Rockman eager to smash his way back into world title picture
PUBLISHED : 12 Sep 2025 at 01:01
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Chainoi Worawut trains for his fight against Yukinori Oguni in Tokyo on Oct 1.
A power puncher is a boxer whose primary strength is the kind of force that can end a fight with a single blow. That definition fits Chainoi Worawut to the letter.
The 28-year-old burst onto the domestic scene with highlight-reel knockouts broadcast on Workpoint TV. Signed to Nakornluang Promotion, the WBC’s No.13-ranked super bantamweight now looks to move closer to a world title shot when he meets former IBF champion Yukinori Oguni in Tokyo on Oct 1.
Nicknamed Rockman, the Thai comes from fighting stock. His father is Chatchainoi Chaoraioi, a Muay Thai star of the golden era, and those roots show in his aggressive, heavy-handed style. Fresh off a knockout of journeyman Sukprasert Ponphitak, the challenger looks eager for the test ahead.
Oguni, 37, is a veteran with world-level pedigree. The Japanese fighter has shared the ring with John Riel Casimero, Ryosuke Iwasa and Jonathan Guzman. Though the visitor enjoys a decade’s youth advantage, Oguni brings both experience and the roar of a home crowd at the historic Korakuen Hall.
When asked about the match-up, the Thai’s respect was clear but so was his confidence: “Oguni is a former world champion with a lot of experience. I watched his tapes and decided to take this fight because his style is interesting. It’s the kind of fight that can be exciting and actually suits me better than the Goodman fight. My preparation will stay true to my own style — using sharp, heavy punches to counter effectively.”
This will be his second fight abroad. In June 2024, he travelled to Australia to face Sam Goodman in an eliminator that promised the winner a title shot at Naoya Inoue. Many had him edging the early rounds, but Goodman controlled the later stages to win a unanimous decision.
“That fight against Goodman taught me that I need to be faster and throw a wider variety of punches,” he admitted. “For this camp, we trained hard as always, but with a sharper focus on accuracy in every shot.”
The Oguni bout is scheduled for eight rounds in a non-title contest at Korakuen Hall, a venue steeped in boxing history. For the Japanese veteran, it may be the last chance to rebuild towards the top. For the Thai challenger, it is an opportunity to prove he belongs among the world’s best.
“Right now, I also have my own gym to take care of, but I can’t give up boxing. I’ve come too far already,” he said. “If I win, it could lead to opportunities against fighters like Naoya Inoue or others in the top 10. It would definitely open new doors for me and also bring more recognition to Thai boxing.”
It is a fight of contrasts: one man approaching the twilight of his career and another still in his prime, armed with the kind of knockout power that can change his fortunes with a single punch. A win in Tokyo could be the launchpad that sends Rockman towards the biggest nights of his career.
AloJapan.com