Former Thai world champion Berkrerk Chartvanchai passes, aged 77
Yesterday Thai news sources reported that former Thai world champion Berkrerk Chartvanchai (29-8-3, 6) [เบิกฤกษ์ ชาติวันชัย], had passed away at the age of 77, after suffering from heart failure and blood infection, with the fighter passing on March 7th.
The former fighter was Thailand's third ever world champion, and had previously been diagnosed with lung cancer, and had been cared for by his family for the last few years, due to his failing health.
As a boxer Berkrerk fought between 1966 and 1973, beginning his career with an impressive 28 fight unbeaten run, going 25-0-3. That run included a huge win over Bernabe Villacampo in 1970 for the WBA Flyweight title. Sadly that win over Villacampo was the start of his downfall, as he lost in a non-title bout just a few months later against Erbito Salavarria, then lost his title to Masao Oba, via 13th round KO, and lost a third straigth bout when he was stopped in 4 rounds by Kazuyoshi Kanazawa. He managed to bounce back from those losses, but never managed to really achieve much before ending his career 29-8-3, with other losses coming to Chartchai Chionoi and Soo Hwan Hong, among others.
As well as boxing Berkrerk was also a successful Muay Thai fighter, reportedly winning both of the Lumpinee and Rajadamnen stadium titles.
We'd like to send our thoughts to Berkrerk's family and friends at this time.
The former fighter was Thailand's third ever world champion, and had previously been diagnosed with lung cancer, and had been cared for by his family for the last few years, due to his failing health.
As a boxer Berkrerk fought between 1966 and 1973, beginning his career with an impressive 28 fight unbeaten run, going 25-0-3. That run included a huge win over Bernabe Villacampo in 1970 for the WBA Flyweight title. Sadly that win over Villacampo was the start of his downfall, as he lost in a non-title bout just a few months later against Erbito Salavarria, then lost his title to Masao Oba, via 13th round KO, and lost a third straigth bout when he was stopped in 4 rounds by Kazuyoshi Kanazawa. He managed to bounce back from those losses, but never managed to really achieve much before ending his career 29-8-3, with other losses coming to Chartchai Chionoi and Soo Hwan Hong, among others.
As well as boxing Berkrerk was also a successful Muay Thai fighter, reportedly winning both of the Lumpinee and Rajadamnen stadium titles.
We'd like to send our thoughts to Berkrerk's family and friends at this time.