Lasting legacy of Wanheng endures

Few inside the arena realised they were witnessing the final chapter of a quietly extraordinary career.

- WASIM MATHER

DISCIPLINED: Wanheng Menayothin.

Ringside, it felt like another familiar Thai world title night, yet it would be the last time Chayaphon Moonsri, better known as Wanheng Menayothin, entered the ring asa professional. Across from him stood Knockout CP Freshmart, the reigning WBA minimumweight champion, in a rare Thai-versus-Thai world title bout promoted by Petchyindee Promotions.At 36, Chayaphon arrived in Chon Buri having lost his previous two bouts to Petchmanee CP Freshmart, defeats widely debated among observers and in sharp contrast to the years when he ruled the division. Frequently ranked at the top of The Ring's minimumweight ratings and holding the WBC title for more than a decade, he defined the weight class through consistency rather than spectacle. Over twelve rounds, Knockout secured a unanimous decision, and while the former champion’s discipline and composure remained, there was a sense that a long reign had reached its natural conclusion.

Born in Maha Sarakham province, Chayaphon’s sporting foundation was built in Muay Thai. A former champion on Thailand’s Muay Thai circuit, he established himself in the country's most unforgiving arenas before transitioning to professional boxing, a decision that reshaped the minimum-weight division.