Thailand ban sends Pinoy boxers home

The ban imposed by Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain on Filipino boxers fighting in Thailand has resulted in the immediate return of several fighters, who sneaked out of the country without GAB clearance to fight in Thailand, often in terrible mismatches. Feisty promoter Yolly Alfante disclosed that one of her fighters, Pit Anacaya, whom she reported to the GAB for leaving without approval, had returned home and was ready to tell all about those involved in the unscrupulous activities. Buhain disclosed that Kid Orais had also returned with the belongings of former WBC youth flyweight champion Lito Sisnorio, who died last March 30 after being knocked out in the fourth round by former world champion Chatchai Sasakul and undergoing brain surgery. The National Bureau of Investigation, whose assistance was sought by Buhain in his determined effort to crack down on the illegal activities in boxing, is looking for Sisnorio's cellphone in the hope that they might discover some contact numbers. Buhain said other fighters, who returned, included Jack Asis and Elmer Muyco. Viva Sports/Standard Today learned that Jun Eraham had also done the same thing after fighting illegally in Thailand. Eraham is now reportedly a trainer at the gym of Lope "Jun" Sarreal. The chairman also revealed that the four boxers, including Sisnorio, who fought in Thailand without GAB clearance all come from the stable of Jemuel Cantoyoso, who is under investigation. Buhain refused to accept the manager's claim that the fighters sneaked out without his knowledge. Buhain revealed that boxing division chief Dr. Nasser Cruz and GAB commissioner Angel Bautista, who were sent to Bangkok to talk to Thai officials and investigate the death of Sisnorio as well as find out, who was involved in the illegal recruitment of Filipino boxers, had come home "with some leads and some names." One of the names that surfaced, according to Buhain, was a Filipino identified as "Jeffrey," who is a longtime resident of Thailand and speaks Thai. "This is the guy who takes care of the Filipino boxers," said Buhain. Cruz told Viva Sports/Standard Today that the Sports Authority of Thailand was helping in the investigation of the illegal recruitment of Filipino boxers and will coordinate directly with Buhain.

Good move by the Thai boxing authority. These lesser fighters were getting killed in these mis-matches.... literally.