The WBC Is In Mourning; Bhumibol Adulyadej King Of Thailand Has Died

By Boxing News - 10/13/2016 - Comments

The World Boxing Council and the entire Boxing Family is in mourning, following the death today in Bangkok of Thailand`s long reigning King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Monarch of monarchs was a passionate boxing fan. So much so that he steadfastly remained standing in the first row of the National Stadium, as a ferocious hurricane swept through Bangkok during the bantamweight championship between France`s Robert Cohen, the then champion, and local, Chamrern Songkitrat, (challenger). That legendary bout, which came to pass on September 19th, 1954 has passed into history, being dubbed: “Typhon Battle.”

King Bhumibol always treated our dear President, Don Jose Sulaiman Chagnon, who he twice received at his palace, in the most welcoming, friendly and delightful way. In 1993, the King awarded Don Jose with the Medal of Order, Third Degree, of the Kingdom, recognizing his inspirational, exceptional and sustained efforts to project, develop and progress boxing to its zenith in Thailand.

In 2003, The King recognized our Don Jose once again. This time with the Royal Decoration “II Class Knight Commander of the Most Admirable Order of Direkgunabhorn.” it was for Don JoseĀ“s marvellous ongoing work, but also and especially for his eternal friendship to Thailand and its people.

Twenty years ago the WBC introduced the national sport of Thailand, better known as “Muay Thai” into Mexico. A sport that has had earned as well as won a lot of success, attracting many fans. Even some magnificent Mexican exponents have competed in the ancient Siam Kingdom.

A timely and fitting response to the King, who`d personally requested Don Jose, for the WBC to sanction Muay Thai in Mexico. A dream come true, continuing and flourishing, due to by our current President, Mauricio Sulaiman Saldivar, who is also a passionate Muay Thai fan and an avid admirer of Thai culture.

The King, who was loved and revered by his people, was born on December 5th 1927. He married Queen Sirikit, and they had 4 sons: Sirindhorn, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Chulabhorn Walalailak and Ubolratana Rajkanya.

He had a considerable kingship, recognized as the longest reign, spanning 70 years. Since it began in 1946, he used his considerable skills to often bring about calm, wisdom and unity throughout Thailand, the country he so loved and served so well for a lifetime.

The World Boxing Council celebrated six fantastic and unforgettable Conventions in this wonderful land. Three of them took place in Bangkok and the other ones were in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya.

The Prime Minister of Thailand has announced a year of mourning.

May the Dear King, who was beloved, devoted World Boxing Council supporter, ally and valued friend, rest in eternal peace!