The ring often calls when least expected, pulling you into its orbit with an urgency that brooks no argument. Such was the summons that arrived late one evening, an unanticipated call from Mr. Piyarat Vachirarattanawong, manager and promoter of the formidable Panya Pradabsri. For those in the know, Panya is better recognized as Petchmanee CPF, a name synonymous with grit and championship pedigree. The question was simple, yet profound: “Will you be able to go with Panya to his fight in Caracas?” My answer, instinctive and immediate, was a resounding “Sure.”
This wasn`t merely a professional commitment; it was a reunion of sorts. Panya and I share a history etched in sweat and shared sacrifice, from sparring sessions in our active pro days to my role as his assistant trainer. This time, however, the stakes were higher, the journey more distant, and my responsibilities broader, encompassing the pivotal role of fight-week coordinator. When a comrade, with whom you`ve navigated the punishing world of boxing, asks you to stand in his corner for one of his career`s most significant battles, hesitation is simply not an option.
This particular fight in Caracas wasn`t just another title defense; it was a deeply personal quest for vindication. Panya, a former long-reigning WBC world champion at 105 lbs, currently holds the WBC light-flyweight title at 108 lbs. Yet, this reign arrived with an asterisk, a shadow cast by his previous outing against Carlos Cañizales last December. That bout ended in a majority decision that, to many in Thailand and beyond, felt like a misjudgment. The general consensus leaned heavily towards Cañizales deserving the victory. This controversy wasn`t merely a footnote; it was the engine fueling this rematch, turning it into a proving ground for Panya and his team – head trainer Chatchai Sasakul and assistant trainer Junkot Chinnakrit. Their mission: to silence the doubters and unequivocally assert Panya`s rightful place at 108 lbs. Adjustments had been made, strategies refined, and a quiet determination had settled upon the team of four.
An Odyssey to the Venezuelan Capital
Our journey to Caracas, Venezuela, was nothing short of an odyssey. A grueling 40-hour transit, beginning in Bangkok, unfolded with a curious blend of excitement and underlying apprehension. Venezuela, a nation with a rich, albeit turbulent, boxing history, also carries a reputation for political unrest and high crime rates. To say a sense of uncertainty accompanied our preparations would be an understatement, yet the team`s spirits, surprisingly, remained buoyant.
The multi-leg trip included a 13-hour layover in Istanbul, a brief but much-needed respite where we managed to secure a hotel room for a few hours of sleep and a refreshing shower before embarking on the final, daunting 17-hour haul across the Atlantic. During that final leg, much of my time was spent alongside Chatchai, meticulously reviewing game plans and discussing the intricate details of Panya`s preparation. The unspoken thoughts of Caracas’s reputation hung in the air, a silent acknowledgment among us all.
Upon our arrival at Simón Bolívar International Airport, we were promptly greeted by ESPN broadcasters Renato and Andres Bermudez. The routine questions followed: “How was camp?” “How do you feel about fighting in Venezuela?” And, inevitably, “The first fight with Cañizales was close – what adjustments have you made?” Panya, true to the stoic nature of many Thai fighters, offered a concise, almost philosophical response: “I prepared well. We are ready.” Chatchai, more accustomed to the media`s glare, added with a knowing glint in his eye: “We’ll have to see what happens in the ring.” With those words, our mission in the Venezuelan capital truly began.
First Steps in a Vibrant, Unpredictable City
Despite lingering jet lag, our first morning in Caracas began at 7 a.m. with Panya`s customary run. His weight was precisely where it needed to be, and the session was light – a gentle 30-minute jog, just enough to break a sweat. After breakfast, a brief walk to a local fruit store provided a delightful glimpse into the city`s heart. Despite the language barrier, the warmth and friendliness of the Venezuelan people were immediately apparent. When the store employees discovered Panya was a world champion, their enthusiasm was infectious, a small but potent reminder of how boxing truly serves as a universal language, transcending borders and cultural differences.
Our afternoon training session took place at the Classic Boxing Gym in downtown Caracas. Trainer Antonio Jose Pabon welcomed us with open arms into a space that, despite its location in a bustling city, exuded a calm, almost hushed atmosphere. It was a refreshing change from the often-packed, boisterous gyms of other fight destinations, perfectly suited for the light, focused session Panya required. Alongside 19-year-old local prospect Brandon Garcia, a promising 2-0 pro and a four-time Venezuelan amateur national champion, Panya worked the bag with quiet intensity. It was clear that many eyes in the gym gravitated towards Chatchai Sasakul, a former WBC flyweight champion, famously remembered as the man Manny Pacquiao defeated to claim his first world title. His presence, an understated legacy, commanded a respectful attention.
The training was intentionally minimal: 20 minutes of skipping, some pad work, and light bag drills. At 33, Panya carries the experience of many such moments. As Chatchai succinctly put it: “Sometimes he’s so relaxed that he looks flimsy, but in the ring, when it’s time to fight, his nature is different.” This duality perfectly encapsulated Panya – outwardly calm, yet possessing an inner, focused intensity that felt new, profound, and utterly compelling.
Following the session, Venezuelan outlet Puro Boxeo arrived for an interview. Again, the question concerning the first fight with Cañizales resurfaced. To be frank, like many observers, I had scored the first bout clearly for Cañizales. However, here in Caracas, the local media and fans approached the topic with palpable respect. Panya’s response remained simple and direct: “I have trained hard, and we adjusted according to Cañizales from the first fight.”
A Champion`s Echoes and Local Insights
The day grew even more insightful with the arrival of David Grimán, a former world champion himself. Grimán holds a unique connection to Thai boxing, having twice traveled to Thailand to challenge legends Khaosai Galaxy and Saen Sor Ploenchit for their world titles. Chatchai`s eyes lit up at the sight of him. “I know you – do you remember me?” he exclaimed. Despite the language barrier, a shared history and mutual respect forged an immediate connection through hand signals, snippets of translation, and the universal language of boxing.
Grimán offered a seasoned perspective on the complexities of fighting in one`s home country.
“Fighting at home is not easy,” he told me. “People think it’s easier, but it’s more complicated. When you’re in front of your own people, the pressure is real. Carlos, being from Caracas, surely has the immense blessing of being cheered by his compatriots – but that comes with pressure.”
For Grimán, this rematch represented more than just a single fight. It was a beacon of hope for Venezuelan boxing.
“Having another world title fight in Venezuela opens many doors and brings hope – hope that fights of this level will continue to be held in our country. Winning a title is always difficult anywhere, but at home, it can give you that extra boost.”
When asked about the importance of this specific rematch, Grimán’s answer cut to the heart of the matter:
“Cañizales has the opportunity to avenge that loss, which, for us Venezuelans, was bittersweet because we believed Carlitos deserved the victory. Now Venezuela, which hasn’t had a world champion since Roger Gutiérrez in 2022, has the chance to break that streak.”
Reflecting on his own career, Grimán spoke with reverence about his battles in Thailand.
“Honestly, those fights with Galaxy and Saen were wonderful experiences. They were defeats, but they helped me immensely – not just as a boxer but for life… I lost to two stars of Thai boxing, and the experience of being in such a wonderful country is something I will always carry in my heart.”
His insight into the state of Venezuelan boxing was equally poignant:
“Since my era, Venezuelan boxing has had its ups and downs. After my coronation as world champion, many great Venezuelan boxers emerged, such as Lorenzo Parra, ‘El Niño de Oro’ Linares, and Edwin Valero – just to name three. But in recent years, boxing has declined. No significant fight cards have been held in Venezuela, and there hasn’t been that sparring and competition with international fighters. As a consequence, boxing hasn’t developed as it should, and we now have few high-level boxers who have a real chance of becoming world champions.”
His words underscored the profound significance of the upcoming bout, not just for the fighters, but for the soul of Venezuelan boxing.
The Final Countdown: Staying Sharp, Staying Steady
Even after a day packed with travel, training, and interviews, the day’s obligations were far from over. The WBC 7-day weigh-in awaited us at the hotel, overseen by WBC representative Nicolas Hidalgo. Panya, ever the professional, passed without issue, clocking in at 51.4 kg – precisely on the limit. It was a long, demanding day, yet Panya remained as calm and composed as ever. Observing him, one understands why he has navigated these high-pressure scenarios so many times before. The arduous travel, the media scrutiny, the inherent dangers of a foreign land – all seemed to roll off him with practiced ease.
For now, the work transitioned from intense preparation to the art of maintaining sharpness and unwavering steadiness. The answers to Panya’s quest for undisputed legacy and Cañizales’s bid for redemption lie, as always, within the unforgiving square of the ring. All that remains is the fight itself, poised to deliver its undeniable truths.
