Drunken Brawl Leaves Thai Boxing Reeling
Thai boxing suffers a blow to its reputation as former IBF flyweight world champion Amnat Ruenroeng is caught on camera brawling in a convenience store. The shocking video, now deleted, shows the once-revered fighter visibly drunk and ending up on the floor after a scuffle.
The footage, first shared by Facebook user Worramet Sa-ardrat, quickly went viral. It captures a humiliating scene: Amnat, clearly intoxicated, is confronted by a young man trying to calm him down. Instead of backing off, Amnat pushes the man, sparking a fight.
Amnat Ruenroeng’s Store Fight Goes Viral
The ex-champion, who held the IBF title from 2014 to 2016, loses his composure. The younger, sober man retaliates, landing a punch to Amnat’s face. After a brief exchange, the former boxing star loses his balance and crashes to the ground.
What happens next shocks viewers even more. The young man kicks Amnat in the face while he’s down and restrains him until he gives up. In a surprising twist, the man then helps Amnat back to his feet—a gesture showing he wasn’t seeking pointless violence.
Young Man Defends His Actions
Later, the young man posts his side of the story online. “I’m not saying I’m brave or cool. I just defended myself,” he writes. He explains he tried to persuade Amnat to leave, but the ex-boxer wouldn’t listen. “He scared other customers,” the man adds, justifying his actions.
A Stark Contrast to Amnat’s Boxing Glory
This incident stands in stark contrast to Amnat Ruenroeng’s celebrated past. The 44-year-old won bronze at the 2007 World Championships, gold at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, and two golds at the Southeast Asian Games. He competed at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and held the IBF world title from 2014 to 2016 before retiring in 2022.
Now, fans are left asking: What happened to the former sports idol? Many express disappointment, insisting that ex-athletes should remain role models even after their careers end.
More Boxing Scandals Rock Thailand
This isn’t the only controversy shaking Thai boxing. Another ex-boxer, Narong—also known as Saddam Kietyongyuth—recently suffered a broken nose after a fight with motorcycle taxi drivers at a Krabi bus station.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage from both incidents to determine what really happened. No charges have been filed yet, but the cases have sparked debate about the conduct of former athletes.
Should Ex-Champions Be Held to Higher Standards?
Should retired sports stars be held to stricter standards as public figures? Or are such slip-ups simply human and forgivable? Let us know your thoughts on this troubling incident.
