4 Incredible Facts That Show Why Srisaket Sor Rungvisai Is A Boxing Legend

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai is one of the world’s best boxers at the moment, and he has the numbers to back him up.

The two-time WBC Super Flyweight World Champion has built an incredible record in nine years as a professional to become a national hero in his home country of Thailand.

He will headline the biggest blockbuster event in ONE Championship history when ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES arrives in Bangkok on Saturday, 6 October.

Ahead of his contest against Iran “MagnifiKO” Diaz at the Impact Arena, discover the facts that prove why Srisaket’s name belongs in the pantheon of the planet’s premier pugilists.

#1 Two World Title Reigns

Srisaket’s current reign as World Champion is not his first.

The Thai superstar first wrapped the coveted WBC Super Flyweight belt around his waist when he knocked out Yota Sato in a stunning upset in May 2013.

His Japanese opponent was more experienced and riding a big winning streak that included two defenses of his belt, but he could not stand up to the power of the Thai challenger. Sato was dominated for the entire contest until it ended via TKO in round eight.

Srisaket defended his title once, against Hirofumi Mukai, before his reign unfortunately ended.

However, it took less than three years for him to work his way back to the top, and stun Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez to reclaim his prize in another stunning triumph.

#2 Double Success Against The Best

It was an incredible achievement for Srisaket to dethrone Gonzalez last March – and then defeat him again in decisive fashion.

The Nicaraguan was a three-division World Champion, undefeated at 46-0, competing at his physical peak, and rated as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world when they first met.

Some oddsmakers backed him as an overwhelming 20 to 1 favorite.

The Thai hero, however, didn’t care about the odds. He confounded the experts to spring a surprise victory via majority decision after a back-and-forth battle – narrowly edging the great Gonzalez by scorecards of 113-113, 114-112, and 114-112.

Another closely-contested clash was expected when the pair met a few months later last September, but many expected Gonzalez’s reign to resume when the winner was announced.

This time, however, Srisaket left no doubt who the superior athlete was. It was a short, explosive encounter, which the Thai sensation won with a spectacular fourth-round knockout.

#3 Two Titles That Go Beyond Belts

Srisaket’s second WBC Super Flyweight World Title Defense against Juan Francisco Estrada was also an incredible bout, and added another two accolades to his resume.

After defeating the Mexican via majority decision after 12 rounds, he was awarded the vacant The Ring and lineal Super Flyweight World Titles.

In a boxing world with numerous sanctioning bodies and several athletes in each division claiming to be the best on the planet, these honors are only awarded to the ‘true and only’ World Champions after satisfying several conditions.

By overcoming the best in the division after his triumphs over “Chocolatito,” Srisaket earned his place in history.

#4 His Incredible Knockout Rate

Srisaket’s stopping power is sensational.

Of his 46 professional wins, he has ended 41 of them via knockout for a rate of 89 percent – an incredible number given smaller combat sports athletes are presumed to lack the power of their heavier peers.

On the rare occasion that he had his hand raised after seeing the judges’ scorecards, he always returned to the ring with a finish.

When he defends his belt for the third time on 6 October, he will expect to treat the Thai fans in attendance to the 42nd KO of his phenomenal career.