Srisaket Sor Rungvisai


Wisaksil Wangek, better known as Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, is a Thai professional boxer. He has held multiple super-flyweight world championships, including the WBC title twice between 2013 and 2019, and The Ring magazine and lineal titles from 2018 to 2019. As of October 2019, he is ranked as the world's second best active super-flyweight by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, BoxRec and The Ring magazine.

Early life

Sor Rungvisai came from a very poor family in Sisaket Province in Thailand, and he had to move to Bangkok to escape from poverty when he was 13 years old. When he arrived in Bangkok, he had to walk more than 60 miles to apply for a job as a refuse collector at a department store. Life was so difficult for him that he sometimes ate leftovers he collected from the refuse.

Professional career

He signed with Nakornloung Promotion, Thailand as a professional boxer in 2009. Two years later, Sor Rungvisai won the WBC-ABC super-flyweight title and went on to defend it 4 times between June 2011 and December 2012. In January 2019, he signed a multi-fight deal with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. They plan to have his fights scheduled in the US and appear on the streaming service DAZN. His previous promoter was Thainchai Pisitwuttinan of Nakornloung Promotion.

WBC super flyweight champion

In an intense fight, Sor Rungvisai became the new WBC super-flyweight champion by knocking out Yota Sato in May 2013 in his native Sisaket. From the beginning of the fight, Sor Rungvisai harassed Sato, who tried to use his jab to keep Sor Rungvisai at bay, but the latter never relented on his pressure. The end came in round eight. Sor Rungvisai unleashed a flurry of punches on the defending champion until Italian referee Guido Cavalleri halted the fight after 1:23, giving Sor Rungvisai a technical knockout victory. "What a fight! It was a war between two honorable fighters. Sato did not want to lose. Each round was toe-to-toe action until Sor Rungvisai overpowered Sato in the eighth" commented promoter Pisitwuttinan Thainchai.
Sor Rungvisai's first defense came against Hirofumi Mukai in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Mukai was overpowered from the early stages and his corner threw in the towel in the ninth round of the bout. Mukai was previously knocked down once in round two. "It was a total defeat", said the 27-year-old Mukai, who dropped to a record of 9–3–1. "I can’t remember how I fought at all."
Sor Rungvisai's first reign came to an end against Carlos Cuadras in May 2014. Referee Jay Nady stopped the fight after Cuadras was cut over his left eye due to an accidental clash of heads in round eight. According to WBC rules, Sor Rungvisai was deducted a point on all three scorecards. Cuadras won a unanimous technical decision to dethrone Sor Rungvisai.

Sor Rungvisai vs. Salgado

Following his defeat against Cuadras, Sor Rungvisai reclaimed the WBC-ABC title and made one successful defense of it before earning a shot at the WBC Silver title.
Sor Rungvisai scored a fourth-round knockout of prospect José Salgado Fernández in May 2015. A series of left hands left Salgado defenseless, with a final right hook from Sor Rungvisai producing the knockdown and prompting the referee to immediately halt the contest. The fight between Sor Rungvisai and Salgado aired live on Channel 7 in Thailand, and also streamed live on the network's website. With the victory, Sor Rungvisai claimed the WBC Silver title and became the mandatory challenger to the WBC super-flyweight champion, Carlos Cuadras. Sor Rungvisai's handlers sought to host the rematch against Cuadras in Thailand. Negotiations between Cuadras and Sor Rungvisai stalled, with Cuadras going on to lose his title against Román González in September 2016. Sor Rungvisai kept busy fighting in Thailand, scoring eight knockouts in 18 months following his win over Salgado.

Sor Rungvisai vs. González

The WBC ordered González to make his first defense against Sor Rungvisai. The fight was scheduled for the undercard of Gennady Golovkin vs. Daniel Jacobs in March 2017. On fight night, Sor Rungvisai put González down with a body shot in the first round. González came back and won several rounds, despite two cuts over his eyes. Sor Runvisai lost a point due to repeated head butting. According to CompuBox, González outlanded Sor Rungvisai 441 to 284 overall. González also had an edge in power punches, 372 to 277. Sor Rungvisai ended up winning a majority decision . After the fight, González stated "I thought I won the fight. I want an immediate rematch. I want to get my title back." González earned a career high purse $500,000 whilst Rungvisai earned $75,000.
Following his upset win over González, Sor Rungvisai was appointed a police officer in Sisaket Province, and enrolled in the Faculty of Political Science, Chalermkarnchana University.

Sor Rungvisai vs. González II

On 4 April 2017 the WBC ordered a direct rematch to take place between González and Sor Rungvisai. Sor Rungvisai was due to fight mandatory challenger Carlos Cuadras. However, due to the direct rematch clause on the contract for the original fight, the WBC ordered Cuadras to fight the next available contender, former unified flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada for the WBC interim title. The winners of both fights would then fight each other. On 6 June promoter Tom Loeffler said the rematch would take place on 9 September on HBO at a location in California, US. Japanese super-flyweight Naoya Inoue was in line to make his US TV debut on the same card. Mexican promoter Osvaldo Küchle revealed that Cuadras and Estrada would fight on the undercard for the WBC interim title. On 6 July, Loeffler announced the event would take place at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. The fight was also to be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK.
At the seven-day weigh in on 3 September, González weighed 119.8 lbs and Rungvisai weighed in at 119 lbs. As per WBC rules, both boxers were required to weigh no more than 121 lbs. At the official weigh-in one day before the fight, González tipped the scales at 114.8 lbs, while Sor Rungvisai weighed 115 lbs. González would be paid a career high $600,000 purse, while Sor Rungvisai made $170,000.
On fight night, in front of a pro-González sell-out crowd of 7,418, González suffered his second consecutive defeat and failed to regain the WBC title, after being knocked out by Sor Rungvisai in the fourth round of their rematch. The opening round started with both fighters throwing heavy shots. Sor Rungvisai began to work the body straight away. In round four, González was knocked down hard from a left to the head. González beat the referee's count of ten, but on unsteady legs. Rungvisai then finished the badly hurt González with a right to the head that put him down flat on his back. Referee Tom Taylor didn't bother with a count, waiving the fight off at 1:18 of the round. González was taken to the hospital after the fight for precaution. Like the first fight, an accidental clash of heads occurred in round one. When González complained and the crowd booed, the referee warned Rungvisai.
After the fight, Sor Rungvisai stated that he had prepared for four months in order to knock González out, "I trained very hard for four months. I fought for Thailand, and this is what I dedicate this fight to, Thailand. For the first fight I only trained for two months. I knew I was going to knock him out." González was humble in defeat, "We were both trading punches, but his were harder, and they landed harder. I was very hurt the second time when I was knocked down, but I think I'll be OK." Loeffler also spoke to HBO about González' future, "I don't think he's done. When you fight a guy like Srisaket, he took the opportunity of winning the lottery. He beat the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter and beat him in New York, and then he beat him more convincingly the second time. Now he has to be considered one of the best in the world. You saw Roman really packed the house, and Srisaket came into a hostile environment and proved he is a true champion. He has tremendous punching power." CompuBox stats showed that Rungvisai landed 80 of his 291 punches thrown and González landed 58 of 212. All 80 of Rungvisai's landed punches were power shots. After the fight, Sor Rungvisai stated that he was willing to fight anyone at super-flyweight, whether it was his new mandatory challenger Juan Francisco Estrada, who defeated Carlos Cuadras earlier that evening, or WBO champion Naoya Inoue.

Sor Rungvisai vs. Estrada

Sor Rungvisai faced Juan Francisco Estrada on 24 February 2018. For Sor Rungvisai, the bout served as his second defense in his second reign. He entered the bout on a 17-fight winning streak, featuring 15 stoppages. Estrada, a former unified flyweight champion, fought in his first super-flyweight world title fight.
Sor Rungvisai was outpointed by the Mexican challenger over twelve rounds.

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
54Win48–5–1 Amnat RuenroengUD10Aug 1, 2020 Workpoint Studio, Bang Phun, Thailand
53Loss47–5–1 Juan Francisco EstradaUD12Apr 26, 2019 The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.Lost WBC and The Ring super-flyweight titles
52Win47–4–1 Iran DiazUD12 Impact Arena, Pak Kret, ThailandRetained WBC and The Ring super-flyweight titles
ONE Super Series
51Win46–4–1 Young Gil BaeTKO1, 2:50Jul 21, 2018 Workpoint Studio, Bang Phun, Thailand
50Win45–4–1 Juan Francisco EstradaMD12Feb 24, 2018 The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.Retained WBC super flyweight title;
Won inaugural The Ring super-flyweight title
49Win44–4–1 Román GonzálezKO4, 1:18Sep 9, 2017 StubHub Center, Carson, California, U.S.Retained WBC super-flyweight title
48Win43–4–1 Román González12Mar 18, 2017 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Won WBC super-flyweight title
47Win42–4–1 Oley TaladklangladsawaiTKO4 Dec 15, 2016 Nonthaburi, Thailand
46Win41–4–1 Suriya ManeephanTKO4 Aug 31, 2016 Pathum Thani, Thailand
45Win40–4–1 Daetcharit SitlekpetTKO3 Jun 3, 2016 Pathum Thani, Thailand
44Win39–4–1 Ical TobidaTKO6, 1:29Apr 8, 2016 Pathum Thani, Thailand
43Win38–4–1 Arega YunianTKO4 Jan 22, 2016 Ratchaburi, Thailand
42Win37–4–1 Frans Damur PalueTKO3 Nov 20, 2015 Pathum Thani, Thailand
41Win36–4–1 Hendrik BarongsayKO2 Aug 18, 2015 Pathum Thani, Thailand
40Win35–4–1 Jack AmisaTKO1 Jul 17, 2015 Pathum Thani, Thailand
39Win34–4–1 José SalgadoTKO4, 1:53May 28, 2015 Nakhon Ratchasima, ThailandWon vacant WBC Silver super-flyweight title
38Win33–4–1 Madit SadaKO3 Mar 20, 2015 Bangkok, Thailand
37Win32–4–1 Ardi TefaTKO3 Jan 23, 2015 Bangkok, Thailand
36Win31–4–1 Jemmy GobelTKO2, 2:27Dec 19, 2014 Samut Prakan, Thailand
35Win30–4–1 Bobby ConcepcionKO3, 0:48Nov 28, 2014 Nonthaburi, ThailandRetained WBC–ABCO super-flyweight title
34Win29–4–1 Boido SimanjuntakTKO6 Oct 10, 2014 Ratchaburi, Thailand
33Win28–4–1 Zoren PamaTD7 Sep 19, 2014 Saraburi, ThailandWon vacant WBC–ABCO super-flyweight title;
TD after Sor Rungvisai cut from accidental head clash
32Loss27–4–1 Carlos CuadrasTD8, 0:29May 31, 2014 Sala de Armas Agustín Melgar, Mexico City, MexicoLost WBC super flyweight title;
Unanimous TD after Cuadras cut from accidental head clash
31Win27–3–1 Chatri SariphanTKO4 Apr 8, 2014 Pathum Thani, Thailand
30Win26–3–1 Den Nattapol GymKO1, 2:58Mar 7, 2014 Bangkok, Thailand
29Win25–3–1 Alexis BarateauKO2, 2:42Feb 18, 2014 Bangkok, Thailand
28Win24–3–1 Joel KwongTKO1 Jan 21, 2014 Pathum Thani, Thailand
27Win23–3–1 Hirofumi MukaiTKO9, 1:44Nov 15, 2013 Nakhon Ratchasima, ThailandRetained WBC super-flyweight title
26Win22–3–1 Petch PitigymKO2 Oct 8, 2013 Pathum Thani, Thailand
25Win21–3–1 Roque Lauro6Sep 6, 2013 Bangkok, Thailand
24Win20–3–1 Joan ImperialTKO2, 2:15Jul 19, 2013 King Ramesuan Provincal Stadium, Lop Buri, Thailand
23Win19–3–1 Yota SatoTKO8, 1:26May 3, 2013 Khonmuangsri Stadium, Sisaket, ThailandWon WBC super-flyweight title
22Win18–3–1 Den SithsaithongKO2 Mar 18, 2013 Bangkok, Thailand
21Win17–3–1 Manot ComputTKO1, 1:18Jan 28, 2013 Suphan Buri, Thailand
20Win16–3–1 Alvin BaisKO2, 2:12Dec 3, 2012 Bangkok, ThailandRetained WBC–ABCO super-flyweight title
19Win15–3–1 Boy TantoTKO4, 1:31Oct 16, 2012 Pathum Thani, Thailand
18Win14–3–1 Lionel Mark DuranTKO2, 2:57Jul 2, 2012 Minburi, ThailandRetained WBC–ABCO super-flyweight title
17Win13–3–1 Wilber AndoganTKO4, 2:51May 8, 2012 Nakhon Pathom, ThailandRetained WBC–ABCO super-flyweight title
16Win12–3–1 Dondon Jimenea4 Jan 17, 2012 Thesabarn Muang Ladluwong, Phra Pradaeng, ThailandTD after Jimenea cut from accidental head clash
15Win11–3–1 Yudi AremaKO4, 0:35Nov 4, 2011 National Stadium Gymnasium, Bangkok, ThailandRetained WBC–ABCO super-flyweight title
14Win10–3–1 Jeerasak SithtanwalekKO1 Oct 11, 2011 Pathum Thani, Thailand
13Win9–3–1 Yodpetchjing Por KobkuaKO1 Aug 19, 2011 Khonmuangsri Stadium, Sisaket, Thailand
12Win8–3–1 Erick Diaz SiregarKO5, 2:22Jun 14, 2011 Bangphonua, Pathum Thani, ThailandWon vacant WBC–ABCO super-flyweight title
11Win7–3–1 Khompetch SithsamartTKO2 Apr 12, 2011 Mai Khao Beach, Phuket, Thailand
10Win6–3–1 Monsawan Sor SingdechKO3, 1:37Mar 3, 2011 Phra Samut Chedi, Thailand
9Win5–3–1 Takeshi OkamitsuKO1 Dec 24, 2010 Rajabhat University, Sisaket, Thailand
8Win4–3–1 Johan WahyudiTKO4 Oct 8, 2010 Muang Noi, Thailand
7Win3–3–1 Ocean Sor JittigymTKO4 Jul 20, 2010 Thung Jeang Sport Stadium, Trang, Thailand
6Win2–3–1 Sorasak Lor Laitha GymTKO2 Apr 23, 2010 Phayu, Thailand
5Loss1–3–1 Kenji Oba10Feb 7, 2010 Kyuden Kinen Gymnasium, Fukuoka, Japan
4Win1–2–1 Prakaipetch AunsawanTKO3 Nov 16, 2009 Pamok School, Ang Thong, Thailand
3Draw0–2–1 Sean Patavikorngym6Aug 14, 2009 Ban Phai, Thailand
2Loss0–2 Yushin Yafuso3, 2:20Jun 21, 2009 Diamond Hall, Okinawa, Japan
1Loss0–1 Akira Yaegashi3, 2:11Mar 17, 2009 Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan