Vietnamese boxer defeats Chinese opponent despite weight difference

Tran Van Thao (L) with an accurate right hook at Li Gui Ming in WBO Title Match: War in Paradise on Jan. 13, 2024. Photo by Cocky Buffalo

The weight class of the fight was 53.5kg. At the weigh-in, Li was 700 grams heavier. According to professional boxing rules, Thao had the right to refuse to fight, request a fine or make Li wear larger gloves. But the Vietnamese boxer did not make any demands, and the fight went on as usual.

Li, 23, previously competed in the 57kg category but dropped his weight to fight in a lighter category. He has had 10 fights, winning six (one by knockout) and losing four. As for 31-year-old Thao, he has had 17 professional fights with 16 wins, (10 by knockout), and only lost once.

In the Paradise City ring, against an opponent that was also 6 cm taller, Thao used his experience to increase the tempo, with straight punches to Li’s face in the first round. He continued the momentum by taking advantage of his full physical strength and attacked vigorously in the second round when he saw the Chinese boxer was dizzy. After that, thanks to his durability, Li stood firm after eight rounds.

However, with his domination throughout the match, Thao won by unanimous decision with the judges giving him scores of 78-74, 78-72 and 77-75. After the main referee declared Thao the winner, he celebrated with his coach and team in the ring. Li clapped his hands and nodded in appreciation of the Vietnamese boxer.

“I’m very happy to win a match in the international ring,” Thao said. “Many Vietnamese fans came here to cheer, making me happy and emotional. Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement.”

According to Thao, he was worried before entering the ring because he had little time to get used to the cold weather in South Korea. Thao also revealed that he attacked right from the start because this was a suitable strategy against a taller and more durable opponent like Li.

WBO Title Match: War in Paradise in Incheon was sponsored by the Vietnam Boxing Organization and the World Boxing Organization.