Chatchai tees up Cuban rival in boxing last 16
Flyweight Chatchai Butdee believes he has what it takes to beat Cuban boxer Ramirez Carrazana in the last-16 bout of the 52kg category today.
Chatchai is one of two Thai fighters remaining in the boxing competition along with veteran light flyweight Kaew Pongprayoon, after Sailom Ardee crashed out in the preliminary round of the lightweight class.
While Kaew appears to have an easier path in his half of the draw in the 49kg division, the 27-year-old Chatchai has to face an opponent from Cuba, a country known for its boxing proficiency, at the early stages of the competition.
Widely seen as the most accomplished fighter among the three boxers Thailand took to London, Chatchai, who is making his first appearance in Olympics, provided further evidence of his status by dismantling Turkish fighter Eker Selcuk 24-10.
Undoubtedly, Carrazana, who also recorded a one-sided win against a Japanese fighter in the first round, will offer a sterner test, though the Thai says he is unfazed by the challenge from the Cuban teenager.
“After the first win, I have continued to train as normal. More importantly, my morale is very good. I have been talking to my wife and family regularly. I’ll give it my best in the fight. I’m confident of advancing to the next round,” said Chatchai.
Thai coach Thong Thaweekhun was bullish on Chatchai’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals.
“The Cuban is a good fighter but not as strong as everyone thought. In my view, Chatchai has an edge in terms of experience as the Cuban is only 18. Chatchai is in fantastic mood. I just want him to relax during the fight.
“He should focus on his jabs and one-two combinations. We need to take the game to him to score points, forcing him to come out. I hope he will fall into the trap. Gen Boonlerd Kaewprasith, the president of Thailand Boxing Association, will be at the venue to lend support and I’m confident Chatchai will not let his fans at home down,” said Thong.
Dark day for USA boxers
The lights went out on the United States’ bright start to the boxing at the Olympics on Wednesday as all three fighters lost to opponents from old Cold War foes Russia and Cuba.
Joseph Diaz Junior lost a terrific bantamweight second-round bout to Cuban world champion Lazaro Alvaro in what is likely to be his final bow on the amateur stage.
His exit in the first bout of the day set the tone as heavyweight Michael Hunter II and inexperienced super-heavyweight Dominic Breazeale lost to Russian duo Artur Beterbiev and Magomed Omarov respectively.
It leaves the USA with just four fighters from the nine who started out.
