Vietnamese businessman knocks out Thai boxer to win WBC Asia belt

The riveting match between Trinh The Long and Chayanon Phothijun unfolded on Sunday evening at Saigon Sports Club in District 7, HCMC amid much excitement.

Bolstered by four previous knockout victories, Long aimed to keep his undefeated streak. Meanwhile, Phothijun boasted an impressive record with seven wins out of 10 professional fights, including five by knockout.

The match saw Long and Phothijun going back and forth. There were times when the Thai boxer gained a fleeting advantage, but after the fifth round, his stamina began to wane. In the eighth, Phothijun threw in the towel and the referee gave Long the win via technical knockout.

With this triumph, Long secured his first World Boxing Council middleweight Asia belt, making him the second Vietnamese boxer to attain this prestigious title after Tran Van Thao in 2017.

Long's professional record now stands at five matches, all won by knockout, further solidating his stance as Vietnam’s undefeated boxer.

Besides his dedication to boxing, Long also works as the deputy director of an industrial park in the Mekong Delta province of Long An. In preparation for the WBC Asia title match, he spent three months training and competing against some of Vietnam's top boxers.

"I’m grateful to my family, friends and fans for their support. This victory is a testament to my relentless efforts," Long said.

In addition to Long's prestigious WBC Asia belt, the LEAD: Battle of Power boxing event, organized by Shadow Entertainment and the HCMC Boxing Federation, also showcased three more title fights. Notably, boxer Vo Hong Dat secured a victory over Ernie Sanchez of the Philippines to clinch the WBA Asia lightweight belt.