Kaovichit, Kratingdaenggym Honored in Thailand
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
WBA flyweight champion Denkaosan Kaovichit and WBA bantamweight champion Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym have been welcomed by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at Government House in Bangkok following their world title triumphs.
Denkaosan successfully defended his WBA flyweight title in a close fight against Japan’s Daiki Kameda on October 6, while Poonsawat scored a brutal third round stoppage of Ireland’s Bernard Dunne to win the 118 pound title last September 26 in Dublin.
The Thai Rath newspaper reported that Prime Minister Abhisit told the two boxers to maintain their discipline and training as well as to save the money they had earned from their title fights.
Niwat Laosuwannawat, manager and promoter of the two boxers, said Prime Minister Abhisit is well aware of the financial burdens of Thai promoters who want to stage title defenses in Thailand especially since boxing events in the country typically do not charge for tickets.
Thai Rath quoted Niwat as saying the Prime Minister is looking to help promote boxing, which is a sport that has boosted Thailand’s reputation, but he will need to carefully consider how to provide support.
The promoter also said the government should support the major matches in Thailand, such as the expensive title defenses, as Thai boxers are more likely to lose their titles when fighting abroad.
The meeting lasted some 20 minutes. Denkaosan said later said he was glad to get a chance to meet Prime Minister Abhisit whom he admires, while Poonsawat said the interest of the country’s leader in Thai boxers is a great morale boost.
Some months ago Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao had a whirlwind visit to Bangkok where he was referred to as a “Hero of Asia” during a courtesy call on Prime Minister Abhisit and other top government officials and was mobbed wherever he went.
In the Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo since the start of her presidency, has always welcome champion boxers and other athletes who bring honor to the country at the presidential palace, Malacanang, and given them incentives.
