The bout will be the first chance the Lampang-born boxer (46-1-1) has had to show off his skills in front of his home fans after his stunning victory over Frenchman Mahyar Monshipour, dubbed Little Tyson, earlier this year.

He valiantly battled back from the brink of defeat to claim the title with a splendid 10th round technical knockout.

However the 29-year-old, who has 37 knockouts under his belt, is unfortunate to make his first title defence in a compulsory fight against the razor-thin Caballero, who holds the interim title.

Despite the fight being held on home territory where Thai boxers have enjoyed a good track record when defending their titles, Korkiart Panichayarom, Somsak's manager, was more concerned as the southpaw Panamanian has the potential to unnerve the Thai.

"This guy is undoubtedly a very strong opponent for Somsak as Don King is trying to push him into the title," said Korkiart.

"After I studied his form, it made me very concerned as he boxes in a style that could bother Somsak - hitting and stepping away. It is a tactic which most Thai boxers feel uncomfortable with.

"So we have had to change our fight plan, focusing on attacking and finishing him off early because if Somsak has to fight till the final round, there is a possibility that Caballero could win on points," added Korkiart.

Having been preparing for the fight for three months, Caballero has vowed to claim the scalp of the Thai champion. "I have got through more than 300 training fights in the past three months," said the challenger, who arrived in Thailand 10 days ahead of the fight.

The fight will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima and Channel 7 will show the bout live from 3pm today.

Kitinan Sanguansak

 The Nation