In a night that electrified Caracas, Venezuela, local hero Carlos Canizales delivered a stunning performance, knocking out Panya Pradabsri in the fifth round to seize the WBC light-flyweight championship. This decisive victory, unfolding in the iconic El Poliedro, was more than just a title win; it was a triumphant act of redemption, erasing the memory of a controversial loss from their previous encounter.
The highly anticipated rematch against Thailand`s Panya Pradabsri was fraught with tension from the opening bell. Having lost a contentious majority decision in Bangkok in late 2024, Canizales entered the ring with a singular purpose: to leave no doubt in the judges` minds, or indeed, anyone`s. He wasted no time in making his intentions clear, unleashing a barrage of heavy hooks designed to overwhelm Pradabsri and secure a conclusive finish.
Canizales, appearing notably robust and having clearly settled into the light-flyweight division, pressed the action relentlessly. Pradabsri, known for his resilience and technical prowess, attempted to maintain composure under the Venezuelan`s aggressive onslaught, skillfully sliding away from power shots. Yet, the relentless pressure began to show, with Pradabsri visibly wobbling from a left hook as the first round concluded — an early warning sign of the storm brewing.
The second round offered only fleeting respite for the Thai champion. While Pradabsri attempted to establish his jab and control the center of the ring, Canizales swiftly reclaimed momentum, escalating the pace once more. The physical toll of the bout became evident in the third round when a head clash sent Pradabsri reeling into his corner. Though a doctor`s inspection confirmed no blood, the Thai fighter was visibly rattled, perhaps more by the cumulative force of Canizales` punches than the incidental contact.
Then came the dramatic twist in the fourth round. In a moment that could only be described as a rude awakening, a sharp right hand from Pradabsri sent Canizales stumbling into the ropes, prompting the referee to issue a standing count. For a brief moment, the El Poliedro faithful held their breath, recalling the precarious nature of boxing. But like a boxer who prefers a cold shower to a gentle nudge, Canizales sprang back into action with renewed vigor, the knockdown seemingly fueling his resolve rather than diminishing it.
With his confidence not just restored but amplified, Canizales immediately resumed his ascendancy. He cornered Pradabsri, delivering a brutal, whipping body blow that sent the Thai champion collapsing to the canvas. There was no escaping this one. Battered, bruised, and unable to answer the referee`s count, Pradabsri was counted out at 2 minutes and 49 seconds of the fifth round. It was a definitive, emphatic end to a fiercely contested rivalry.
For Carlos Canizales, this victory marks not just the acquisition of a prestigious world title but a powerful statement of intent. He not only avenged a controversial loss but did so in spectacular fashion, leaving no room for debate. The triumph resonated deeply with the Venezuelan crowd, who witnessed their hometown hero secure world honors with an unyielding display of skill, power, and an indomitable spirit. This was a night where the judges` scorecards were rendered irrelevant, and pure, undeniable force determined the victor.
