Vietnam's former world boxing champion knocks out Thai opponent after being provoked

The referee gives the knockout victory to boxer Tran Van Thao against Kwanchai Pliankhunthod in the 56kg weight class, at the Ho Tram Legendary event, HCMC, on Nov. 15, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Phuong Quyen

Pliankhunthod, 23, entered the match at Ho Tram Legendary event with a reputation for a fierce fighting style, but was considered less experienced than Thao. The Thai fighter resorted to provoking, often running around the ring, dancing and laughing in an attempt to distract the Vietnamese boxer.

Thao remained focused, weathering the taunts and looking for the right time to attack while preventing Pliankhunthod’s fast strikes. The strategy paid off in the fourth round when Thao landed vicious body shots that sent Kwanchai down for the first time.

The Thai fighter beat the 10-second count, but Thao immediately followed up with a series of punches. Pliankhunthod fell to the canvas again and could not continue, resulting in a knockout victory for Thao.

"In the first two rounds, I was a bit eager," Thao said after the match. "But in the third round, even when my opponent provoked me to get into my head, I didn’t fall for it. I kept calm and responded with a knock out."

Thao, 33, nicknamed "The Trigger," is an eight-time national champion before switching to professional boxing.

The Ho Tram victory improves his professional record to 19 wins (11 by knockout) in 20 matches. His major career achievements include the WBC Asia Championship (2017), IBA World Championship (2022) and WBO Global Championship (2024).

The Ho Tram Legendary event took place at The Grand Ho Tram, bringing together 14 boxers Australia, mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

 

 

Vietnam's former world boxing champion knocks out Thai opponent after being provoked

Văn Thảo hạ knock-out khi võ sĩ Thái Lan khiêu khích