Angkhan Chomphu-phuang is poised to become the first Thai to win Asian Games medals in different sports disciplines by reaching the welterweight 69kg semi-final of the Asian Games boxing competition.

Angkhan, who four years ago won the men's San Shou 65kg gold medal in wushu, in Busan, yesterday outpointed Tajikistan's Sherali Mamadaliev 29-21 in a hard-fought contest to be assured of at least a bronze.

He now joins three compatriots who previously reserved semi-final spots in other weight categories.

The high-flying Angkhan next meets Iranian Mohammad Sattarpour, who yesterday thrashed Japanese Yoshiyuki Hirano 27-15 in the other semi-final on Monday.

Against the stronger-built Mamadaliev, the Thai boxer made a sluggish start to trail by four points after the second round, with Mamadaliev scoring 16 points.

It was in the third round that Angkhan made a strong comeback. After a series of hard punches to the head and body of Mamadaliev, Angkhan floored the challenger. At 20-20, the Thai star peppered the tough opponent with jabs and hooks to score successive four points.

In the fourth and final round, both boxers traded punches, hoping for more points. Mamadaliev, who stands 175cm tall and weighs 69kg, cornered the Thai and

pummelled him with punches

and hooks. However, his determined attempts were in vain and the final ring saved the Thai. Angkhan won 29-21 for a semi-final berth.

"I didn't warm up enough. He was actually quicker than me. That's why I lost so many points to him. I think he also has a longer reach. By the third round, my body started to warm up and I also started to fight better," Angkhan said after the match.

"During the tough match, I warned myself that I could not lose more points. If I fought badly, I would lose a point. If I maintained my form, I would get a point. So, we exchanged punches with one another. Fortunately, my blows hit more targets. However, I must admit he is a very strong fighter. He has a very good left hook and straight punches. I have to train more for the much tougher fight on Monday," he added.

Apart from Angkhan, the other Thai semi-finalists are light flyweight Subun Pannon, bantamweight Worapoj Petchkoom, light welterweight Manus Boonjumnong and flyweight Somjit Jongjohor.

Today, the Athens Olympic hero Manus and reigning champ Somjit will fight it out for their places in the finalS. Manus will take on Kazakhstan's Serik Sapiyev in the light welterweight 64kg class, while Somjit will go up against Japanese Susa Katsuaki in the flyweight 51kg division.

Preechachan

Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

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