Since taking the title from Filipino Malcolm Tunacao in 2001, the Nakhon Ratchasima-born southpaw has had an impressive defence, including five knockouts in 14 fights and is now only one win away from putting his name in the record books.

On Sunday the 29-year-old Thai came face-to-face with Morales, who holds the WBC Continental Americas title, during an experimental weight-in, with the veteran Mexican having a height advantage.

Although the Thai weighed 117 pounds while the Mexican weighted in at 120, it is still within WBC limits for the 112-pound flyweight division and they have the luxury of four days to make the weight before the official weight-in on Thursday.

Despite having a physical disadvantage, Pongsaklek is convinced he will not have much trouble defeating his 30-year-old opponent.

"I'm not concerned about the bout against him, although my height puts me at a disadvantage," said the champion.

"This is not my first fight against a taller boxer, so I know what to do to beat such an opponent - get in close and prevent him using his reach advantage.

"Although he is good fighter and has vast experience, I still strongly believe I will retain my title for the 15th time to become the first Thai in the WBC Hall of Fame. "I also hope I can defend my title as long as possible to register a record of title defences in WBC history," added Pongsa-klek.

The challenger, who failed in his previous two attempts at a title shot, vowed he would shatter Pongsaklek's hopes and bring the title back to Mexico, whose people are still unhappy after their team's 2-1 loss to Argentina in the World Cup.

The Pongsaklek versus Morales fight is on Friday at the Royal Paragon Hall on the fifth floor of the Siam Paragon shopping centre. Channel 7 will show the bout live from 3pm.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation