Kaew stuns No 1 to book Olympic berth

Kaew’s success was even more remarkable as the diminutive fighter secured his Olympic ticket by pulling off a major upset against hosts Azerbaijan’s Salman Alizade, ranked world No 1 in the 49kg division.
Despite a hostile atmosphere inside an arena packed with home fans, the Thai boxer started strongly, showing defensive skills to duck the Azerbaijani’s punches before launching a quick onetwo at the end of the opening round to snatch a 5-4 lead.
The momentum tilted heavily in Kaew’s favour in the next round as the Thai grabbed the bout by the scruff of the neck. After fending off Alizade’s early attack, he retaliated with a barrage of punches to stretch the lead to 176, reducing the once vociferous crowd to mute spectators in the process.
The final round followed in similar vein with Alizada starting aggressively then the Thai finishing strongly, eventually clinching a stunning 23-8 victory.
The 31-year-old Kaew was understandably elated at finally realising his long-held Olympic dream in the twilight of his career.
“I’ve waited for this moment for over 10 years. I’m thankful to all the support from the fans back home. At last, I have made my Olympic dream come true!
“Before the fight, I made a call to my parents. They asked me to stay patient and focused during the bout. Now, I have to fulfil my vow when I get back home,” said the Kamphaeng Phet native, who next faces China’s Zou Shiming in the last eight.
Kaew’s triumph helped lift the mood in the Thai camp after Athens Olympics silver medallist Worapoj Petchkum had his campaign cut short in the 56kg category, falling victim to dubious judging in a 24-21 loss to American fighter Joseph Diaz.