Top promoter hits out at Sport Ministry : On August 24, 2007
Well-known boxing promoter, Virat Vachiraratanawongse is shocked over what he claims is the shabby manner the Ministry of Tourism and Sport has treated him and his world title challenger, Oledong Sithsamerchai, who is due to fight the WBC strawweight champion, Eagle Kyowa who is also a Thai but is based in Japan.
He spoke to the Post in Ubon Ratchathani, where his WBC Youth Flyweight champion, Panomrunglek Kratingdaeng is going to face Filipino Lopez De Lada today at the Meechai Chaleroensap Market Boxing Arena.
''I was invited by the Sports Ministry along with other promoters and asked to prepare a card of fights to celebrate His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday. Accordingly I arranged the world strawweight mandatory title-fight between Eagle Kyowa and Oledong.
''I sent the details of the fight and the cost a few days ago but I have had no reply. In fact I got the WBC to postpone an impending purse-offer by seven days, hoping I would get a favourable reply but now I am stranded.
''I have to go around asking sponsors to help. I don't know what to do, If the Sports Ministry didn't ask me to arrange the fight, I would not have gone all out to stage the fight, or I would have made other arrangements. Now I am running around, making telephone calls, trying to save this fight,'' he said.
''When I was invited by the Ministry I was promised many things, but it has turned out to be vague promises,'' he added.
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