Rey Loreto: Filipino IBO Light-Flyweight Champion
Filipino boxer Rey Loreto challenged Thammanoon Niyomtrong for the WBA minimumweight championship in Thailand on July 15, 2017. Niyomtrong retained the belt by unanimous decision, ending a title bid that followed Loreto’s notable victories at light flyweight.
Two victories over Nkosinathi Joyi
Loreto’s breakthrough came in February 2014, when he knocked out South Africa’s Nkosinathi Joyi in the third round to win the vacant IBO light-flyweight title in Monte Carlo. The result brought him wider attention after a difficult early professional career.
The pair met again in South Africa on March 22, 2015. Loreto stopped Joyi in the first round, successfully defending the IBO championship and confirming that the earlier victory was not an isolated result. The WBA’s career listing records both contests.
The minimumweight challenge in Thailand
The later contest against Niyomtrong was in a different weight category and for a different organization’s championship. Niyomtrong, also known as Knockout CP Freshmart, won the scheduled 12-round bout with scores of 117–110, 117–110 and 115–113.
The WBA report described the champion controlling distance and managing his offense. Loreto completed the contest but did not secure the decision needed to win the minimumweight title.
The two wins over Joyi remain important milestones, while the Niyomtrong result records a distinct attempt to win another championship in a lower division.
The WBA’s event report gives the result and judges’ scores; the WBA profile tracks Loreto’s title activity. Sources: WBA profile of Loreto’s IBO success; [1] [2]
Sources
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
