By Osman Ratero

Bangkok, Thailand - Muhammad Rachman (64-10-5, 33KOs) is once again a champion after stopping previously undefeated Kwanthai Sithmorseng (31-1-1, 17KOs) in nine rounds to win the WBA's minimumweight title. The champion was the early winner with vicious punches that sent Rachman down in the second, but he made it up and came back in the later rounds to drop Sithmorseng down twice in the ninth, with the now ex-champion staying down for the full count.

The win is a huge one for Rachman, who was 1-4 coming into this fight and was knocked out for the first time last September. He only had one win since June of 2008. Rachman was the IBF's champion until he lost the title to Florante Condes in 2007.

"It's a bitter disappointment to lose this fight as I felt I took control in the opening part. However, I made a mistake in space of a second. I don't feel disheartened by the loss. I will take a break then return to training to try and reclaim the title," said Kwanthai.