The team of five boxers consists of light-flyweight Chatchai Bootdee, flyweight Amnatt Ruenreong, bantamweight Israyut Juntaporn, featherweight Sailom Ardee and Angkhan in the welterweight division.

General Taweep Juntararot, the president of the Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand (Abat), said the event in Iran will be a dress rehearsal for the King's Cup tournament, the country's top-flight competition.

"The 29th King's Cup at The Mall Ngam Wong Wan from April 5 to 10 will be the biggest one yet, particularly with the opening and closing ceremonies since we would like to celebrate His Majesty the King's upcoming 80th birthday. So far, 40 countries have already confirmed their participation and Thailand will field two teams for the event," Taweep said.

Talking about whether Thai boxers Somjit Jongjohor and Worapoj Petchkoom would be awarded Asian Games gold and silver medals in the flyweight and bantamweight categories should two Filipino fighters fail a second drugs test, Taweep said he would invite Ching Kwo Wu, the president of the International Boxing Association (IBA) to take part in a medal presentation ceremony for the two Thai fighters. 

Teerapot Taweewanabul

The Nation