Born: Feb. 12, 1936
Died: March 31, 1982
Bouts: 35
Won: 28
Lost: 7
Induction: 2023
Born Mana Sridokbuab on February 12, 1936 in Hua Hin, Thailand.
He turned pro in 1954 as Pone Kingpetch and used his lanky 5-foot-6 ½ inch frame and slick jab to climb the flyweight rankings. He won the vacant Oriental flyweight title in 1957 and became Thailand's first world champion by defeating Pascual Perez (W 15) for the world flyweight title in front of 34,000 fans in Bangkok. He successfully defended the title three times, including a rematch with Perez in Los Angeles in his only US appearance. He lost the title to Fighting Harada (KO by 11) on October 10, 1962 and became the first boxer to regain the flyweight title when he defeated Harada (W 15) in the January 1963 rematch. He made history as the first three-time flyweight champion when he lost and regained the belt in two fights with Hiroyuki Ebihara. He lost the championship to Salvator Burruni (L 15) in 1965 and following two fights in 1966, announced his retirement on May 30 with a career record of 28-7 (9 KOs).
He died in Bangkok on March 31, 1982 at age 47 after a severe bout of pneumonia. Beloved in Thailand, a statue of the popular champion is on display at Pone Kingpetch Park in Hua Hin.
Pone Kingpetch
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