The second world title fight involving women inmates was held at the women's prison yesterday when defending World Boxing Council (WBC) strawweight champion Nanako "the lioness" Kikuchi of Japan took on Thai inmate Siriporn Taweesuk, who fought under the name Siriporn Sor Siriporn.

Prison officials said they would release 23-year-old Siriporn if she won the fight. But while the Thai girl did her best, it was not enough and the Japanese champion retained her title with a unanimous decision by the judges.

The judges favoured the 31-year-old Japanese boxer 97-93, 96-94, 96-94 in the 10-round fight against Siriporn, who has served six years of a 10-year sentence for dealing drugs.

"If she had won the title then we could have freed her by suspending the rest of her jail term, because she would have had to defend her title outside the country," said Siriporn Chutigulang, chief of the Woman's Special Prison who also acted as the manager of the prison's boxing camp. "But even though she lost today, we will consider reducing her jail term because she is a good prisoner." Siriporn had vowed before the match that she would "fight my way out of prison". The Japanese champion said after her win she felt bad about ending her challenger's dreams of freedom.

"I feel sorry for shattering her hopes to be free from jail sooner, but as a sportswoman I have to fight to win," she said.

Kikuchi, a former freelance photographer, took the vacant strawweight title in another Thai prison match against a different convict in November last year.

The arena for yesterday's fight was built in the pre-release area of Klong Prem, which houses more than 4,000 prisoners, mostly for drug offences. About 500 well-guarded prisoners, mostly male, attended the match.

There were also some local VIPs watching the bout, including caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya, WBC Vice-President Pol General Kovit Bhakdibhumi and the ambassador from Panama.

"I would like to thank all my supporters today, the Thai people and all of my friends here," said Siriporn. "Personally, it was a very close match for me. I did my best and put everything into today's fight, but I must accept that she [Nanako] was better.

"I will continue my boxing career in the prison for the next four years, but after I get released, it depends on my manager whether she will give me the chance to continue or not.

"But I can say to you I will do every job honestly after I have been released. I will find upright jobs not only boxing."

Montreechai     Lumyongsatian

The Nation, Agencies