Rungvisai Halts Gil Bae in the First

By Derek Bonnett

Early this morning at Workpoint Studio in Bang Phun, Thailand, little giant Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (Wisaksil Wangek) scored a first round KO over South Korea’s Young Gil Bae.

The reigning super flyweight king took charge, instantly cutting distance on his opponent while Gil Bae left a soft jab out in the air. The powerful super flyweight was not deterred by the punches of Roman Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada in three successive fights, so it was no surprise that Rungvisai walked through everything Gil Bae threw. The eager champion pressed forward a little to far and ended up tackling Gil Bae to the canvas inadvertently.

Rungvisai, 31, ended matters at 2:50 of the first round once he cornered Gil Bae, who circled the ring on unsteady legs. An overhand right put Gil Bae on his seat. The referee waved the contest off just as Gil Bae, 38, sank down the corner post to the canvas.

With the non-title fight victory, Rungvisai, a serious pound for pound contender, raised his dossier to 46-4-1 (41). The super flyweight champion is expected to return to the ring in October for a defense of his title in Thailand. Gil Bae sank to 28-7-2 (22).