Ratanachai to face Tim Austin

By Paul Upham: Thailand’s Ratanachai Sor Vorapin, 41-5 (29), will sign a contract tonight for his world title shot against undefeated IBF bantamweight champion Tim Austin, 23-0-1 (21), in the main support bout to Ruiz-Holyfield III in Connecticut on December 15.
In a win that was largely overlooked in the overwhelming euphoria of undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins’ win over Felix Trinidad, Vorapin was very impressive in defeating former two-time IBF champion Danny Romero on the undercard at Madison Square Garden on September 29.

“He was very happy with the win. I feel that it was the best win of his career. He is really developing as a fighter now. We will see even better from him now,” said Vorapin’s trainer Surapol Rangsikulpipat. “I’m looking forward to getting some tapes of Austin (pictured). He is a southpaw like Ratanachai and we have heard very good things about him.”

Vorapin is currently training in the mornings from 7am-9am and in the afternoons from 3pm-6pm to avoid the intense daytime heat of Thailand and has no fears of facing the man considered by many as the best bantamweight in the world.

“Yes, no problem,” said Vorapin. “I’m very happy. This is what I have trained so hard for.”

Living in Dankoonthod, Thailand’s largest city in the North East of the country, Vorapin is free of any injuries will spend most of his time sparring fast southpaws to prepare himself for Austin.

“Everyone in Thailand was talking about Ratanachai after his win over Danny Romero. He received much coverage and the fans feel that he will be Thailand’s next world champion,” said Rangsikulpipat. “He has good power in both hands and really surprises his opponents.”

The younger brother of former long reigning IBF strawweight champion Rattanapol Sor Vorapin, Ratanachai started Muay-Thai kick-boxing as a professional at 15 years of age. He commenced his boxing career in May 1992, as he liked the sport more than Muay-Thai style.

In April 1999, Vorapin took IBF junior bantamweight champion Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson 12tough rounds in Washington, losing a points decision.

Vorapin was very pleased to take the bout with Danny Romero, who was rated WBO No.1 at the time of the fight. He knew that a win over Romero, who had just signed a new contract with promoter Don King, would help his own world title ambitions.

“I saw Romero on television fighting Johnny Tapia. He can fight, but I was very happy to take the fight and knew that I could win. I like to fight at bantamweight as I have good power there,” said the 29-year-old Vorapin.

Before his fight with Romero, Vorapin made it clear to promoter Don King that after the win he would be calling out IBF champion Austin.

“It doesn’t matter who I fight. Tim Austin is a good boxer, but I know I have the power to beat him,” said Vorapin, who is now IBF No.5.

“I beat Danny Romero and I told Mr King that I wanted Tim Austin next. He promised me the fight and now it will happen on December 15, just as he had said.”


Paul Upham
Contributing Editor