Olympian Kaew likely to make a shock return
Play
London Olympic boxing silver medallist Kaew Pongprayoon, eyeing a spot at next year's Rio Games, is likely to make a shock return to the ring at the age of 35.
Suban Pannon, a member of the national coaching team, said yesterday that Kaew, whose silver was the lone medal the country claimed from boxing in London, should be able to build up his fitness in time for the second leg of the Olympic qualifiers in China in March.
“He’s trained with other boxers for a month. Physically, he’s getting better with his respiration, speed and strength. He’s also able to keep his standard at a good level since he’s such a disciplined fighter. He is determined and ready to dedicate himself to bring fame to the country again.
“I’m confident that he could be able to regain his fitness in time for the second leg of Asia/Oceania Olympic qualifiers in China. He remains one of our hopefuls to clinch a ticket to Rio Games in the 49kg class.
“In the recent Asian Championships and the World Championships in Qatar earlier this month, the athletes in the same weight division as Kaew were not too strong. So, if Kaew manages to regain his fitness at the same level as before, he should be able to snatch Olympic qualification,” said Suban, the former national boxer.
So far, light welterweight Wuthichai Masuk is the only Thai fighter to have booked a spot in next year’s Rio Games after finishing third at the recent World Championships in Doha.
