Thai pugilist begins title defence in style

Sydney: Thai featherweight Somluck Kamsing began the defence of his Olympic title in impressive style on Monday, outclassing Colombian Andres Ledesma Villalba before an army of adoring fans.

Kamsing, who won Thailand's first Olympic gold four years ago in Atlanta, received a bouquet of flowers from his country's sports minister before the fight and a good luck message from Queen Sirikit of Thailand.

He did not let his supporters down, stopping Ledesma comfortably inside the four rounds.

Kamsing looked more polished than four years ago and showed -- in his use of the ropes and lightning reflexes -- that he had honed his skills.

"I think he showed a very good performance in the ring," said Thailand's Cuban coach Juan Bautista Fontanills Quesada.

"He used to punch very little, two, three or six points perhaps but it was too difficult to hit him."

"He is now more experienced, better than Atlanta."

One of just three Olympic champions defending their titles in the ring, Kamsing said he was too old to turn professional at 27 and was worried about the burden of expectation.

"I might look happy and relaxed but I'm under a lot of pressure," he added.Kamsing started off slowly as usual after saluting the crowd on all four sides of the ring amid near-hysterical cries of "Thailand, Thailand".

He ended the first round 2-0 up, resting his head in reflection on the corner post before resuming battle, and then moved up a gear as Ledesma flailed in vain.

He used the ropes to lethal effect, the old Muhammad Ali rope-a-dope trick, letting his rival wear himself down as Kamsing ducked and weaved out of danger.

That round ended 12-2 and the referee stopped the fight 37 seconds into the final round with Kamsing ahead 17-2.



(c) Reuters Limited.