Boxer Srisaket to tie knot after retaining title

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai proposes to his long-time girlfriend Patchareewan Kanha at Suvarnabhumi airport on Tuesday. (Photo by Somchai Poomlard)

Champion boxer Srisaket Sor Rungvisai shocked the world in knocking out the former titleholder during their rematch on Saturday, and surprised his girlfriend on arrival back at Suvarnabhumi airport on Tuesday.

The super-flyweight champion made probably the most momentous decision of his career on Tuesday, when he asked his long-time girlfriend, Patchareewan Kanha, to marry with him in front of his parents, his support team and parents.

"I would like to thank Kay for all her support all along," he said, using her nickname. "When I had difficulties in life, she was by my side and kept encouraging me, telling me our day would eventually come,"

Her never-give-up attitude, ingrained after living together for 14 years, came true for him when Srisaket shocked the world by beating WBC champion Roman "Chocoltito" Gonzalez narrowly on points in the United States in March this year.

He rose to true fame on Saturday when he knocked out former champion Gonzalez in the fourth round of their rematch - the first Thai boxer to succssfully defend the title in the US.

Srisaket, whose real name is Wisaksil Wangek, has been through several jobs, including security guard at a department store, in rising to the top in the ring.

And there was no resistance on Tuesday when he proposed to Miss Patchareewan at the airport.

The bell will ring again for Thailand's latest champion by the end of this year. And this time it will not signal a fight.

It is a special occasion he has longed for.