There’s a new boxing sensation in Thailand and he is not even a native Thai.
Actually, he’s a Filipino.
World-ranked super-flyweight Adrian “Wild Beast” Lerasan continued his rampage on Thai soil, stopping erstwhile undefeated Nattapong Jankaew in nine rounds in Samut Prakan.
It was the southpaw Lerasan’s fourth straight stoppage win in Thailand.
The victory raised Lerasan’s record to 12-4 with five knockouts and his conquest of Jankaew is expected to earn him a spot in the ratings of the World Boxing Association.
Entering the fight, Lerasan was only listed by the World Boxing Council at No. 15.
So far, Lerasan has beaten Tanes Ongjunta, Suradech Ruhasiri and Phongsaphon Panyakum all via the short route.
Brico Santig, who promotes and manages the 23-year-old Antipolo resident, will not hesitate to sign a fight contract for a world title if it comes.
“I feel he is ready and it is not every day that a fighter gets an opportunity to fight for a world crown,” Santig told Daily Tribune yesterday from Bangkok.
“He is very motivated and that’s what I am telling him. You have to push yourself and that’s what he has been doing since he starts campaigning here,” added Santig, noting that it is almost unheard of for Filipino boxers to rack up consecutive victories in Thailand.
“There have been many Filipinos who have won world titles here but when they came back, they got beaten.”
Case in point were Manny Pacquiao, who flattened Chatchai Sasakul in winning the WBC fly title but lost the title to Medgoen 3K Battery in a defense.
Malcolm Tunacao also got victimized by the Thai curse when, after dethroning 3K Battery, the Cebu lefty came back only to surrender the title on a shocking first-round knockout to Pongsaklek Wonjongkam.