By Boxing Bob Newman
Thirty years after their epic battle for the unified IBF/WBC light flyweight titles, old foes Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez and Saman Sorjaturong squared off again, only under friendlier circumstances.
The two were on hand for the opening ceremonies at the 63rd WBC convention in Bangkok, Thailand. They hadn’t seen each other on this morning until this reporter decided to bring them together to exchange pleasantries and snap a photo. There were only two obliging.
For his part, Gonzalez was the reigning IBF/WBC light flyweight champion when the two met at the forum in Inglewood in July of 1995. After losing in his first attempt to unify his WBC belt with the IBF strap of fellow champion Michael Carbajal, Gonzalez was able to turn the trick, snatching both belts.
Then along came the unheralded Sorjaturong, who stunned Gonzalez with a seventh round stoppage, ending the career of Gonzalez and starting what would be a 10 title defense streak for the Thai. He would give up the IBF belt under political pressure at the time. Fighting 10 more years he would lose his title to South Korean Yo Sam Choi, And end his career with four straight losses.
But old feelings were lost during this moment. Miles ands hugs exchanged. Boxing is interesting that way- one minute you can be trying to knock each other’s heads off and years later. Nothing but respect!
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