Boxer dies fighting for just 400 baht
SURIN : An inexperienced, middle-aged Thai boxer and father-of-two has died after collapsing in a fight for which he was set to be paid just 400 baht.
Forty-eight-year-old farmer Songtham Stipa, agreed to the fight as he struggled to meet the expenses of his daughters' education and care for his wife's elderly parents and disabled brother.
"My father is not a serious boxer, but he dared to box for just 400 baht," said Songtham's 13-year-old daughter Sidaporn Stipa, as she fought back tears.
Songtham had boxed just two times previously.
The Muay Thai match was staged on Saturday as part of village celebrations marking the opening of a direct route to Ban Suan Na Kaew in Khewa Si Narin district.
Local media reported that Songtham struck his head violently after being thrown to the canvas in the third round by his opponent, Boontham Burana.
He continued fighting but was knocked down another five times.
Eventually the two boxers fell to the mat together, but while Mr Boontham managed to stand up, Songtham lay motionless.
He did not regain consciousness and a doctor at Surin Hospital in Muang district pronounced him dead late on Saturday night. Severe brain trauma was given as the cause of death.
"He just kept getting up as if nothing had happened," Mr Boontham, 50, said.
"I felt very guilty for what happened. This will haunt me for the rest of my life."
Mr Boontham is also only an occasional competitor.
Songtham's widow, Ratchanee Pringproh, 50, said she would file a complaint against the event organisers with local police, as she said the referee should have stopped the match when it became clear Songtham was not fit to continue fighting.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Issara Somchai yesterday told officials to give financial assistance to the family in both the short and long term, especially to provide for his two daughters' education, for which Songtham died.
Sidaporn said she dreamed of one day becoming a nurse.
She said she was struggling with her grief, but she would follow her father's example by fighting on, even after being floored.
"I love my dad very much," she said.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/229070/boxer-dies-fighting-for-just-400-bahtPicture Below ....Thirteen-year-old Sidaporn Stipa pays her respects to her father, Songtham Stipa, who died from brain injuries sustained in a Muay Thai match in Surin on Saturday. Songtham collapsed in the ring and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. NOPPARAT KINGKAEO
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