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Boxer Sakai dies after fight in Japan


Family do not have money to get body back


Thai boxer Sakai Jockeygym lost a fight and then his life on Monday night.


Sakai, whose real name was Somboon Wiangchai, was stopped by Japan's Kazuyoshi Niki in the 10th and final round of a 120-pound bout in Fukuoka.

Udon Thani-born Sakai (11-6, 5 KOs), who was knocked down in the first round by a thunderous right, fought aggressively throughout the match.

He was knocked down again in the 10th round prompting the referee to stop the contest.

The 20-year-old Thai collapsed in the dressing room and was sent to a hospital, his handlers said.

Sakai was unconscious for three hours before the doctors declared him dead due to a blood clot in his brain.

Sakai's promoter Sommart Hongsakul dismissed reports that his boxer had not been well prepared for the fight.

"He received a thorough medical check-up before flying to Japan and the doctor said he was in good shape," Sommart said.

"The tragedy occurred because he was hit hard by Niki who was so powerful."

Nikhom Rattanawich, secretary-general of the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand, said that Sakai's handlers had not informed the association about the fight so his family might not get any financial help from them.

Sakai shot to fame in March when he knocked out former WBC champion Joichiro Tatsuyoshi in the seventh round at Ratchadamnoen stadium.

But in his next bout he was stopped by compatriot Kaona Chuwattana in the fourth round in May.

In Udon Thani, his mother Pui said she felt she was going to die when she learned that her son had passed away at around 8pm on Monday.

"I was shocked," she said. "I am proud of him."

Pui said she wanted Sakai's body to be cremated in his hometown rather than in Japan.

She urged his handlers to help send his body home as the family is so poor that they do not have enough money to go to Bangkok to collect his body to take back home.

"I am very sad," said Sakai's father Kling.

Sakai's Muay Thai mentor Virat Siri-on said he was a good boy and showed respect to everybody.

"I did not think that he would pass away so soon," Virat said. "I am very sad that he died because of boxing."