Back to his best
Kittipong Thongsombat talks to Pongsaklek about the latest chapter of his career
- Published: 11/04/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Sports
Reborn Pongsaklek Wonjongkam proved that ambition and discipline can be the key to earning success after he regained the WBC flyweight belt last month in Tokyo.
WHO’STHE BOSS?: Pongsaklek masters KokiKamedain Tokyo
The Nakhon Ratchasima native was believed to have an outside chance against Koki Kameda but won the fight with a unanimous points victory to get back the title he lost to Daisuke Naito in July 2007.
"I am really proud of myself for winning back the title," said the 32-year-old southpaw.
Pongsaklek was crowned the WBC 112lb king for the first time in February 2001 when he stopped then champion Malcolm Tunacao of the Philippines in the first round.
He then went on a run and defended the belt 17 times before being outscored by Naito three years ago.
The power puncher said the feeling of regaining the belt this year still did not measure up to the elation he felt when he obliterated Tunacao almost a decade ago.
"I was really excited when I was crowned as world champion for the first time," said Pongsaklek.
"This time I am just proud of doing it and not too excited, even though I won the title abroad."
Pongsaklek, who is nicknamed 'Korn', plans to get married later this year.
And despite looking forward to that event in his life, he described how he had been desperate to prove that he was still a force to be reckoned with in the boxing ring.
"Some of the media said the fight was fixed when I lost the belt to Naito and others blamed me," he said.
"Anyway, I know I already tried my best at that time."
Despite trying in vain to beat Naito and win back the title in August 2008 (the fight was a draw) Pongsaklek said he didn't become discouraged and trained while hoping for another shot.
Promoter Wirat Vachirarattanawongse kept him busy with marking time outings and then landed an eliminator with Mexico's Julio Cesar Miranda last April.
Pongsaklek cruised to victory to set up the match with Koki, who toppled Naito last November.
Wirat revealed Pongsaklek had never said he wanted to retire and that he always kept faith with his boxer.
The promoter also controls Panomroonglek Kratingdaenggym, who has been the mandatory challenger for the WBC flyweight belt for more than a year.
As for Pongsaklek, he attributed his victory over Kameda to a long and punishing training routine.
"It was my best-ever preparation for a fight," he said.
"I trained very hard for three months and ran for 20km every day.
"I was really in the best shape."
Although Pongsaklek is flying high again, he admitted that time is running out to cement his legacy.
"My dream is to add the WBA belt and IBF belt to my collection," he said.
"I will get more money and recognition fighting abroad. I still have to support my family."
Pongsaklek has only had only five fights abroad in a 79 fight career and all have been in Japan.
His promoter Wirat disagreed and said it was not possible for Pongsaklek to pick and choose.
"Whether it is in the country or abroad, you have to fight when the chance comes," said Wirat, who has come under fire from some quarters for not getting Pongsaklek a big fight in America.
Pongsaklek thinks he still has two years left at the top and would like to stay active with regular fights.
Trainer Payak Chor Pimol echoed his words and said he thinks the Thai is the best in the division.
"He is second-to-none but how long he will remain as the champion depends on his fitness," said Payak.
"As he gets older, he does not need to train on technique so much but must stay as fit as possible."
After springing the upset over Kameda, it appears that this new chapter in Pongsaklek's career could just turn out to be the best of all.
About the author
- Writer: Kittipong Thongsombat
- Position: Reporter
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