WORLD Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman mourns the passing of one of the most influential persons to have ever supported the sport, King Bhumibol Aduluyadej, who passed away last week in Bangkok, Thailand.
“The King was a strong supporter and his dedication and determination opened the doors of his country to International Boxing and also opened the doors of the world to Muaythai, which is the national sport in the Kingdom of Siam,” said Sulaiman.
Sulaiman noted that Thailand had very little international activity in professional boxing up until the early 1980s.
“The late Sombhop Srismvongse, along with Edward Thangarajah visited my dear father Jose Sulaiman during the WBC´s annual convention in Korea in 1982 and then the future of Thailand´s boxing began,” said Sulaiman.
He said his father Don Jose Sulaiman changed his itinerary and flew from Korea to Thailand and spent two weeks putting together an action plan to organize a professional boxing structure.
My father was fortunate to meet the King in many occasions and it was the King´s wish to see Muaythai be respected worldwide as there is too much confusion with the so many mixed martial arts. The WBC formed the WBC Muaythai committee which sanctions events worldwide.
Sulaiman recalled that “The WBC has celebrated 6 world annual conventions in Thailand, 3 in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phucket and Pattaya. The world of boxing loves Thailand and there are so many stories that can be written through this formidable 35 years of activity.”
Before the WBC there were no Thailand world champions in professional boxing. The great Sansaek Muangsurin who was handled by the “Grand Old Man” of Philippine boxing Lope “Papa” Sarreal and Chartchai Chionoi opened the doors for their countrymen and today we can acknowledge 24 WBC world champions from Thailand, and some future hall of famers like Pongsaklek Wongjongkam, Veerapol Nakonluang and current minimum weight champion Wandheng Menayothin.
In his first title defense Chatchai Chinoi was knocked out by the Philippines classy Erbito Salavarria in the 2nd round who went on to make several successful title defenses before losing the title. He later reigned as WBA flyweight champion as well.
General Kovid Bhakdibhumi was elected President of the WBC affiliated federation ABCO ( Asian Boxing Council ) after the passing of Somhbop and is currently WBC Vice President and has assembled a working team with Vp´s Kiate Sirigul and Patrick Cusik who continue the legacy with our Executive secretary Edward Thangarajah.
Sulaiman said “With the passing of our leader King Aduluyadej an era has ended and there will be a need to regroup and create a new plan of action and all will certainly be in honor of his Royal Highness legacy and memory. Long Live the King !"