Rarely do I write about boxing because I don't have deep knowledge of the sport's background and intricacies.
But the buzz around “Rodtang Jitmuangnon,” who was knocked out by Takeru Segawa in the 5th round of ONE Samurai 1 last Wednesday,
remains the “talk of the town” among local sports fans who continue to debate it. So, I decided to join the conversation.
From what I've observed overall, the feedback from sports fans can be divided into four main groups.
The first group is Rodtang's fan club, who have supported and cheered him in every event he has participated in.
These fans may be quite disappointed by the defeat but are ready to understand and continue supporting Rodtang.
The second group is larger: general sports fans and the public, who are mostly indifferent to the fight's outcome.
They see sports as having winners and losers; if Rodtang trained less or was less fit than his opponent, then being knocked out is normal.
They believe that if next time he prepares better and is free from distractions, the chance to reclaim the championship remains open.
The third group is the “haters,” who take pleasure in the famous boxer's decisive loss.
Most of these are hardcore boxing fans who closely follow Buakaw's career and news.
If a fighter behaves well and stays professional, they cheer wholeheartedly.
But if a fighter behaves badly or unprofessionally, they are quick to criticize harshly when mistakes happen.
The last group consists of insiders familiar with the depths and intricacies of the modern boxing business.
These people often distrust the apparent truth and believe there is more behind the results.
They pose puzzling questions to general fans like “Do you really believe that?” or “Can't you see what's really going on?”
They see all the drama as a storyline crafted mainly for marketing purposes by the promoters.
This means everything is subjective and depends on individual perspectives based on the information each person holds; no one can forbid any viewpoint.
As for me, I choose to see it as an ordinary sports fan, disappointed by Rodtang's loss,
but ready to continue cheering for him to keep fighting on this path without changing direction.
I believe that with his skills and the experience he has gained at 28 years old,
if he truly learns from his mistakes and uses them as lessons to improve himself,
understands his role and duties as a professional boxer,
adjusts his life attitude, reduces social media and football activities,
and returns to intense training like when he first rose to fame,
then a comeback as “Rodtang – the beloved Thai boxing champion” should not be beyond reach.
Speaking of Rodtang's drama, I'd also like to write about another Thai boxer,
who holds the distinguished title of world champion, currently the only one in Thailand.
However, his fame and recognition do not compare with Rodtang's.
That is “Jao Son” Petchkosol Greensuda, real name Thanongsak Simsue,
our country's 50th world boxing champion.
He recently successfully defended the IBF 108-pound world title (mandatory defense) during Songkran,
winning by a stunning 2nd-round knockout against Sergio Mendoza, the number one Mexican challenger, in Japan.
Petchkosol is a descendant of Sri Ratana District, Sisaket Province, but uses the surname “Greensuda,” which belongs to his Japanese promoter.
His trusted trainer is Phum Kosolsert, who is 100 percent Thai.
Who would believe that “Jao Son” is a famous world champion in Japan, greeted constantly by fans asking for autographs wherever he goes?
Yet, when he returned to Thailand after successfully defending his title, no one recognized him, no fans welcomed him, and no media covered his arrival.
He proudly represents Thailand every time he fights abroad,
always singing the Thai national anthem and waving the Tricolor flag on stage at every match without fail.
He is a world champion without sponsors, no logos on his boxing shorts or warm-up shirts.
His dream is to defend his world title once in his hometown of Sisaket Province, in front of his beloved family and people,
with a live broadcast allowing Thai boxing fans nationwide to witness his skills.
Let's support “Petchkosol Greensuda,” Thailand's only world boxing champion, whose spotlight has yet to shine widely.
Hopefully, from now on, more Thai people will come to know “Jao Son” better,
even if only to a fraction of Rodtang’s fame.
- Bee Bangpakong -
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