Thai Boxer Eliminated From Asian Games Weight Class Switch
Thai boxer Buakhong Sinsiree was eliminated from the Asian Games after a unanimous loss in the men's 70-kilogram division, having been moved up from his usual 65-kilogram weight class due to lack of available competitors.
Somrak Khamsing, a former Olympic gold medalist boxer from the 1996 Olympic Games and technical official for the Amateur Muaythai Association, revealed the circumstances behind Buakhong Sinsiree's defeat to Indian boxer Sumit, losing 0-5 across the board in the men's 70-kilogram division at the Asian Games.
"The question is why he lost. Buakhong is an excellent boxer in the 65-kilogram division, a three-time Southeast Asian Games champion, but this Asian Games had no 65-kilogram category, so we pushed Buakhong up to 70 kilograms. Because we didn't have a boxer in this weight class, that's why I reached out to Nabil to fight in this weight range. Do you understand?"
"Buakhong has served the national team, and he's 34 now—in another two years he'll be 36. At 70 kilograms, Nabil would be the better choice. For the 65-kilogram division, we need to find a reserve, recruit and test others. Will we try Rot Tang Jitmuang Nont, or Saeng Aatit, or others? Should we test them against Buakhong, or bring up a boxer from the B squad? We'll need to talk with Buakhong again about whether he wants to continue. It must be acknowledged that Buakhong at 70 kilograms is physically small, so we need to encourage him. We are grateful to Buakhong for fighting in the name of the national team."
