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Srisaket Sor Rungvisai looked set to return to action in April. COVID-19 scuppered those plans, but the former two-time WBC super-flyweight world champion is ready to prove any doubters wrong.
We caught up, with help from his manager and translator Bank Thainchai.
- How is life treating you at the moment during the pandemic?
“It’s a very difficult situation for everyone. I hope you and all boxing fans around the world and their families are safe and healthy. I am living at NKL gym in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. It has been my home for many years. But, we have closed the gym, and we have not been going outside.”
“It’s unfortunate that my recent fight was cancelled. However, I understand the situation. It’s not just me, but it is the same situation for almost every boxer around the world and also for everyone from other industries. The best we can do at the moment is to keep ourselves fit so that we can be ready when the situation is resolved.”
- Do you know if there is a new date planned for this fight?
“It will definitely happen [vs Amnat Ruenroeng]. We just need to wait for the official announcement.”
- How have you managed to train throughout this period?
I have been training with what I can do in a closed gym. To make sure it’s safe for everyone, I have not been running outside like I usually do, and we have not been bringing in sparring partners from outside into the gym.
- Are you still under contract with Matchroom USA? What are their plans for you going forward with fights?
“Yes, I am with Matchroom. They have kindly agreed with my fight against Amnat Ruenroeng in Thailand. And, I am now the mandatory challenger for Juan Francisco Estrada, so I am looking forward to the trilogy.”
“I am now the WBC mandatory challenger for Estrada, so that is my focus. Both Estrada and Chocolatito are great champions, so I will be very excited to fight either of them.”
- What is the best win of your career so far and who is the best fighter you’ve faced as a pro?
“My fight with Chocolatito. He was the best boxer pound-for-pound at that moment, so it was my great honour to get the win against him. Estrada, Carlos Cuadras and Chocolatito are great fighters.”
- Do you see a future as a bantamweight?
“I will focus on super-flyweight first. There are still many great fighters and challenges available at the 115-pound division.”
“There are many great fighters in the 115-pound division. I think we can create bigger legacies for ourselves with great fights against each other. I also want to be world champion again, to be three times world champion would be incredible.”
- Would you like to fight in the UK one day?
“Yes, the UK is a great country. I would love to be there one day. But, I have been very familiar with fighting in the US, and it’s where all the big actions in 115-pound are happening. My focus is on fighting in the US for the near future.”
- How would you like to be remembered when you finish boxing?
“I want to be able to inspire others. I came from being a trash collector, so I hope I can create a great legacy that can inspire others that anything is possible.”