Pongsaklek Wonjongkam: The Unsung Thai Boxing Legend

Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (born August 11, 1977) is a Thai former flyweight world champion whose first WBC title reign became one of the division’s longest. He captured the belt in 2001, made a record run of defenses, later regained the championship, and initially retired in 2013. His later record includes a return to competition in 2018. BoxRec’s career record documents his title fights and results.

A fast start to a historic reign

Wonjongkam turned professional in 1994. On March 2, 2001, he stopped reigning WBC champion Malcolm Tuñacao in the first round to win the flyweight title. He defended it 17 consecutive times between 2001 and 2007, including a first-round knockout of Daisuke Naito in 2002. Guinness World Records recognizes those 17 defenses as the most consecutive world flyweight title defenses. The Guinness record entry dates the run from July 2001 to April 2007, and the WBC’s account confirms the opening win over Tuñacao.

Rivalry, loss and comeback

After losing their first two meetings, Naito defeated Wonjongkam by unanimous decision in July 2007 to take the title. Wonjongkam returned to the top in March 2010, outpointing Koki Kameda to regain the WBC belt. He made four defenses in that second reign before Sonny Boy Jaro stopped him in the sixth round in March 2012. The two title reigns and his challengers are listed in BoxRec’s championship history.

A lasting place in Thai boxing

Wonjongkam fought on after losing the title and initially retired in 2013. His draw with Naito came in 2008, after their 2007 title change. His skill and consistency helped make Thailand a major force in the lower weight classes. The archived highlight reel above preserves footage from his career; his achievements remain part of the wider history of boxing.

Sources

Career records and reporting: boxrec.com.

Tags

Boxing, Boxing History