Thailand's Kaew faces little-known Ecuadorian for a place in the quarter-finals

The 32-year-old Kaew is one of two Thai fighters left in the boxing in London along with flyweight Chatchai Butdee (who was due to go up against Cuba’s Ramirez Carrazana  late last night) following lightweight Sailom Ardee’s early exit.

Given his age, this could be both his first and last Olympic appearance, but Kaew has a good chance of capping his belated Games opportunity with a medal – most of his top rivals, including Beijing champion Zou Shiming of China, are in the opposite half of the draw.

Should he beat the Ecuadorian, Kaew would face the winner between Bulgaria’s Aleksandar Alexsandrov and Shin Jonghun of South Korea. But the Thai is taking nothing for granted.

“I have never fought Pilataxi before. From what I saw on the videos, he has a similar boxing style to mine, but he has strong hook. We prepared a plan to deal with it, though. I think it’s 50-50 and depends on who better uses his chances,” said Kaew. 

Thai coach Thong Thaweekhun was more straightforward about Kaew’s chances of qualification for the last eight.

“It will be a tight bout as his opponent boxes in the same style, blocking first before throwing a punch. It may turn out to be a seesaw fight. Whoever scores points first will gain the upper hand. Nevertheless, I still believe Kaew’s experience will carry him through,” said Thong, who also revealed that team manager Pichai Chunhavachira had offered a Bt100,000 incentive to any fighter who makes it through the quarter-finals. The fight is at 3am Bangkok time tomorrow morning.