Carlos Canizales will defend his WBC minimumweight (108 lbs) title against former strawweight champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong in a highly anticipated 12-round bout scheduled for December 4, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis Queens Park Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.[1] The fight will headline the card traditionally held in conjunction with the 63rd annual WBC convention, marking a significant moment in the junior flyweight division.
Canizales, the Venezuelan champion with a professional record of 28 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw (20 KOs), will be making his first title defense.[1][2] The 28-3-1 fighter captured the WBC belt in dramatic fashion on August 1, 2025, in his hometown of Caracas, Venezuela, when he defeated Panya Pradabsri via fifth-round stoppage in their rematch.[1] This victory came after a controversial first encounter that left many observers, including WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, believing Canizales deserved the decision despite losing via majority verdict on December 26, 2024, in Bangkok.
The initial fight between Canizales and Pradabsri was marred by what many considered a questionable judging decision.[1] Sulaiman's public criticism of the verdict prompted an internal WBC investigation, ultimately resulting in an immediate rematch. Canizales seized the opportunity to fight on home soil, and his decisive fifth-round stoppage victory vindicated those who felt he had been robbed in their first encounter. Pradabsri, a former two-division titlist and 34-year-old from Bangkok, subsequently announced his retirement in late August, ending speculation about a potential
Canizales, the Venezuelan champion with a professional record of 28 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw (20 KOs), will be making his first title defense.[1][2] The 28-3-1 fighter captured the WBC belt in dramatic fashion on August 1, 2025, in his hometown of Caracas, Venezuela, when he defeated Panya Pradabsri via fifth-round stoppage in their rematch.[1] This victory came after a controversial first encounter that left many observers, including WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, believing Canizales deserved the decision despite losing via majority verdict on December 26, 2024, in Bangkok.
The initial fight between Canizales and Pradabsri was marred by what many considered a questionable judging decision.[1] Sulaiman's public criticism of the verdict prompted an internal WBC investigation, ultimately resulting in an immediate rematch. Canizales seized the opportunity to fight on home soil, and his decisive fifth-round stoppage victory vindicated those who felt he had been robbed in their first encounter. Pradabsri, a former two-division titlist and 34-year-old from Bangkok, subsequently announced his retirement in late August, ending speculation about a potential
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rubber match.[1]
Niyomtrong brings significant credentials to this matchup as a former long-reigning strawweight titlist and gym mate of Pradabsri.[1] The Thai fighter's experience at the elite level makes him a formidable challenger for Canizales' first title defense. The bout represents an intriguing stylistic clash and a test of Canizales' ability to maintain his championship status against quality opposition.
The decision to hold this title fight in Bangkok carries symbolic weight for Canizales, as it represents his return to the country where he initially lost the title under controversial circumstances. By defending his belt in Thailand, Canizales demonstrates confidence in his abilities and a willingness to face challenges in hostile territory. The WBC convention setting adds prestige to the occasion, ensuring the bout receives significant attention from boxing's governing bodies and media.
Canizales' path to the championship has been marked by perseverance and controversy, but his knockout power and determination have ultimately prevailed. With 20 knockouts in 32 professional fights, he possesses the striking ability to end fights decisively. His first title defense against Niyomtrong will be crucial in establishing himself as a legitimate champion and silencing any remaining doubts about his legitimacy following the disputed first fight with Pradabsri.
The December 4 showdown promises to be a compelling junior flyweight encounter that will help clarify the division's landscape and determine whether Canizales can successfully navigate the challenges of championship boxing at the minimumweight level.
Niyomtrong brings significant credentials to this matchup as a former long-reigning strawweight titlist and gym mate of Pradabsri.[1] The Thai fighter's experience at the elite level makes him a formidable challenger for Canizales' first title defense. The bout represents an intriguing stylistic clash and a test of Canizales' ability to maintain his championship status against quality opposition.
The decision to hold this title fight in Bangkok carries symbolic weight for Canizales, as it represents his return to the country where he initially lost the title under controversial circumstances. By defending his belt in Thailand, Canizales demonstrates confidence in his abilities and a willingness to face challenges in hostile territory. The WBC convention setting adds prestige to the occasion, ensuring the bout receives significant attention from boxing's governing bodies and media.
Canizales' path to the championship has been marked by perseverance and controversy, but his knockout power and determination have ultimately prevailed. With 20 knockouts in 32 professional fights, he possesses the striking ability to end fights decisively. His first title defense against Niyomtrong will be crucial in establishing himself as a legitimate champion and silencing any remaining doubts about his legitimacy following the disputed first fight with Pradabsri.
The December 4 showdown promises to be a compelling junior flyweight encounter that will help clarify the division's landscape and determine whether Canizales can successfully navigate the challenges of championship boxing at the minimumweight level.
