By Ronnie Nathanielsz
The Professional Boxing Association of Thailand wants the promoter and others who sent boxer Sakai Jockeygym to Japan without proper clearance to be punished.
Sakai Jockeygym died from head injuries suffered in a tenth round TKO loss to Japan’s Kazuyoshi Niki in Fukuoka last October 12. He reportedly lost consciousness after getting out of the ring and passed away three hours later at the hospital from brain hemorrhage. He was 20.
Muay Siam reported that PBAT president Somchart Charoenwatcharawit, who is also a member of the Board of Boxing Sport, said Sakai violated the law when he fought abroad without getting prior permission from PBAT. He said the claim of Sakai’s promoter Chucharoen Rawee-aramwong that the fight was permitted by Ratchadamnern Stadium, instead of PBAT, was causing confusion among boxing fans.
Somchart is looking to have the board assist the family of the boxer, while exacting punishment on the alleged “wrongdoers”. Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa, who chaired the board, agreed with Somchart and said the promoter must be punished along with those who helped arranged Sakai’s fight abroad.
Somchart is planning to request Chucharoen and other involved individuals to appear before the board next week to explain what happened.
The Thai Board of Boxing Sport also resolved to pay 50,000 Baht (about US$1,400) to Sakai’s family, although Sakai is registered only as a muaythai fighter, not a professional boxer.
Born Somboon Wiangchai, Sakai Jockeygym started out as muaythai fighter but shifted to professional boxing.
