Carlos Canizales came to grips with the seven-month delay towards realizing his lifelong dream.
The hard-hitting junior flyweight gained sweet revenge over Panya Pradabsri, whom he stopped in the fifth round of their August 1 rematch in his hometown of Caracas, Venezuela. Both boxers were credited with knockdowns but it was Canizales, 28-3-1 (20 KOs), who had the last laugh as he dethroned Thailand's Pradabsri, 44-3 (27 KOs).
“I am very happy to have had the opportunity to win the world title," Canizales told WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman via Zoom during the sanctioning body's weekly Martes de Café session. "It was a very special night for me, my family, and my country.
“It was a well-deserved rematch, and based on hard work and heart, I was able to win. Thank God I won the world title, and now I am part of the Great Green and Gold Champions of the WBC.”
Pradabsri - a former WBC strawweight titlist - won their first meeting and the vacant WBC 108lbs title via highly questionable majority decision last December 26 in Bangkok, Thailand. Most observers felt that Canizales deserved the nod. Sulaiman was chief among them, as he ordered an instant review of the fight, which led to the WBC Board of Governors ordering an immediate rematch.
This time, it was Canizales who was provided a rare home game in a title fight, and he made the moment count.
"Champion, we are very proud of the great fight you put on," Sulaiman told Canizales. "You got up from the canvas to knock out a tough opponent you had already fought. I want to invite you to come to Mexico to receive your world champion belt in a few weeks at our “Martes de Café.”
The invitation was immediately accepted by the sport's newest major title claimant.
“Of course. It will be an honor for me to visit Mexico and receive my belt from you," Canizales replied. "The Green and Gold WBC Title is something I have dreamed of since I was a child, and now it is a reality. I’ll see you there in a few weeks.”
