"By Martin Petty
PATHUM THANI, Thailand (Reuters) - When convicted Thai drugs dealer Samson Sor Siriporn enters the ring at the notorious “Bangkok Hilton” prison next month, her freedom as well as a world title will be on the line.
Jailed seven years ago for selling “ya ba” (crazy drug) methamphetamine pills, the 24-year-old prison pugilist could be released on parole three years early as a reward for winning the WBC light-flyweight title.
Siriporn, who will face Japan’s Ayaka Miyano, says she took up boxing two years ago to forget her criminal past. She dreams of winning her freedom and opening a small shop in her home province of Lop Buri.
“I regret what I did and the pain I caused for my family, and I want to have a normal life again,” she told Reuters, her face dripping with sweat after a fierce sparring session at the Women’s Correctional Institute in Patham Thani, north of Bangkok.
“When I heard I may have a chance at freedom it made me even more determined to win this fight.”
Siriporn’s boxing prowess has earned her special treatment behind bars. While other inmates stitch garments and sacks in the sweltering heat, Siriporn spars with her coach or lifts weights in the prison courtyard.
Her diet is high in protein, carbohydrates and essential nutrients, and she sleeps in a spacious room with a handful of other privileged inmates.
A FIGHTING CHANCE
But there is little jealousy from other prisoners.
Siriporn’s sparring sessions provide rare entertainment in a place where there are no televisions and music is rarely heard.
Dressed in washed-out orange fatigues, fellow inmates line up behind rusty wire fences and cheer excitedly with every punch.
“It’s not so tough here because everyone is supporting me,” says Siriporn, who admits her ability to fight has changed the way people see her.
“I knew it was important for me to know how to defend myself here,” she says. “I had some trouble with other inmates before, but not since I took up boxing.”
Regional corrections department chief Preeda Nilsiri says Siriporn is a model prisoner and has taken the unusual step of offering to reward an inmate for fighting.
“If she becomes champion, the World Boxing Council will want her to fight overseas,” Preeda told Reuters on Tuesday.
“If that happens, we will look at a conditional release from prison and she can go home.”
WBC Vice President Kovit Bhakdibhumi says his organization is fully behind Siriporn’s bid for freedom.
“We want to show people can make good of their lives, no matter what they did in the past,” he said.
“She is a good fighter, she’s trained hard for this, and she deserves a chance.”
