On Friday, September 30, in Wenzhou, China, WBA World super bantamweight champion Nehomar Cermeño (25-5-1, 14 KOs), from Panama City, Panama, by way of Barcelona, Venezuela, defends his title against WBA-PABA super bantamweight champion Anurak Thisa (17-0, 5 KOs), from Bangkok, Thailand.

To acclimate before the championship fight, Cermeño flew from Panama to China today and is looking forward to the first defense of the title he won three months ago.

Cermeño, 36, intends to go the full 12 rounds if necessary and has been working in the gym with that in mind.

“The plan my coach Celso Chavez devised has made both my hands and legs faster,” said Cermeño, “and this will be apparent the day of the fight.”

The challenger is 11 years younger than the champion, but that is of no concern to Cermeño.

“I’m in excellent condition and that’s what counts in the ring,” he said. “But my last opponent is stronger than Thisa, so we’ll see how the fight develops in the ring.”

Celso Chavez is confident that his charge will be victorious.

“His rival is quite young and fast,” Chavez said, “but the experience will overwhelm the Thai because Cermak is very well prepared.”

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.