Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz announced he has signed Thailand's Apinun Khongsong to a co-promotional contract, along with Jimmy Chaichotchuang of Kiat Kreerin Promotions. The 23 year-old Khongsong (16-0, 13 KOs) is the IBF mandatory challenger to WBA/ IBF junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor of Scotland. Khongsong became the IBF’s mandatory by scoring a fifth-round knockout over Akihiro Kondo this past February. 

 

Co-promoter Chaichotchuang says he and Khongsong were in attendance for Taylor’s World Boxing Super Series unanimous decision victory over Ivan Baranchyk last May and the pair say they see holes in the Scotsman’s game. “We are very confident,” said Chaichotchuang of Taylor. “We know we can beat him. My fighter is a very, very hard puncher and he will beat Josh. And when he does he will go on to become the ‘Pacquiao of Thailand.’”

 

Chaichotchuang says he’s happy to be working with his old partner Lewkowicz on the promising Thai’s career.  “I’ve known Sampson for almost 20 years and he’s a good man. I feel very good about this deal and for my fighter’s future.”

 

Lewkowicz, who says he will begin negotiations almost immediately for the Taylor vs.  Khongsong match-up, says he’s also happy to have inked this co-promotional deal. “I’ve known Jimmy for many years, and we’ve done a lot of good business together,” said Lewkowicz. “Jimmy is very loyal and honest and I’m very proud to be helping him represent the best fighter from Thailand in all of boxing. Khongsong is a very hard puncher and not many fighters will be able to take his punches, especially at 140 lbs.”