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Slideshow by Somporn Suphop

The WBC female 108-pound light-flyweight champion Siriporn Thaveesuk signed a one-year contract with the Hollywood-affiliate Women in Focus Production on March 26.

Siriporn, a convicted drug dealer from Lop Buri who served her jail time and beat Japanese Ayaka Miyano for the WBC light-flyweight title last April, was glittering as the centre of attention.

"I would like to express my thanks to those who support me. I had no idea I would be where I am today," Siriporn said with tears in her eyes.

"It's true that there is life after death. "It's not too late to change your life if you think you are walking down the wrong path.

"I think I was fortunate enough to turn a new leaf just in time. If not, there would not be a Samson Sor Siriporn today. I promise that I will never deal drugs again," said the pint-sized boxer.

Dream project

Dr Narumol Sriyanond Bartone, director of the production company, agrees that this a dream project.

"I just want to produce a feature film about women. I came across Samson's stories in newspapers online. My intention to cover a Thai woman's life story is now a dream come true," Narumol said.

"My films portray women in different roles and will always reflect the facts of life. I think Samson's story is very interesting. Everyone might wonder how she can make a success out of so much failure in life - becoming the world's first prisoner to win a world championship."

The rights to Siriporn's life story were sold to the filmmaker yesterday for an undisclosed sum, but sources say it was for US$10,000 (Bt315,000). She will get an additional $100,000 if Hollywood gives Women in Focus the green light.

"We are now in the development process. The girl who will play Samson must have a similar passion. Studio staff in the US will cast the film. Locations will be mostly in Thailand," Narumol said.

By Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

Daily Xpress

 

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Chronology

>> July 4, 2000: Siriporn Thaveesuk is sentenced to 10 years for drug dealing.

>> Oct 1, 2005: She makes international boxing debut at Women's Correctional Institution for Drug Addicts.

2007:

>> April 3: Crowned the WBC light-flyweight champion

>> May 12: As the first prisoner to be crowned world champ, she makes it to the 'Guinness Book of World Records'.

>> June 13: She is released on parole.

>> August 15: She makes the first defence of her title.

>> November 19: She makes the second defence of her title.

>> December 9: Is appointed the WBC Goodwill Ambassador.

>> April 26, 2008: She will fight for her title for the third time against Japanese champ Kayako Ebata in Phnom Penh.