Since September this year, around 63 of Thailand's 77 provinces have been continuously fighting against the incessant flooding that has wreaked havoc throughout the country.

Supply chains have been disrupted, buildings destroyed and infrastructure damaged while several hundred have been killed and thousands more left homeless.

Earlier this year the WSB, the global professional boxing competition owned by the International Boxing Association (AIBA), announced that there would be a new franchise for season two of the competition in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, which has since been named the Bangkok Elephants.

The Bangkok Elephants will start their WSB season tomorrow against American franchise the Los Angeles Matadors at the Music Box in Hollywood with proceeds from the event set to go towards helping the young victims.

The Bangkok Elephants were formed after Pohang Poseidons, the South Korean WSB franchise, decided to move from their native country to Thailand to help raise their global profile but, due to the floods, the reformed franchise was only officially unveiled earlier this month.

However, after working hard, the Thailand Boxing Association has helped put together a formidable Thai franchise which includes the Olympic champion Manus Boonjumnong and the Olympic silver medallist Worapoj Petchkoom.

"It has been a very difficult few months but we are now very happy to be able to resume this WSB season," said the Bangkok Elephants chief executive, Suchai Pornchaisakudom.

"Since joining the competition, we have worked tremendously hard to make this happen.

"I am sure this first match will give us all goosebumps when our thoughts turn to the thousands of victims of flooding."


C K Wu, the AIBA President and WSB chairman, also expressed his delight that the Bangkok Elephants are able to make their first WSB appearance following a difficult time in the country.

"As chairman of the WSB Board, it is an absolute pleasure to see the Bangkok Elephants ready to resume their season," said Wu.

"I take this opportunity to salute the work done by the franchise's staff and thank the Thailand Boxing Association and its President Boonlert Kaewprasit for their commitment and continued support.

"I am delighted to announce that I will be attending the franchise's first home match during the weekend of 20 to 21 January 2012 along with members of all AIBA Commissions."

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