By Rey Danseco
FILIPINO fighters are no longer allowed to fight in alleged land of hometown decisions and mismatches, Thailand. So, Thai fighters are now starting to come to see action in the Philippines in order to make a living.
Thai promoter Siraphop Ratanasuban, eldest son of Bangkok-based promoter and manager Songchai Ratanasuban of OneSongchai Boxing Promotions, brought young fighter Deeden Sithsaithong to Manila from Bangkok around 8 pm on Thursday in preparation for ambitious attempt to acquire a world ranking from unbeaten World Boxing Organization Asia Pacific flyweight champ Draian “Little Espinosa” Francisco.
Sithsaithong takes on Francisco, who is world rated No. 8 in the world by WBO, in scheduled 10-round, main event bout on Sunday in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
“Our fight will be like a war. I can risk my dear life to beat your champion,” said Sithsaithong through an interpreter after he arrived around 8 pm on board a Philippine Airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“I am aware he’s a regional champion, but seems our experience as professionals are almost the same. The difference is he has the belt while I am still looking for one.”
A trainer joins Sithsaithong in his bid while Ratanasuban is waiting for good news back home. Ratanasuban used to import Filipino fighters until the Philippine Games and Amusement Board (GAB) imposed the ban after the death of inexperience boxer Lito Sisnorio at the hands of former world champion Chatchai Sasakul last month in Thailand.
"Hindi puwedeng magkumpiyansa si Draian, palaban ang kalaban at gustong gumawa ng pangalan sa labas ng Thailand,” said Elorde.
GAB officials that will supervise the bout and the four other pairs of collision left Manila yesterday for the first class municipality in the 11-town province in Region 4-B (MIMARO)
There’s another Thai fighter who will see action tonight in the Philippines. Thongthailek Por Vorasing is slated to fight Bacolod-native Donnie Nietes for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight title at New Victorias City Coliseum in Victorias City, Negros.
