Just moments ago in Thailand we saw the unbeaten Atchariya Wirojanasunobol (13-0, 5) [อัจฉริยะ อำนาจมวยไทยยิม] make a successful return to the ring after more than 2 years out of action.
The unbeaten Thai returned triumphantly, taking a 10 round decision victory over Kaewfah Tor Buamas (29-7, 19) [แก้วฟ้า สวนปาล์มฟาร์มนก], aka Krai Setthaphon, in a rematch of a 2018 bout between the men.
The bout wasn't the most exciting but, on the whole, Atchariya was busier, quicker and stronger than his countryman over the course of the 10 round bout. Kaewfaw, the naturally smaller man, did give a legitimate effort, but wasn't able to quite match up with Atchariya.
Whilst the action in the ring wasn't too notable there were two interesting sub stories surrounding the bout.
One of those was the fact Kaewfah took the bout on relatively short notice, jumping in at around 3 weeks notice after 16 year old prodigy Phoobadin Yoohanngoh (9-0, 5) [แสงอาทิตย์ ลูกทรายกองดิน] was forced to pull out due to injury. Due to the change in opponent Phoobadin's WBA Asia title wasn't on the line, but the WBA Asia South title was, with Atchariya now the proud holder of that belt.
The other sub story was the redemption of Atchariya, who's break from the ring was down to legal issues. He was actually arrested at a Thai airport last year, on route to a fight in Japan, due to links to a series of drug crimes. He was released early this year, with the case completely falling apart. He was only released a few months ago, but has rededicated himself to boxing and this win is a great sign that his head back in the sport.
Sadly whilst Atchariya did score a win here it can't make up for the 2 years of his career that were lost due to what appears to have been a wrongful arrest.
