Nguyen Van Hai makes boxing history for Vietnam at WBC Asia Fight Night

HANOI, June 14, 2026 – Nguyen Van Hai knocked out Thai boxer Petchdam Sor in the second round to capture the WBC Asia light flyweight title at Cau Giay Arena, handing Vietnam its first international boxing belt in 12 years. Hai, 26, from Thanh Hoa, threw only 28 punches but landed 47 percent, while his opponent landed just 18 percent. The decisive left hook struck the Thai boxer's temple, prompting a rally that ended with a right hook to the liver. Hai's victory came after years of disciplined training. His coach, Pham Quoc Cuong, said the boxer's traditional martial arts background gave him excellent footwork and observation skills. Hai had wanted to quit after failing at the SEA Games, but returned with a new focus on data and video analysis. WBC Asia has now invited him to defend his belt against Japanese boxer Takeshi Yamamoto later this year. The win is seen as a milestone for Vietnamese boxing and a symbol of a new generation that combines tradition with modern analytical training.