SOR RUNGVISAI LOOKS AHEAD TO HIS FUTURE

By Cameron Gillon

After a stunning victory WBC super-flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai is already thinking about a potential return to the ring as he looks to continue his rise as one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters.
Back in March, Sor Rungvisai edged out Gonzalez over a 12-round points decision in a highly competitive bout that many thought could have gone either way. However, in their second meeting, the Thai left no doubt on who the number one fighter in the 115-pound division is.

The 30-year-old knocked out the former four-weight world champion Gonzalez in the 4th-round of their title rematch this past Saturday night at the StubHub Center, Carson, California, U.S.

Sor Rungvisai downed Gonzalez with a huge right hand early on in the round, Gonzalez made it back to his feet and recovered but was sent crashing down to the canvas on his back off a second and devastating right hand that ended the fight.

”I intended to train hard, all I had on my mind was defeating Roman [Gonzalez] more convincing in the second fight. I was confident that I would win by knockout to avoid any doubts like the past fight,” Sor Rungvisai begun.

Despite Rungvisai having the most clinical victory of his career, he changed nothing in the camp from the first fight earlier this year and put it down to the great work and commitment of his team and trainer.

”I made sure I trained fast and accurate and we studied the clips of Roman Gonzalez. I trained harder than ever before and I had more time to train for the second fight which I didn’t in the first.”

The fight marked the second time that Sor Rungvisai had fought on American soil this year and in his whole career. The fight was the main event of the 115-pound division triple-header card which was televised live on HBO. His future is uncertain in regards to a location for his next title defence, but he hopes to return to the U.S again.

”America is like my second home now, I am glad to be in it and proud of America. I love Thailand, my home. Me and Roman had great battles in America, and I love them. I am unsure on where we go, it will be up to my manager,” said Sor Rungvisai.

Sor Rungvisai is the only fighter to hand Roman Gonzalez a loss in his professional career. The Nicaraguan turned professional in 2005 and put together an undefeated record of (46-0, 38 KOs) before suffering back-to-back defeats to Sor Rungvisai this year. Gonzalez won world titles in four different weight divisions and will go down as one of the greatest fighters in the sports history. He helped transcend the sport and has been a pioneer in introducing the flyweight divisions to the world stage in the last few years with his fights being televised on HBO since 2015 and giving other fighters the opportunity to get exposed.

Sor Rungvisai believes the 30-year-old still has a future in the sport and can bounce back from the defeats.

”For me, Roman is a very good fighter. I like him, I beat him twice, but he is a good boxer. I love his fighting style, he does not give up easily and he is a great puncher for me,” said Rungvisai on Gonzalez’ future. ”I think he has a very good future and if he wants to fight me again, we can fight, I will always be happy.”

Two possible opponents for Sor Rungvisai featured on the undercard of the event at the weekend. WBO champion and rising Japanese star Naoya Inoue continued his title reign as he dispatched of challenger Antonio Nieves inside six-rounds. Former flyweight world champion Juan Francisco Estrada knocked down Carlos Cuadras on route to winning a 12-round unanimous decision to become the WBC mandatory challenger for Sor Rungvisai next.

”I intend to keep training as hard as I can and defend the WBC championship for as long as possible. I’m ready to hit anyone in the 115 pound division,” stated Sor Rungvisai. I am ready to fight anywhere and anyone. I am unsure on if I will ever move up in weight, currently 115 pounds is my future. Naoya Inoue and Juan Francisco Estrada, they are two boxers who excel, but I am ready to punch both of them.

Back in August, Sor Rungvisai revealed to Boxing News Today that he would propose to his long-time girlfriend who has stuck by him ever since the pair were facing the life of poverty back in Thailand. After arriving back from the fight, Sor Rungvisai proposed and the pair got engaged and plan to marry in the near future.

”Yes I asked her to marry me, she is very encouraging and has been stood by my side, it’s very good for me and us. I never thought I would ever get to this position the way I was living, I think the only way is to ask the person themselves, I love supporting and making my family happy and I love them.”

”I thank all boxing fans that cheer and encourage me. In the future, no matter who I fight with, I will do my best,
thank you very much for all the support.’’