Q&A: Jimmy Chaichotchuang

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing
Photo: Ray Wheatley

Leading Thailand promoter Jimmy Chaichotchuang talks to Fightnews and explains the hardship the people of Thailand have had to endure since they suffered their worst floods in history in October, November and December, and how they will come back successfully in 2012. Chaichotchuang also talks about Manny Pacquaio whom he met in Manila during December and 2012 plans for Fahsai Sakkreerin and Thantong Kiattaweesuk, the world rated boxers he manages and promotes.

Thailand suffered from the worst floods in its history in 2011. You were badly affected as both your house and gymnasium were flooded. Where did you move your gym?

The flood came one week before my promotion on Oct 26 in Bangkok. I moved to Sakkreerin’s boxing camp, which is the home of Fahlan Sakkreerin, the former IBF champion. They had the flood too! After that fight we moved to Chiangmai (500 miles north of Bangkok) for five weeks and stay at KC Muaythai Boxing Camp. It’s a very beautiful place and nice people in Chaingmai, and we miss them.

You had an important IBF fight for IBF #3 Fahsai Sakkreerin (36-3) recently in Manila, Philippines, against Martin Honorio and lost a split decision. Did the floods affect Fahsai’s training for this fight? Did he suffer any injuries? Do you want an IBF elimination bout opportunity for Fahsai in 2012 or 2013?

I’m sorry I couldn’t promote the IBF elimination bout in Thailand, because of the flood crisis. I don’t have enough sponsors to win the bid of the fight. It’s hard to find a venue in Bangkok too. We moved the training camp to Chiang Mai for five weeks and came back to stay in Bangkok for two days before going to the Philippines. I and my family left the house in Bangkok too. Unfortunately, Fahsai Sakkreerin had an injury to his hand in round three when fighting Honorio. I’m very proud of Fahsai Sakkrerin who showed a world class performance. I hope Fahsai Sakkreerin gets a well deserved IBF elimination bout in 2012!

Manny Pacquiao was on the television broadcast team and complimented Sakkreerin on his non-stop aggressive style. Did you meet Manny after the fight. Did he give Fahsai words of encouragement?

Yes, We were glad to meet Manny Pacquaio, who is my boxing idol! Manny Pacquaio is living legend and Asian boxers are very proud of him! Pacman giave us the opportunity to take a photo with him. He was with his bodyguard. He said to Fahsai “Do not give up. Fight again and good luck.”

IBF rated 122 pounder Thantong Kiattweesuk is undefeated with a 23-0 record. Can he win the world title? What is his amateur background?

Thantong is very good boxer, very skillful. He’s displayed world class performances and he is ready to become the world champion. Thanthong represented Thailand on the amateur boxing team and won a Silver medal in the Asian Games. Thantong is a former Muaythai champion.

You manage Samartlek Chaiyonggym (7-3), who holds a win over former IBF and WBA champion Muhammad Rachman, but lost to WBC/IBF rated Denver Cuello. Can he be world champion?

Samartlek is young boxer who has clashed with several world class boxers. He his big win is over Muhammad Rachman, former IBF champion and WBA champion. He lost of two fights to world rated Denver Cuello in the Philippines and lost by a point in Japan. He is looking for the opportunity to fight any junior flyweight in the world.

Fahlan Sakkreerin jr (10-1) is the son of former IBF mini flyweight champion Fahlan Sakkreerin Sr. His only defeat came at the hands of Smartlek Chaiyonggym. Can Fahlan be a world champion? How many more fights?

Fahlan Junior is only 18 years old. He looks very good and improves with every fight. His father became the IBF world champion when he was 21 years old. Fahlan Junior will be ready to fight the best in the world in another 3-4 years.

You have classy 140 pounder Patomsuk Pathompothong (14-1-1) who travelled to Australia in 2011 and defeated highly regarded Heath Ellis. He started boxing for you while doing a ten year sentence in Bangkok Prison. How good is he? When will he be in action again?

Patomsuk is very dedicated to his training. He never misses a day in the gym. I am glad to see him in boxing. I told him about Bernard Hopkins, who has changed his life since he was released from jail and has proved himself to be a future Hall of Famer. I will promote Pathompothong to fight for the IBF Pan Pacific junior welterweight title against Michael Speed Sigakali of Indonesia on January 10 in my first promotion in 2012.

You also have classy bantamweight Mike “Tyson” Tawatchai (22-0-1), who was recently booked to fight in Australia in 2011 but unfortunately the fight was cancelled. Are you looking for fights for Mike overseas?

I think Mike looked too dangerous for the former world rated Daniel Iannazzo and the fight was cancelled by the promoter three weeks before the fight. Mike is willing to fight anywhere in the world. He wants readers of Fightnews to know he is a good bantamweight boxer!

Flyweight Rusalee Samor has been in action against world rated Denver Cuello. He captured the IBF Pan Pacific title in Bangkok in October during the floods in a crowd pleasing television fight on Channel Seven that was televised throughout Thailand. How good is Rusalee? Are you looking for fights overseas?

Rusalee lost a points decision to world rated Denver Cuello in the beginning of his boxing career. He has a lot of power and shows his strong heart to make a crowd-pleasing fight. Rusalee is from the south of Thailand and he wants to be a role model for Muslim boxers.

You attended the IBF convention in Las Vegas during 2011. Can you tell me about the convention and will you be in Hawaii for the 2012 convention?

I was very glad to meet IBF President Daryl Peoples, IBF Chairman of the Championship Committee Lindsey Tucker, Ratings Chairman William James, also Ratings Consultant Anibal Miramontes. I’m very proud to be in the IBF/USBA family. I have good time with IBF members around the world who stayed at the Paris hotel and I’m looking forward to going to the 2012 IBF convention in Hawaii…Happy New Year to all Fightnews readers!