Top Bantamweights From Thailand and the Philippines to Clash in World Title Match

There is a long running boxing rivalry between the Philippines and Thailand. The pair of South East Asian powerhouses consistently produces world title challengers but the paths of top contenders from the two countries do not cross as frequently as you might expect.

Fighters from the Philippines and Thailand consistently dominate the boxing at the SEA Games with the former country claiming five gold medals in 2015. However once these pugilists enter the professional ranks promoters tend to protect them, at least for as long as it takes to secure one big payday.

If a Filipino promoter flies a Thai fighter in to one of their shows it is generally because they are confident their homegrown fighter will prevail. The same applies to boxers heading in the opposite direction, that's just the way the industry works. The crowds want to see a local fighter win and the people putting the fights together don't like to disappoint them.

Every now and again fate will contrive to make a matchup between two of the top fighters from Thailand and the Philippines inevitable. That's what has happened in the bantamweight division where the WBA has ordered Thai champion Pungluang Sor Singyu to face number one ranked Filipino contender Marlon Tapales in a matchup which is set for December.

There is no date confirmed for the fight which probably means both camps are bickering over where it will take place. Tapales is managed by Waqee Salud but the rumoor in the Philippines is Manny Pacquiao Promotions wants to make this fight happen in Cebu, the stronghold of boxing in the country's south.

Pungluang is part of the One Songchai stable of fighters and his promoter has stated that the fight will take place in Thailand, although this could well prove to be no more than a negotiational gambit. There is precedent for Pungluang to win on the road, he stopped Filipino AJ Banal in Manila to win the first world title of his career in 2012.

It remains his only win outside of Thailand. In 2009 he lost a dubious split decision to a Belgian fighter in Liege. In 2013 he dropped a less controversial decision to Zimbabwean Paulus Ambunda in Windhoek and last year Pungluang was knocked out by Japan's Tomoki Kameda in Las Vegas.

Tapales has also endured frustration when fighting outside of the Philippines. In 2013 he was beaten by Mexican David Sanchez who prevailed courtesy of a highly debatable majority decision in Sonora. However he's had slightly more success than Pungluang on his travels, winning fights in Japan and Las Vegas.

It's rare for two boxers from the Philippines and Thailand to clash while at the peak of their powers. Amnat Ruenroeng's recent bout with Johnriel Casimero was an exception which proves the rule but the fight was marred by controversial judging and refereeing. It took place in Bangkok and unsurprisingly Ruenroeng got the benefit of both.

This could go some way to explaining the delay in a date and venue being confirmed for Tapales vs Pungluang. Both are highly prized assets to their respective promoters. The Filipino is 27-2 and will be fighting for a world title for the first time in his life. The Thai is 51-3 and is the only reigning world champion on the One Songchai roster right now.

Pungluang has had to work his way into contention for a shot at the title on three separate occasions. The first time he won it by beating Banal in the Philippines. The second time he was stopped by Tomoki Kameda in Las Vegas and the third opportunity arrived only last month when he knocked out Ryo Akaho in Thailand.

Opportunity has not knocked quite so frequently for Tapales, who is four years the junior of the champion. The closest he's come to tasting world title glory was the majority decision loss to Sanchez which had the less than distinguished sounding interim WBC silver super flyweight title on the line.

It's a must win fight for both men. It's taken Tapales seven years and 29 fights to secure a shot at a legitimate world title and he won't want to fall at the final hurdle. Pungluang has battled into contention for this belt three times already but has never successfully defended it so will be equally desperate not to fail.

For now the promoters are presumably locked in negotiations as to which country will get to host this matchup. Once the details are ironed out and confirmed fight fans in Thailand and the Philippines will have a big bantamweight world tile fight to look forward to.