WBC World Minimumweight Champion Wanheng Menayothin (54-0, 18 KOs) shocked his local fans when he took to social media to announce his retirement from the sport of boxing.
Menayothin, who is 34-years-old, made his professional debut in 2007. Given his age it’s extremely rare that he was able to remain in boxing’s smallest weight class for his entire career.
The boxer was promoted in the United States by Golden Boy Promotions.
He was scheduled to make his U.S. debut for the promotional company earlier this year as part of a show in Los Angeles, but the event was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Menayothin spent his entire career in Thailand.
The Thai boxer began to make noise and get worldwide attention when his pro record began to inch close to the undefeated 50-0 streak of Floyd Mayweather, who himself retired back in 2017.
He officially surpassed Mayweather’s record in August of 2018, when he reached 51-0 by winning a twelve round decision over Pedro Taduran.
He’s also remained close to the World Boxing Council for his entire career.
Menayothin won the WBC’s Youth title, the WBC interim-International title, and the WBC’s International silver title. He finally won the WBC’s full minimumweight championship in 2014 when he stopped Oswaldo Novoa in nine rounds.
After capturing the WBC title, he made twelve defenses against a who’s who in the rankings.
Menayothin’s last fight took place back in October 2019, when he won a twelve round unanimous decision over Simiwe Konkco.
“I have decided that it’s good to stop boxing. My parents, siblings have never been in boxing. I’m decide everything for myself. I know how I feel. No one knows my body as much as I do. Everyone needs money. But I would like to heal my body. Congratulations to everyone who supports me. Thank you for all the strength that you have always given me,” Menayothin stated.
–boxingscene.com
