In his first - and last - Olympics, boxer Kaew Pongprayoon is assured of the biggest prize of his career, an Olympic silver medal, with his 13-12 win over Russia's David Ayrapetyan in the 49kg semi-finals last night.
Kaew’s mother Mali cheers on her son at their home in Kamphaeng Phet. PHOTO: PATIPAT JANTHONG
At 32, Kaew is one of the oldest debutants in Olympic boxing history.
The Kamphaeng Phet native did not have a chance to take part in the previous Games because he fought in the 45kg division which does not feature at the Olympics.
It will be his only Olympics because he will be too old for the next Games as the age limit for Olympic boxers is 34 years old.
His only previous success was four SEA Games gold medals because the 45kg class does not exist at major international events including the Asian Games.
Tonight, he will be trying to become Thailand's only gold medallist in London - a feat that would save the face of the Thai contingent and his boss' job.
Boonlert Kaewprasit has vowed to step down as president of the Thailand Boxing Association if his men fail to win a gold medal.
Since boxer Somluck Kamsing became Thailand's first-ever Olympic champion, the boxing team have won gold in every Olympics.
At the 2008 Beijing Games, Thailand won one gold (Somjit Jongjohor) and one silver (Manus Boonjumnong) in boxing.
Boonlert was elected as TBA president last year. The association was hastily established to replace the Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand (Abat) after it was outlawed by both the International Boxing Association (Aiba) and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT).
Aiba revoked membership of Abat following rows with former Abat president Taweep Jantararoj.
With an Olympic silver medal, Kaew will become a millionaire thanks to rewards from the government and private companies.
With a gold, the army sergeant will be much richer and could become Lt Kaew as Boonlert, an army general, has promised to push for his promotion.
''My parents have always believed I have talent for this sport. They have always supported me. Every time I call them they have always encouraged me,'' Kaew said before the London Games.
His mother Mali is crazy about boxing and often wears boxing gloves when she watches her son fight on TV.
He will surely want to win gold for his mother in particular.
Fittingly, he will take on China's defending champion Zou Shiming in the final at 2.30am tomorrow (Thai time) which is Thailand's National Mother Day.