Boxing a dying sport? Nike doesn't think so. The American sports goods company injected a massive dose of hope into Thai boxing by signing a two-year contract with the Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand (Abat).

Pic: The Nation 

Abat's two-year deal with Nike comes barely a month after the Football Association of Thailand signed a lucrative deal with the Oregon-based company.

The deal, the value of which was not disclosed, will run from July 1, 2007 to July 31, 2009. Nike will supply the Thai national boxing squad footwear for training and competition, which the company claimed was the same model used by famous featherweight boxer Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao of the Philippines.

Thai fighters will wear Nike shoes for the first time in the World Championships in Chicago in October. Apparel and equipment will be supplied to the team from January next year until the end of the contract.

Abat president General Taweep Juntararot, who could not hide his delight, believes the deal will give a fresh impetus to Thai boxing.

"There will be positive changes. We are determined to help our fighters gain glory on the international stage. Our work in the last few years has paid dividends. Our boxers have been winning continuously.

"With Nike's support, I am sure Thai boxers will reach far higher than they have been before," said Taweep.

Veteran flyweight Somjit Jongjorhor, who has won everything except the Olympic gold medal, said the sight of an opponent wearing a well-known brand does have a psychological effect on boxers.

"I and my team-mates will vouch for it. The outfit and equipment make the rival look fearsome. High-quality products could improve our performance. I initially thought it wouldn't but it does help. It makes us more confident," said Somjit.

Somjit also narrated an incident when the sole of a Thai boxer's shoe came off during a major bout, leaving him red-faced when the part was returned by the referee. "I hope we don't suffer such embarrassment in future," he said.

Mayweather-Hatton bout

nWelterweight boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr will defend his title against Ricky Hatton on December 8 in Las Vegas. The site of the bout has not been determined, Golden Boy Promotions said on Wednesday in Los Angeles. It is a match-up of two undefeated boxers, who are a combined 81-0.

Mayweather (38-0 with 24 knockouts) will be fighting for the first time since his victory over Oscar De La Hoya in May.

Source: Kitinan Sanguansak,The Nation Newspaper, 3 August 2007