TALKING SPORT
Edward Thangarajah
Never before has there been such outstanding interest in a world boxing title fight like the upcoming WBC strawweight clash which is scheduled to be held in Phitsanulok on November 27.
 |
| Oledong Sithsamerchai. |
Though this is the second all-Thai world title fight to be held in the Kingdom within a year, and strangely enough for the same WBC strawweight title, there is outstanding interest as both protagonists are from the kingdom and live in Thailand.
Defending world strawweight champion Oledong Sithsamerchai won the title last year by beating Eagle Den Julaphan, a Thai who is married to a Japanese and has settled down in Japan. Hence, when they fought last November in Thailand many Thais rooted for Oledong.
But on November 27, support will be split, as Oledong and Pornsawan Por Pramook are living and are training under Thai coaches.
The chairman of the fight, Dr. Pong Pisethpaitoon, a keen boxing follower, who is chairman of administration of the Charoen Pokaphant Group (CP Group), pointed out last Thursday, when he met with the media, at the Prince Palace Hotel, it is not often that Thai boxers clash for the world title.
Hence it is a great honour for boxing-loving Thailand to be able to unfold this contest.
An elated chairman of the Petchyindee Boxing Promotion, Virat Vachiraratanawong said: "We will have only one national flag flying over the arena in Phitsanulok and only one national anthem will be sung.
"Two sons of the same soil are meeting each other. I am promoting this fight with an open mind. Though Oledong comes from my camp and has been an exemplary boxer, I still want the best boxer to win."
After winning the title from Eagle last November, he defended his title against Junichi Ebisuoka of Japan in Phuket and registered a ninth round knockout victory.
Oledong is 28-0, with 12 KOs.
Pornsawan is a knockout specialist and carries stunning punches. With 21 victories, to his credit, 16 studded with knockouts and with only one loss in his career, it will be interesting to see whether the punching power of Pornsawan or the classic boxing style of Oledong will rule this interesting clash.
Virat expects the crowd to be divided in their support and says that should make the fight very exciting and interesting.
"The champion in the ring will don the green WBC belt and that is what all boxing fans in Thailand want," he said.
"We will see to it that justice and fair play is maintained at all cost."
Meanwhile, world flyweight contender Panomroonglek Kratingdaenggym has to wait longer in his bid to challenge world champion Daisuke Naito of Japan.
Naito wants to make one more voluntary defence, hence Panomroonglek who wanted to fight Naito before the end of the year, will have to wait until early next year.
His manager, Piyarat Vachiraratanawong told this writer that he had no option but to concede, to the champion's request.
"What can I do? I was making many plans for the Daisuke-Panomroonglek fight," he said.
"In fact I have been looking for sponsors and wanted Thai fans to see this fine Japanese world champion in action. We will have to wait."
Panomroonglek is also very disappointed but will keep training and participate in warm-up fights until the time comes to fight for the title.
Naito is scheduled to defend against compatriot Shingo Yamaguchi.
Edward Thangarajah is a WBC governor.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next