Pone Kingpetch: Thailand’s First Boxing World Champion
Pone Kingpetch was Thailand’s first world boxing champion and one of the flyweight division’s three-time titleholders. Born Mana Seedokbuab, he became a national figure when he defeated Argentina’s Pascual Pérez in Bangkok in 1960.
Thailand’s first world champion
On April 16, 1960, Kingpetch challenged reigning flyweight champion Pascual Pérez at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. He won a 15-round split decision, ending Pérez’s long reign and becoming the first Thai boxer to win a world championship. The World Boxing Association recounts the title change; the World Boxing Council recognizes the victory as a landmark for Thai boxing.
Three championship reigns
Kingpetch lost the title to Japan’s Fighting Harada by 11th-round knockout in October 1962, then regained it in their January 1963 rematch. Later that year, Hiroyuki Ebihara stopped him in the first round. Kingpetch answered by winning their January 23, 1964 rematch on points, becoming the flyweight champion for a third time. The WBC’s history of that fight describes how he used his jab to control the contest and secure a split decision.
Kingpetch’s final world-title bout came in Rome on April 23, 1965. Italy’s Salvatore Burruni defeated him by unanimous decision over 15 rounds. Kingpetch continued boxing after the loss and retired in 1966. The Boxing Hall of Fame’s champions record lists his flyweight reign, while the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s 2023 class announcement confirms his posthumous induction.
Kingpetch’s career helped put Thai boxing on the world championship map. His three title reigns, including victories over Pérez and Ebihara, secured his place among the leading fighters in flyweight history.
Sources
- World Boxing Association: Pascual Pérez’s title loss to Kingpetch — 1960 title bout.
- World Boxing Council: Kingpetch wins the crown for a third time — Ebihara rematch and the 1964 title win.
- BoxRec: Salvatore Burruni vs. Pone Kingpetch — 1965 title bout and result.
- Canastota: International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2023 — Kingpetch’s posthumous induction.
Career records and reporting: nysenate.gov.
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
