Manus handed last chance

Known for his notorious off the ring behaviour, the 31yearold Manus courted controversy once again when he opted not to travel and compete in the preOlympic tournament which ended on Sunday. Three Thai boxers clinched medals of different colours, with flyweight Chatchai Butdee sealing the gold.  
Manus, who if successful would be making his third Olympic appearance, yesterday met the Thailand Boxing Association president, General Boonlert Kaewprasit, to explain his reason for skipping the event. It is learnt that the Ratchaburi native, who took part in the SEA Games in Indonesia and won a bronze medal, cited exhaustion as the reason for his no show. 
“The event initially was not on the schedule and they told me about it at short notice. Physically, I’m still not in good shape after more than three years away from the ring.
“Had I gone there, I might not have succeeded like in the SEA Games and put my health at risk. I think it would be better if I stay here to prepare myself for the training camp for the Olympic qualifiers, which will start next month,” said Manus, who also claimed a silver medal in the Beijing Olympic three years ago.
Boonlert decided to give Manus a “last” chance to prove himself and should he fail to do so he would be expelled from the team. 
“I saw his determination so I wanted to give him another chance to fight for his berth in London at the qualifying event in Kazakhstan in March. 
“But, this would be a last chance for him. Should he still behave improperly, he would no longer be in our team,” said Boonlert, who expects Thai boxers to claim four to five berths in the London Games. Experienced Kaew Pongprayoon is the sole Thai boxer so far to book a place in the quadrennial showpiece.