16 April 1960

Pone takes world flyweight title

Pone Kingpetch became a national hero by defeating Argentina’s Pascual Perez in Lumpini Stadium to win the world flyweight boxing championship.

During the gruelling, 15-round fight, both fighters drew blood. Pone, 25, used his left fist effectively, keeping the shorter Perez away for most of the fight. While Perez cornered Pone several times, landing heavy blows to Pone’s abdomen and face, the Thai escaped a severe battering through his superior speed

When the two Thai and American judges scored the fight in favour of Pone, and only the Argentinian judge picked Perez, the packed audience erupted in wild cheers. The world flyweight boxing championship belt was presented to Pone and he was carried by supporters to meet King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit.

The King presented a trophy to Pone and patted him on the back. ‘I was so happy I cried,’ said the boxer.

Pone, a native of Hua Hin, became a Thai sporting legend. He was the first boxer to lose and regain a world boxing championship three times.

16 April 1960

Pone takes world flyweight title

Pone Kingpetch became a national hero by defeating Argentina’s Pascual Perez in Lumpini Stadium to win the world flyweight boxing championship.

During the gruelling, 15-round fight, both fighters drew blood. Pone, 25, used his left fist effectively, keeping the shorter Perez away for most of the fight. While Perez cornered Pone several times, landing heavy blows to Pone’s abdomen and face, the Thai escaped a severe battering through his superior speed

When the two Thai and American judges scored the fight in favour of Pone, and only the Argentinian judge picked Perez, the packed audience erupted in wild cheers. The world flyweight boxing championship belt was presented to Pone and he was carried by supporters to meet King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit.

The King presented a trophy to Pone and patted him on the back. ‘I was so happy I cried,’ said the boxer.

Pone, a native of Hua Hin, became a Thai sporting legend. He was the first boxer to lose and regain a world boxing championship three times.