Saenghiran Lookbanyai could turn to the WBO after being knocked out by WBC challenger Napapol Kiatisakchokechai. Victory earned Napapol a right to challenge WBC super-bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez of Mexico while Saenghiran, 27, has opted to go the WBO route.

Saenghiran manager's Atthaporn Tangnusart said the defeat had made them re-evaluate their options.

''We were very disappointed to have lost the fight especially because of how well Saenghiran boxed in the early rounds,'' said Atthaporn.

''We are thinking of challenging WBO Daniel Ponce de Leon of Mexico and will be back in training next week.

''He needs two warm-up fights now before taking on Ponce de Leon.''

The Mexican (32-1, 29KOs) won the vacant WBO super-bantamweight belt (122 pound) in the USA in 2005 when he took an unanimous point victory over Sod Looknongyangtoy of Thailand.

He blasted Sod out in 53 seconds in his second defence.

The 27-year-old is now under the promotion of Oscar de la Hoya and defended in August with a stunning first-round stoppage of highly-rated Rey Bautista in August.

Atthaporn said he also had a rematch with Napapol in mind.

''Although Saenghiran was knocked out, the points on the scorecard showed how well we were doing so we would fancy it again,'' he said.

.''Saenghiran was not at his best because he took a two -month break from training to have an operation for appendicitis in April.

''Saenghiran ran out of steam because he went it too hard in the early rounds.

''The operation meant his stamina was not as high as usual.''

Source: www.bangkokpost.com, 29 September 2007