PONGSAKLEK KRATING-DAENG GYM, right and challenger Monelisi Myekeni during the weigh-in yesterday.

It will be the first mandatory fight since 2003 for the longest-ever reigning WBC flyweight champion, who has been widely criticised for avoiding the defence of his title abroad. Not surprisingly, today's fight will be on his home turf.

Since wresting the title from Filipino Malcolm Tunacao five years ago, the Nakhon Ratchasima-native has chalked up 14 title defences, with Mexican Everardo Morales the latest scalp in June.

The 29-year-old southpaw, who boasts 31 knockouts from 62 wins against two losses, will become the first boxer to be inducted into the WBC Hall of Fame while remaining at the top, provided he emerges victorious in his 15th title defence.

However, the possibility of registering a famous victory over such an illustrious opponent serves as an added incentive to Myekeni, who has a record of 21-2 with eight knockouts under his belt. Although the odds seem to be staked against Myekeni, the champion would be at his peril if he underestimates his opponent who has adroitly handled southpaw fighters before. The South African dominated Benedict Suico of the Philippines to earn the No 1 spot in March.

To add to the attraction, the Pongsaklek-Myekeni fight will use the open scoring system, in which the judges' scorecards are announced every four rounds, for the first time in Thailand.

Despite facing what could be one of his sternest tests for years, Pongsaklek vowed he would not let his hometown crowd down. He believes the woollen hat from Luang Phor Khoon, his lucky charm, will help him to another victory today.

"My confidence is still as high as ever. Besides, this fight is being held in my hometown," Pongsaklek said.

"I received the hat from the respected monk Luang Phor Khoon last year ahead of my fight against Noriyuki Komatsu. It seems to bring me good luck. In that fight Komatsu had a cut and I knocked him down in the fifth round and since then every one of my opponents has suffered a cut."

"At first, I didn't notice that until someone told me. Then, I tried to observe it and it really happened as whomever I fought suffered a gash.

"Naturally, I respect him very much. Something like this makes my faith grow even stronger. Whenever I think of him during my fights, I feel as if I have more power," Pongsaklek said.

The fighter's manager Piyarat Wachirattanawong said the champion has a physical disadvantage but told his ward to engage in a close fight, aiming at the face and body of his challenger. The fight between Pongsaklek and Myekini will be held at a makeshift arena in Nakhon Ratchasima. Channel 7 will televise the bout live from 2.30pm.