BUHAIN IMPOSES BAN ON BOXERS FIGHTING IN THAILAND
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 03 Apr 2007
Philippine Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain has taken a bold and decisive step following the tragic death of former WBC Youth flyweight champion Lito Sisnorio who suffered a fourth round knockout in a hopeless mismatch against former world champion Chatchai Sasakul.
Buhain told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that the ban would be “indefinite” until the GAB is able to put into place strict rules and regulations that would prevent unscrupulous Filipinos and Thais conniving in sending poor Filipino boxers to Thailand to fight vastly superior world-rated boxers.
On the suggestion of this reporter Buhain said he would seek the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs in informing the Thai government of the ban and to make sure that no Filipino boxer is allowed to fight in Thailand. He also said he would seek the help of the Justice Department and the Immigration Bureau in the effort to stop boxers leaving for abroad without the necessary GAB clearance.
GAB boxing division chief Dr. Nasser Cruz said Sisnorio left to fight in Thailand without GAB approval. He also disclosed that Sisnorio and another fighter under manager Jemmel Contayoso identified as minimum weight Michael Rodriguez left the Cantayoso stable last December. Rodriguez who lost six straight fights in 2006 suffered a second round KO against Thai Kwantchai Chor Nor Pattalung last February 27.
Cruz said that relatives of Sisnorio who went to the GAB claimed that Sisnorio called them one month ago and informed them he was going to Japan to fight. The relatives wanted to check with the GAB records to find out whether he went to Japan.
Bangkok Post columnist Edward Thangarajah reported that Sisnorio’s body would remain at the Memorial Hospital where it will remain until relatives are contacted. Promoter Piyarat said that Sisnorio had been insured and he would make sure that the closest relatives would be “compensated.”
Sasakul who along with Pongsaklek who scored a seventh round TKO over Sisnorio in January cried when they learned of his death. Thangarajah quoted Sasakul as saying “I didn’t sleep on Saturday night worrying about him (Sisnorio) and I may not be able to sleep or eat properly for a long time to come. I cant express in words my sadness.”
Sasakul said he would never forget Sisnorio and tearfully added, “I am sure I will always see Lito every time I enter the ring.” Pongsaklek who was also upset said he was “shocked and saddened by his (Sisnorio’s) death.” Recalling their fight Pongsaklek said “he fought very hard with counter-punches. We had a great fight.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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