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Punching Her Way to Freedom

by jordan | April 4, 2007 at 01:06 am | 288 views | add comment

A young woman who discovered boxing whilst in prison has won the world title in her weight class. It doesn't get much more fairy-tale than this: Samson Sor Siriporn was imprisoned as a teenager, and now her victory could fast-track her parole.

A female Thai prisoner has boosted her chances of freedom by winning the world light flyweight boxing title.

Samson Sor Siriporn, a convicted drug dealer, beat Japan's Ayaka Miyano in a bout staged at the mixed Klong Prem jail, known as the "Bangkok Hilton".

Watched by dozens of prison staff, Siriporn won on points after 10 rounds in the ring, kick-starting parole proceedings for her early release.

The 24-year-old took up boxing to protect herself from violent inmates.

"I'm so happy with the way I performed today. I'm very proud. I've been in jail for a long time now, I hope this will see me released early," said Siriporn after the fight.

"When I'm free I'll carry on fighting. I want to fight all over the world."