Thanongsak Simsri vs Sergio Mendoza

This is a tough pick, and it might all come down to stance. Simsri has faced only 3 southpaws in his career, and the last was Filipino Cristian Araneta in his last outing, a split-decision win in Tokyo, Japan, when he was dropped heavily in the 3rd round before recovering to win by scores of: 114-113, 112-115, 111-116. In December 2024, Simsri defended his OPBF title against Japan's Masataka Taniguchi in Osaka, Japan, and once again won by a close split decision 115-113, 116-112, 113-115. Mendoza is potentially the best southpaw the Thai will have ever faced. Hernandez has also been dropped, specifically in his August 2023 fight against Erik “Habanerito” Lopez. Hernandez went on to win a tight split decision 95-94, 94-95, 96-93. Lopez, a short orthodox fighter with a 16-9-2 record going into the match, found Hernandez easy to catch with counters. Simsri, at 5ft 3” tall, may also find the Mexican’s chin at some stage. Both have similar knockout percentages, so there is every chance this fight won’t go the distance. Whatever way I go, I do so without great confidence, but I am going with the Thai because of the number of fights he has taken part in in Japan and the higher-level opponents he has faced on the world stage. For Hernandez, this will be his first fight outside of his native Mexico. Simsri on a mid to late round stoppage.