Thailand's most famous blind boxer: Sujet Salee
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Sujet Salee
Many blind people in Thailand become masseurs or work with handicrafts, but Sujet Salee always wanted to be a boxer like his late father, and decided to pursue his dream anyway.
"When I was young my father was a boxer, but none of my brothers took boxing as a career. I wanted to be a boxer like my father, but I'm blind, I didn't think I can do it. But I made up my mind," said Sujet.
Sujet, 29, who was born blind, has won five matches in a row and drew once, since he has started his boxing career in October 2008. He fights against opponents who are blindfolded during the matches.
His trainer, Sirowat Somboon says his blindness works to his advantage.
"When he touched his opponent in the ring, he attacked instantly. His sense is good, which is an advantage over blind-folded boxers," Sirowat said.
Sujet trains six days a week for several hours, the same routine as other boxers in Por Cherdchai boxing camp in Surin province, 457 kms (284 miles) northeast of Bangkok. He is one of 15 boxers training in the newly established camp.
The blind boxer earns around Bt1,500 baht ($46) every time he wins a match.
Watch an interview with Sujet on YouTube...
[Source: Reuters UK]