# Ratanapol Sor Vorapin

Ratanapol Sor Vorapin (Thai: รัตนพล ส.วรพิน; born Preecha Charoenthara (Thai: ปรีชา เจริญธารา), formerly Anucha Phothong (อนุชา โพธิ์ทอง)) is a Thai former professional boxer. He is the older brother of former World Boxing Organization Bantamweight champion Ratanachai Sor Vorapin.

## Early life

Vorapin was born on June 6, 1974, to Somjai and Somjit Phothong in Dan Khun Thot, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Despite having large amounts of land, Vorapin, his parents, and his 14 siblings were impoverished farmers, as the mountainous ground was poor soil for agriculture. Because of his poverty, he became a boxer at age fourteen in Muaythai using the names "Tonaonoy Toichainee" (ทนเอาหน่อย ต่อยใช้หนี้) and "Lion Luknamjai" (ไลอ้อน ลูกน้ำใจ) sponsored by Yindee Juntacup, a local celebrity.

## Professional career

Vorapin traveled to Bangkok to fight Muaythai under Sor Vorapin Boxing Gym. The name "Ratanapol" is actually the name of another fighter. Going pro in 1990, Ratanapol fought in the place of Chana Porpaoin, out because of his injured nose, and defeated his opponent. Because of that victory, he received serious support.
When Fahlan Lukmingkwan lost the IBF Mini flyweight championship to Filipino Manny Melchor in mid-1992, Ratanapol was encouraged by Sr. Col. Banju Ongsangkune and Suchart "Pe Poster" Kerdmek to return to Thailand. On December 10, 1992, at Nimibutr Stadium, he scored a 12-round split decision victory over Manny Melchor to win the Mini flyweight title. He would defend that title against twelve boxers, but he lost the title on the scales on March 15, 1996, because he could not make his weight 105 pounds to qualify. On May 18 the same year, however, he returned as the world champion and he retained it six times until December 27, 1997, when he received a 5th-round TKO loss to South African Zolani Petelo at Songkhla province, southern Thailand.
He had two unsuccessful attempts at the IBF Junior flyweight title, first dropping a unanimous decision to Will Grigsby on December 18, 1998. And then on December 2, 2000, he received a 3rd-round TKO loss to Mexican Ricardo "El Finito" López in Las Vegas. Near the end of the career, he changed his manager to Kokiet "Sia Ko" Panichyarom of Kokiet Group and promoted to Flyweight and won the PABA title.

## Boxing style

Ratanapol had a heavy left punch and a long reach but little footwork or agility. His right hand was used mainly to judge distance for his left, similar to the famed Khaosai Galaxy, even receiving the nickname "Little Khaosai" from Thai boxing fans.
In addition every time before the bout, he shouted "Chaiyo...Chaiyo...Ya Mo Ok Suek!!" (ไชโย...ไชโย...ย่าโมออกศึก!!; lit: "Cheer...Cheer...Grandma Mo to Battle!!") to create a frenzy.

## Retirement

After retirement, Ratanapol's life was very difficult. Burdened by debt, he sold street vendor noodles in Bang Lamphu neighborhood near Sor Vorapin Boxing Gym with his wife, and sold DVDs of his own biography on the Bangkok streets. At the most stressful moments, he attempted suicide by hanging with an electric wire He also received ordination at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.

## Politics

In politically Ratnapol alliance with the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) or Red Shirts, and joined the protesters on several occasions such as 2005–06 Thai political crisis, or 2013–14 Thai political crisis etc.

## Professional boxing record

| 68 fights | 59 wins | 8 losses |
| By knockout | 48 | 5 |
| By decision | 11 | 3 |
| Draws | 1 | 1 |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
| 68 | Loss | 59–8–1 | Rey Migreno | KO | 5(11) | Jul 10, 2009 | Phuket, Thailand | Lost PABA Flyweight Title |
| 67 | Win | 59–7–1 | Wido Paez | KO | 3(11) | May 7, 2009 | Phattalung, Thailand | Won PABA Flyweight Title |
| 66 | Win | 58–7–1 | Noriyuki Komatsu | TKO | 3(10) | Feb 08, 2009 | IMP Hall, Osaka, Japan | |
| 65 | Win | 57–7–1 | Wanlop Sawangwong | KO | 3(6) | Nov 26, 2008 | Mukdahan, Thailand | |
| 64 | Loss | 56–7–1 | Richard Garcia | MD | 11 | Oct 03, 2008 | Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand | Lost PABA Flyweight Title |
| 63 | Win | 56–6–1 | Fang Shuai | KO | 1(11) | Jul 16, 2008 | Phattalung, Thailand | Retained PABA Flyweight Title |
| 62 | Win | 55–6–1 | Juharum Silaban | KO | 3(11) | May 23, 2008 | Kalasin, Thailand | Retained PABA Flyweight Title |
| 61 | Win | 54–6–1 | Sam Burdam | KO | 2(11) | Apr 15, 2008 | Nakhon Phanom, Thailand | Retained PABA Flyweight Title |
| 60 | Win | 53–6–1 | Pingping Tepura | TKO | 2(11) | Feb 14, 2008 | Minburi, Thailand | Retained PABA Flyweight Title |
| 59 | Win | 52–6–1 | Alwi Alhabsyi | KO | 1(12) | Nov 16, 2007 | Surat Thani, Thailand | Won vacant PABA Flyweight Title |
| 58 | Win | 51–6–1 | Yanus Emaury | KO | 3(6) | Oct 03, 2007 | Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand | |
| 57 | Win | 50–6–1 | Gui Yao Bo | KO | 3(8) | Jul 24, 2007 | Mahasarakam, Thailand | |
| 56 | Win | 49–6–1 | Takayuki Okumoto | TKO | 2(6) | May 29, 2007 | Kalasin, Thailand | |
| 55 | Win | 48–6–1 | Edwin Ezekiel | KO | 1(6) | Mar 29, 2007 | Phichit, Thailand | |
| 54 | Win | 47–6–1 | Hendrik Barongsay | KO | 3(6) | Jan 31, 2007 | Nonthaburi, Thailand | |
| 53 | Win | 46–6–1 | Christian Collado | UD | 6 | Oct 04, 2006 | Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand | |
| 52 | Win | 45–6–1 | Edo Resilay | KO | 1(8) | Aug 16, 2006 | Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand | |
| 51 | Win | 44–6–1 | Masatsugu Okada | PTS | 6 | May 10, 2006 | Yasothon, Thailand | |
| 50 | Win | 43–6–1 | Ratazu Matsui | KO | 2(6) | Feb 22, 2006 | Mae Hong Son, Thailand | |
| 49 | Win | 42–6–1 | Alex Buckie | TKO | 4(6) | Nov 21, 2005 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 48 | Win | 41–6–1 | Dicky Timor | KO | 1(6) | Oct 04, 2005 | Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand | |
| 47 | Win | 40–6–1 | Arbon Beyer | KO | 3(6) | Sep 02, 2005 | Nonthaburi, Thailand | |
| 46 | Win | 39–6–1 | Alex Buckie | UD | 12 | Aug 05, 2005 | Patong Beach, Patong, Thailand | |
| 45 | Loss | 38–6–1 | Ricardo López | TKO | 3 (12), 2:11 | Dec 2, 2000 | Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, U.S.A | For IBF Light Flyweight Title |
| 44 | Loss | 38–5–1 | Yura Dima | KO | 2 (12) | Nov 05, 1999 | Nakhon Sawan, Thailand | |
| 43 | Win | 38–4–1 | Jerry Rosales | KO | 4 (?) | Sep 03, 1999 | Mukdahan Grand Hotel Arena, Mukdahan, Thailand | |
| 42 | Loss | 37–4–1 | Will Grigsby | UD | 12 | Dec 18, 1998 | Memorial Auditorium, Fort Lauderdale, U.S.A | For vacant IBF Light Flyweight Title |
| 41 | Win | 37–3–1 | Alpong Navaja | PTS | 10 | Sep 20, 1998 | Samut Prakan, Thailand | |
| 40 | Win | 36–3–1 | Leo Ramirez | TKO | 2 (10) | Aug 12, 1998 | Ratchadaphisek, Thailand | |
| 39 | Win | 35–3–1 | Jerry Pahayahay | TKO | 4 (10) | Jun 05, 1998 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 38 | Loss | 34–3–1 | Zolani Petelo | TKO | 4 (12), 2:00 | Dec 27, 1997 | Provincial Military Stadium, Songkhla, Thailand | Lost IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 37 | Win | 34–2–1 | Wellington Vicente | TKO | 2 (12) | Aug 30, 1997 | Indoor Provincial Stadium, Nong Khai, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 36 | Win | 33–2–1 | Juan Herrera | UD | 12 | Jun 14, 1997 | Ban Rai School, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 35 | Win | 32–2–1 | Luis Doria | TKO | 4 (12) | Mar 22, 1997 | Provincial Stadium, Sara Buri, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 34 | Win | 31–2–1 | Eddie Felisilda | KO | 5 (10) | Jan 18, 1997 | Provincial Stadium, Udon Thani, Thailand | |
| 33 | Win | 30–2–1 | Gustavo Vera | KO | 2 (12) | Nov 24, 1996 | Provincial Stadium, Udon Thani, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 32 | Win | 29–2–1 | Oscar Andrade | KO | 5 (12) | Sep 28, 1996 | Provincial Stadium, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 31 | Win | 28–2–1 | Jun Orhaliza | KO | 3 (12) | Jul 13, 1996 | Provincial Stadium, Yala, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 30 | Win | 27–2–1 | Jun Arlos | UD | 12 | May 18, 1996 | Provincial Stadium, Yala, Thailand | Won vacant IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 29 | Win | 26–2–1 | Lee Sandoval | TKO | 11 (12) | Mar 16, 1996 | Si Sa Ket, Thailand | For vacant IBF Minimumweight Title; Title on stake for Sandoval only as Ratanapol failed to make weight |
| 28 | Win | 25–2–1 | Osvaldo Guerrero | TKO | 6 (12) | Dec 30, 1995 | Chakkam Khanathon School, Lumphun, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 27 | Win | 24–2–1 | Jack Russell | KO | 2 (12) | Oct 29, 1995 | Provincial Stadium, Suphan Buri, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 26 | Win | 23–2–1 | Dario Olarte | TKO | 2 (?) | Aug 20, 1995 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 25 | Win | 22–2–1 | Oscar Alfonso Flores | TKO | 2 (12) | May 20, 1995 | Municipal Soccer Stadium, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 24 | Win | 21–2–1 | Jerry Pahayahay | TKO | 3 (12) | Feb 25, 1995 | Zeer Shopping Center, Rangsit, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 23 | Win | 20–2–1 | Carlos Alberto Rodriguez | TKO | 3 (12) | Nov 12, 1994 | University Stadium, Khon Kaen, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 22 | Win | 19–2–1 | Marcelino Bolivar | TKO | 4 (12) | Aug 20, 1994 | Buriram, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 21 | Win | 18–2–1 | Roger Espanola | TKO | 6 (12) | May 14, 1994 | Sara Buri, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 20 | Win | 17–2–1 | Ronnie Magramo | UD | 12 | Feb 27, 1994 | Provincial Stadium, Phichit, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 19 | Win | 16–2–1 | Felix Naranjo | TKO | 2 (12) | Dec 10, 1993 | Provincial Stadium, Suphan Buri, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 18 | Win | 15–2–1 | Domingus Siwalette | TKO | 4 (12) | Sep 26, 1993 | Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 17 | Win | 14–2–1 | Ala Villamor | TKO | 7 (12) | Jun 27, 1993 | National Stadium Gymnasium, Bangkok, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 16 | Win | 13–2–1 | Nico Thomas | KO | 7 (12) | Mar 14, 1993 | Suranaree Camp Stadium, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand | Retained IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 15 | Win | 12–2–1 | Manny Melchor | SD | 12 | Dec 10, 1992 | National Stadium Gymnasium, Bangkok, Thailand | Won IBF Minimumweight Title |
| 14 | Win | 11–2–1 | Al Tarazona | KO | 5 (12) | Sep 06, 1992 | Crocodile Farm, Samut Prakan, Thailand | |
| 13 | Win | 10–2–1 | Husni Ray | KO | 4 (12) | Jun 14, 1992 | Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 12 | Win | 9–2–1 | Ali Moril | KO | 3 (?) | Feb 23, 1992 | Sunarunchan Stadium, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand | |
| 11 | Win | 8–2–1 | Teelek Sorthanikul | TKO | 5 (?) | Jan 29, 1992 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 10 | Loss | 7–2–1 | Aswin Sithlakmuang | TKO | 3 (?) | Dec 23, 1991 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 9 | Win | 7–1–1 | Dao Singkrungthon | TKO | 4 (?) | Sep 23, 1991 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 8 | Loss | 6–1–1 | Aswin Sithlakmuang | PTS | 10 | Jul 17, 1991 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 7 | Win | 6–0–1 | Kom Sorthanikul | PTS | 6 | Jun 17, 1991 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 6 | Win | 5–0–1 | Dao Singkrungthon | PTS | 6 | Mar 28, 1991 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 5 | Win | 4–0–1 | Dao Singkrungthon | PTS | 6 | Feb 07, 1991 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 4 | Win | 3–0–1 | Rome Salothorn | TKO | 3 (?) | Jan 10, 1991 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 3 | Win | 2–0–1 | Inseethong Sorthanikul | TKO | 2 (?) | Nov 22, 1990 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 2 | Draw | 1–0–1 | Inseethong Sorthanikul | PTS | 4 | Nov 01, 1990 | Bangkok, Thailand | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Anusit Chokemchart | KO | 1 (?) | Oct 04, 1990 | Bangkok, Thailand | |

## Titles in boxing

Major World Titles:
* IBF Mini Flyweight Champion (December 1992) (May 1996) (2x) (105 lbs)
Regional & International Titles:
* IBF International Mini Flyweight Champion (June 1992) (105 lbs)
* PABA Flyweight Champion (November 2007) (May 2009) (2x) (112 lbs)