Wanheng signs with Golden Boy, plans U.S. fights

Photo credit should read JOE FREEMAN/AFP/Getty Images

Golden Boy also signed Mihai Nistor, who knocked out Anthony Joshua in the amateurs

America could get a taste of TBE before too long, as Golden Boy Promotions has just signed world #1 minimumweight Wanheng Menayothin alongside Romanian Olympic heavyweight Mihai Nestor.

Menayothin (53-0, 18 KO), real name Chayaphon Moonsri, has spent the entirety of his 12-year pro career in his native Thailand, but that’s apparently going to change soon.

“I am very delighted that the Golden Boy has given me the opportunity to get more exposure overseas,” said Chayaphon Moonsri. “I felt really excited when I learned that I would fight abroad. It will be my very first time fighting outside my home country. This will not only be to prove myself but also to make the world know and recognize me as the great world champion in this division.”

After 12 defenses of the WBC title he won in 2014, it’s good to see the 33-year-old leave his comfort zone in pursuit of a greater legacy. Unfortunately, this news comes a little too late for former IBF champion DeeJay Kriel, who wanted to unify with Wanheng but recently vacated the belt in a move to 108 pounds.

Nistor, 28, is best known for knocking out Anthony Joshua in the 2011 European Championships. He’s quite confident in his chances.

“I am honored to be working with Golden Boy as a professional boxer,” said Mihai Nistor. “As its first Romanian heavyweight boxer, this partnership will give me the opportunity to demonstrate my expert boxing skills. I am confident that I will capture all the world titles. Stay tuned!”

It will be interesting to see how well he manages in the pros as a 6’0” heavyweight.