It has been widely reported this week that Wanheng Menayothin, surpassed Floyd Mayweather’s unbeaten record of 50-0 when defending his WBC Minimumweight Title for the 10th time.
Although the Thai went to 51 wins from 51, he will of course need to remain undefeated in any subsequent bouts or retire immediately, to truly cement his claim to the record.
Despite his feat and no matter what the record books may read, Menayothin is unlikely to be remembered in anywhere near the same vein as the self-proclaimed ‘T.B.E’ – the best ever.
Regardless, it was a fantastic achievement and Menayothin deserves all the plaudits being cast his way.
Talking of plaudits Warwickshire’s Kristian Laight has also been getting some column inches this week for entirely different reasons. After competing in his 300th career bout in late July, he has finally called time on his career, with a record of 12 wins, 9 draws and 279 losses.
Former WBC Cruiserweight Champion Tony Bellew was quick to point out, “Without the likes of him the pro game wouldn’t exist imo! He has probably fought more champions than anyone…. fair play to him.”
Without journeymen such as Laight it would be near impossible to bring prospects along and keep them active, so for that – Laight and the others out there like him, deserve huge respect.
The last time he avoided defeat was 12 fights ago back in March, when he shared a draw with fellow journeyman Youseff Al Hamidi (16w 4 d 121l). Before announcing his retirement Laight was scheduled to meet Doncaster prospect James Flint on Saturday 1st September.
Without an opponent for Flint, promoter Stefy Bull, drafted in a replacement, his name – Youseff Al Hamidi, who else!
Closer to home in the VIP stable, its fight week this week for Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist Scott Fitzgerald, who takes on Craig Morris in Birmingham on the Amir Khan bill. With lots of speculation about a proposed bout with fellow unbeaten prospect Anthony Fowler, Scott cannot afford to become complacent.
In my opinion there is no way of him taking anything for granted and I would expect him to put in a commanding performance, sending out a message to Fowler and the rest of the light middleweight division.
To wrap up for this week, VIP welcomed lightweight prospect Luke Willis to our interview studio this weekend and he was keen to state his intentions for the upcoming season. Following a routine bout at Liverpool Olympia on September 29th, his intentions are to push forward into title contention and he is looking to propel himself into bouts with the likes of Scott Cardle and VIP’s Joe Murray. Check out his full interview at www.vipboxing.tv