Vorapin saddened by New York tragedy

By Paul Upham: Thailand’s Ratanachai Vorapin (left) is a long way from home amidst the tragedy of the World Trade Centre in New York.
Vorapin, scheduled to face former IBF flyweight and junior bantamweight champion Danny Romero on the undercard of Hopkins vs Trinidad, cannot understand why anyone would want to take the lives of so many innocent people.

“I am very sad to see this happen. I cannot understand why they did this to the people and buildings. It is very terrible,” said 29 year-old Vorapin, 40-5 (29).

Arriving in New York on Monday, the Thai was in his hotel room on 7th Avenue when two planes destroyed the World Trade Centre buildings. Watching the devastation on the television in his hotel room, Vorapin’s first feeling was to escape from the city, but he knew that he must stay.

Many comforting phone calls have followed to his family in his home-town of Dankoonthod, Thailand’s largest city in the North East of the country

The younger brother of former long reigning IBF minimumweight champion Rattanapol Sor Vorapin, the southpaw 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.

Trained by Surapol Rangsikulpipat who also works with his older brother, he likes coming to the USA and is on his fifth trip to this country, which included two fights in Hawaii.

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

“Mark Johnson is very fast and difficult to fight,” said Vorapin. “After the fight he said Ratanachai is very strong and that he didn’t want to fight him again,” said trainer Rangsikulpipat

As for his bout with WBO No.1 Danny Romero, Vorapin was pleased to take the fight, as it is an excellent opportunity to secure a fight for the world title. “I saw Romero on television fighting Johnny Tapia. He can fight, but I was very happy to take the fight. I like to fight at bantamweight as I have good power there,” said Vorapin, who would become a big star in Thailand by beating Romero.

Fellow Thai and WBC bantamweight champion Veeraphol Sahaprom is another fight that Vorapin would like very much. “The two boxers want the fight, but Veeraphol’s manager does not want to take the fight,” said Rangsikulpipat. “Ratanachai is a good puncher. He has good eyes and step. He has power in both hands, which surprises his opponents.”

Looking forward to the exposure of being on a big Don King card such as Hopkins vs Trinidad, Vorapin would like to show the promoter with a win over IBF No.6 Danny Romero, that he deserves a chance with undefeated IBF bantamweight champion Tim 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. “When I beat Danny Romero I am going to walk up to Mr King and ask him to give me a fight with IBF bantamweight champion Tim Austin.”


Paul Upham
Contributing Editor