate sponsor.
The 35-year-old previously held the WBA minimumweight title—including an interim reign—for a decade, successfully defending the belt 16 times. Following his first professional loss in a unification bout, he moved up in weight last December to capture his current title. This upcoming bout marks his first title defense.
The champion stated he has completed two months of preparation at his own gym near Bangkok, maintaining a pace of 20 rounds of sparring per week. “I am 100 percent prepared,” he affirmed.
Trainer Chatchai Sasakul, a former WBC flyweight champion who has worked with Knockout since his professional debut, characterized the champion’s primary strength as his “serious and diligent” nature. During the public training session, the veteran defied his age, displaying high energy throughout one round of shadowboxing and two rounds each of pad and heavy bag work, characterized by sustained, rapid-fire combinations.
Having defeated three Japanese opponents during his tenure as a minimumweight champion, the Thai fighter noted that he does not categorize them by shared national characteristics, viewing each as a distinct individual.
Regarding the challenger, Chatchai indicated that they have studied footage of Iwata and acknowledge his capability, noting, “He is an aggressive, quality fighter. We cannot afford to be careless.” The champion predicted a knockout victory, stating, “I want to execute what I have practiced and finish the fight as early as possible.”
Outside of the ring, Knockout is married with two daughters. Regarding Iwata’s background in Muay Thai and his familiarity with the champion’s career, the Thai fighter remarked, “I would like to thank him. As fellow practitioners of Muay Thai, it is important that we put on a good fight.”
