Toto Pongsawang

Toto had a reputation for being a Muay Thai in Isan region under the name "Toto Kangwalprai" (โตโต้ กังวาลไพร). Later, his manager Songphol "Ja Tu" Pongsawang led him to a regular at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok under a promoter Songchai Rattanasuban. He was better known for defeating the hot-tempered fighter Pongsiri "Rambo" Por Ruamrudee in the second round with elbow strikes and knocked outPairojnoi "Bloody Steel" Sor Siamchai in the final round even before that, when he was almost defeated. That is why he was nicknamed "Lord of Miracle" by Muay Thai fans.^[1]

Later, Songphol had him change to a professional career. It's intended that to fight just three times and then become a world champion like a legendary Saensak Muangsurin. He made a total of five wins. On September 19, 1993, he faced Ricardo "El Finito" López a WBC Strawweight champion holder at Capitol City Discothèque, Ratchadaphisek Road, Bangkok. As a result, he was defeated by TKO (referee stoppage) in the 11th round with a very injured face although he can punched López's mouthguard bounce off. ^[2]

Between 1993 and 1995, he continued to fight five more times, losing only once in the Philippines.^[3] In 1996, he lost again and his final fight was in 1997, where he was defeated.^[4]

After Ratanapol Sor Vorapin lost IBF Mini flyweight title to Zolani Petelo in late 1997, Songphol announced that Toto would challenge Petelo but then it didn't happen, until Songphol quit being a promoter. He returned to Muay Thai again although won two times fight of the year, one of them was a fight with Rambaa Somdet,^[5] but unsuccessfully like old so finally retired.^[6]

After retirement, Toto works a lot because he hasn't much money as labourer, auto mechanic, furniture maker, or assistant restaurant manager. Today, his right eye is completely blind believed to be the result of a fight with López in 1993.^[7]