GAB bans RP pugs in Thailand

In the aftermath of Lito Sisnorio’s death in the hands of his Thai opponent, the Games and Amusements Board has declared a "no travel" policy on all Filipino professional boxers hoping to fight in Thailand.

"We are implementing a no-fight-in-Thailand policy effective immediately," said GAB chairman Eric Buhain yesterday after Sisnorio died Saturday following a fourth-round knockout to veteran Chatchai Sasakul.

Buhain said Sisnorio fought in Thailand without the knowledge of GAB, and the former champion swimmer decried this common practice by Filipino boxers, managers and promoters.

"All you need is a plane ticket and you can fight in Thailand. This has to stop. Starting today, no Filipino boxer will fight in Thailand. This is an indefinite ban," said Buhain.

While the government agency cannot hold on to the boxers’ passports, they can coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration and Deportation to contain this malpractice.

"We can have their passports stamped with some special annotation that when they try to leave the country, they will be asked the necessary travel papers. We can start with this," he said.

"Even if it’s a world title fight. These boxers cannot just leave our country to fight in Thailand. This is not the first time this has happened. But it’s the first under my watch," said Buhain, hoping that it would never happen again.

Buhain has also asked the GAB legal department to investigate the incident and, if possible, file cases against those found involved in the scam.

The GAB said Gemmil Contayoso, manager of Sisnorio, would be held liable if he is found guilty of mismanaging the career of the fallen fighter.

Buhain will also inform all international boxing bodies and request them that the promoter of the fight be held accountable.

Sisnorio, 24, a former World Boxing Council youth champion, reportedly collapsed on his way for dinner, just hours after taking the brutal loss against the 37-year-old Sasakul last Friday.

Sisnorio was brought to the Piyamin Hospital in Bangkok and underwent an emergency brain operation after he failed to regain consciousness. He was declared dead the following day.

Arrangements are being made for Sisnorio’s remains to be brought to Manila, courtesy of the Thai promoters.

Sasakul is a seasoned boxer. A former WBC flyweight champion, he has a ring record of 59 wins with 39 knockouts and only three defeats. In paper alone, he appeared too strong for Sisnorio (10-4-1 with 3 KOs).

In Dec. 4, 1998, Sasakul faced Manny Pacquiao, giving the then 19-year-old superstar a tough time before being knocked out in the eighth round. He has beaten probably a dozen Filipinos since then.