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Former IBA world champion Tran Van Thao defeated Kwanchai Pliankhunthod in the fourth round of their fight in Ho Chi Minh City on November 15, following repeated taunts.

The referee declared boxer Tran Van Thao the winner by knockout in the 56kg division during the Ho Tram Legendary event in HCMC on November 15, 2025, against Kwanchai Pliankhunthod. Photo by VnExpress/Phuong Quyen.

Pliankhunthod, 23, joined the Ho Tram Legendary event match with a reputation for a tough fighting approach, yet was seen as less seasoned compared to Thao. The Thai competitor used provocative tactics, frequently circling the ring, dancing, and laughing to try to disrupt the Vietnamese boxer.

Thao stayed concentrated, enduring the insults and waiting for the perfect moment to strike, while blocking Pliankhunthod’s quick attacks. The plan succeeded in the fourth round as Thao delivered brutal blows to Kwanchai’s body, causing him to fall for the first time.

The Thai competitor survived the 10-second count, but Thao quickly launched a sequence of punches. Pliankhunthod collapsed onto the mat once more and was unable to continue, leading to a knockout win for Thao.

In the first two rounds, I was somewhat eager,” Thao said following the match. “However, in the third round, even though my opponent tried to provoke me into losing my composure, I didn’t take the bait. I remained calm and finished the fight with a knockout.

Thao, 33, known as “The Trigger,” has won eight national titles prior to transitioning into professional boxing.

The triumph in Ho Tram elevates his professional record to 19 victories (11 via knockout) out of 20 fights. His key career accomplishments consist of the WBC Asia Championship (2017), IBA World Championship (2022), and WBO Global Championship (2024).

The Ho Tram Legendary event was held at The Grand Ho Tram, gathering 14 boxers from Australia, mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.