THAI boxing legend Wanheng Menayothin, who officially topped Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0 undefeated record, has performed a dramatic retirement U-turn.
The 34-year-old – known as the ‘Dwarf Giant’ – quit the ring on Sunday with a superb record of 54-0 after beating Simphiwe Khonco via unanimous decision.
Wanheng Menayothin, who officially topped Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0 undefeated record, has performed a dramatic retirement U-turnCredit: Getty – Contributor
Mayweather retired in 2017 after overtaking legendary heavyweight Rocky Marciano’s record by beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor.
Marciano had made it to 49-0 in 1955 and 62 years later, Money took the crown of boxing’s best stats.
But WBC minimumweight champ Menayothin leapfrogged Mayweather by taking his record to 51-0 in August 2018.
His unbeaten tally now stands at 54-0 with the 7st 7lbs fighter announcing just days ago he was hanging up the gloves.
Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather quit the ring with a 50-0 recordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Thai boxer has been reigning world champ since 2014Credit: AFP or licensors
Now the star has deleted the social media post saying he was walking away from the ring and will soon begin training for victory number 55 as he prepares to defend his title again in September.
WBC’s Asian Boxing Council confirmed the news, saying: “We are pleased to confirm that the current World Boxing Council minimum-weight world champion Wanheng Meenayothin has not retired from professional boxing.
“The champ will look to make his next defense of his WBC world title in the coming months.”
Menayothin was due to make his US debut this year until the coronavirus pandemic scuppered those plans.
Watch Wanheng Menayothin in action – the Thai legend who just beat Floyd Mayweather’s undefeated record
It remains to be seen whether that clash with Marco John Rementizo can still be arranged.
Menayothin followed up the news of his return with a social media post of his own.
He said he had announced his retirement without talking with his trainer.
He added he needs to speak to his doctor also about the nose problem which is impacting his breathing.
Despite Menayothin – who was born Chayaphon Moonsri – toppling Mayweather’s numbers in the ring, the 5ft 2in champ cannot match the millions racked up by the American.
He has held the world title since 2014 but has never fought outside of his homeland in Thailand.
Mayweather will not be too worried as his glittering career, where he competed in various weight divisions against legendary opponents such as Manny Pacquiao and Brit Ricky Hatton, is still going to be considered superior by boxing historians.
Wanheng Menayothin is known as the ‘Dwarf Giant’ but has never competed abroadCredit: AFP or licensors
WBC minimumweight champ Menayothin leapfrogged Mayweather by taking his record to 51-0 in August 2018Credit: Getty Images
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
