The multi-title quest begins on March 2 when top-ranked Saenghiran Lookbanyai and Napopol Kiatsak face off for the WBC Interim World Super Bantamweight title in Bangkok.

And on March 29, sensational rising star Oledong Kratingdang - ranked WBC No 1 - is scheduled to fight Puerto Rica's Oman Soto for the straw minimum-weight title.

"Saenghiran and Napopol are ranked number one and two in the WBC and the matching of these two outstanding Thais in an interim title contest is a historic occasion," WBC vice president

Pol General Kovid Bhakdibhumi said at a press conference yesterday.

Kovid said the cream of Thai boxers were striving for the "highest WBC honours" as contenders for world titles to honour the King during His Majesty's 80th birthday celebrations.

The other Thai fighters with world titles in their sights are David Nakornluang (bantamweight), the Asian Boxing Council's Fighter of the Year, and former muay thai champion Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo (featherweight).

In addition, Hall of Fame flyweight champion Pongsaklek Wongjonkam intends to defend his title several times this year to achieve a record-breaking 20 defences, and former WBC champion Sirimonkol Sinwangchai - ranked No 2 in the lightweight division - is fit and ready to fight for another WBC boxing championship.

Sirimonkol will fight his first K-1 kickboxing contest in Japan next month and plans to be the first fighter in the world to hold WBC boxing, WBC muay thai and K-1 world titles.

Meanwhile, WBC muay thai middleweight world champion Steve Wakeling defends his title against Rajdamnoen stadium superstar Lamsongkram Chuwattana in London's famous York Stadium on February 25.

The event, which has London fight fans buzzing, has already sold out and will be broadcast by Sky B Sky TV throughout Europe.

Patrick Cusick

The Nation