"Bad Boy" Manus Boonjum-nong put his shattered life behind him yesterday and revelled in Doha boxing gold.

Hero-to-zero Manus is back on top again after claiming Thailand's first Asian Games boxing gold.

He beat South Korea's Shin Myungi-hoon in the light welterweight class.

The 2004 Olympic gold medallist can now forget the rocky past two years and start again.

After winning in Athens Manus became an instant celebrity and pocketed US$600,000 (Bt21 million).

But it didn't take Manus long to blow the cash on women and a wild life.

It ruined his marriage: He has two children with a former wife.

But before his life got even worse, he was called to training in Cuba. The Ratchaburi-born fighter shed 10 kilograms and was fit again in a few short months and ready for Doha glory.

"I would like to thank my coach Juan Fontanills, who trained me hard during my two months in Cuba. There, I could not go anywhere - no drinking, no gambling. Just training, sleeping and sparring,'' said the new Manus, who is determined to repeat his triumph at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"From now on, I will be disciplined. I will train harder to make the cut for the next Olympics."

Later last night, Thailand grabbed its 10th gold in the men's four by 100 metres relay. Seksan Wongsala, Wachara Sondee, Ekkachai Janthana and Sitthichai Suwonprateep defended their title, edging out Japan in a time of 39.21 seconds.

The Kingdom's gold medals have now come in sepak takraw (three), with two in athletics and one each from billiards, bodybuilding, boxing, shooting and weightlifting.

The country is fifth on the medal table behind China, Japan, South Korea and Kazakhstan.

Today, Thailand can win more, with Damrongsak and Sakda Vongtim sailing Hobie 16s and boxers Suban Pannon, in the light-flyweight, and Angkhan Chomphupuang, in the welterweight.

Danai Udomchoke is through also to the quarterfinals of the men's tennis singles.

Sport Reporters

The Nation