Boxing fight that never existed

Boxing fight that never existed

Muay Thai superstar Buakaw ''Por'' Pramuk was one of Thailand's most controversial athletes of the year, and his name was also involved in probably the biggest sporting joke of 2012.

MuayThai superstar Buakaw‘‘Por’’ Pramukmade headlines whenhe disappeared from his trainingcamp in March.He hit the front page again amid reports he wasabout to fight boxing greatManny Pacquiao of the Philippines. THITIWANNAMONTHA

In March, Buakaw disappeared from his camp Por Pramuk for a week, emerging later to say he had been treated unfairly by his handlers.

He claimed the boxing camp had forced him to fight when he was not fully fit. He also dismissed reports his move was related to financial matters.

In October, reports emerged that people were trying to arrange a fight between Buakaw and boxing great Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines.

However, it was unclear who was actually behind the fight, with several VIPs named by the media as ''chairman of the organising committee''.

Buakaw insisted he knew nothing about the match although he said he was ready to fight any bout arranged by his handlers.

The contest was initially scheduled for Dec 21 in Bangkok. The date raised eyebrows in boxing circles as Pacquiao was to fight Juan Manuel Marquez on Dec 8 in Las Vegas, while Buakaw was booked for a Thai Fight match on Dec 16 in Bangkok.

The rules for the encounter were also unclear.

''People in boxing know it was just a joke,'' said boxer Manus Boonjumnong, who won gold at the 2004 Olympics and silver at the 2008 Olympics.

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