Story By: Juan Fenandez Mayes, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
A powerful Thai boxing champion has died after he was bitten by a giant centipede while working in his garden.
Ex Muay Thai champion Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang, 52, died at the Kalasin Hospital located in the provincial capital of Kalasin in the province with the same name in Thailand on Wednesday, 7th October.
His real name was Jamnian Mulkesorn but he was mostly known by his boxing name after being crowned champion.
Hospital Director Pramuan Thaingamsilp claims the 52-year-old, who had diabetes, died of severe blood poisoning, according to local reports.
Por Pongsawang’s daughter told the local press her father had fallen ill days after he was bitten by a monster centipede on his left leg while he was reportedly cutting grass, but did not seek medical attention at the time.
The centipede is thought to have been either a Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes) which grows to be 8 inches long and can cause swelling and severe pain to humans for up to five days if bitten.
The former fighter eventually sought medical attention after he felt chills and dizziness and was taken to hospital on Sunday 4th October.
However, his condition worsened and he fell into a coma in the ICU before passing away last week after complications.
Por Pongsawang, who was nicknamed ‘Powerful Southpaw’ for his powerful left punches and kicks, started fighting when he was aged nine and won the Lumpinee belt in 115 lbs. The belt is considered as the most prestigious in Muay Thai.
Por Pongsawang did some coaching and worked as a bodyguard for some time when he retired in 1996 but was working as a municipal worker in the Kalasin province when he died.
His was set to be buried in his hometown of Roi Et’s Saelapoom district but it is unclear when.
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