Beloved ONE Championship referee Paopom Watcharin was discovered lifeless in his dwelling on Friday, per a report from the South China Morning Publish.
The 34-year-old former police sergeant and Muay Thai fighter final officiated on June 9, working the promotion’s ONE Combat Evening 11 occasion inside Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. He was scheduled to return to the enduring venue on Friday for an occasion that started at 7:30 p.m. native time, however he by no means confirmed up. The police reportedly discovered the referee lifeless in a condominium within the Bang Kapi space at 10 p.m. No particulars have been launched concerning the reason for dying.
“Nobody would know that the struggle between Superbon and Tayfun Oscan could be the final time we’d see Paopom,” ONE stated in a press release on its Thai Instagram web page. “All through our time working collectively, Paopom was excellent. He has by no means been late for a minute, however on Friday, June 16, Paopom didn’t seem at Lumpini as standard. After attempting to contact him by telephone a number of instances, we heard the information that made the entire workforce upset.”
Paopom, whose full title was Watcharin Ratchaniphon, officiated two bouts at ONE Combat Evening 11 earlier this month, together with a contest between Thai kickboxing icon Superbon Singha Mawynn and Turkish standout Tayfun Ozcan. Superbon scored a brutal second-round head kick KO in what would transform the referee’s closing look contained in the ring.
“ONE’s administration and our workforce all mourn the passing and categorical their deepest condolences to the household and buddies of Paopom throughout this tough time,” ONE’s assertion added. “We’ll at all times keep in mind the great story of Paopom the police chief, Watcharin Ratchaniphon, ONE’s first Thai choose. In our reminiscence eternally.”
The Males and Ladies of ONE Championship Mourn The Lack of Paopom
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong delivered a prolonged and heartfelt assertion on Fb after studying of the tragic information.
“Thanks for every thing, Pom,” Sityodtong wrote in a Fb submit on Saturday. “You made historical past because the youngest and most embellished referee by the Sports activities Authority of Thailand. You made historical past as the primary Thai referee to work on the worldwide stage of ONE. You made historical past as a pioneer within the biggest period of Lumpinee Stadium.
“Above all although, you impressed all of us together with your stunning coronary heart, loyal friendship, and heat humility. We’ll eternally honour you and your work with the best integrity and utmost ardour. We’ll proceed to hold the torch and be certain that it burns brightly around the globe. We’ll miss you. Might you relaxation in peace, my fellow warrior.”
Tayfun Ozcan, one of many two males who competed throughout Paopom’s closing look as a referee, was left shocked by the information. “Unbelievable,” Ozcan advised the Publish. “He was so good to me.”
One other fighter who had labored with Paopom earlier within the night on June 9, Amber Kitchen, additionally shared her condolences. “Very devastating information about Paopom. He can be missed within the trade. I felt very secure within the ring with him,” Kitchen, 24, advised the Publish. “Condolences to his family and friends.”
Paopom’s co-worker and fellow referee Olivier Coste commented on the lack of his pal and inspired these in want to achieve out for assist.
“Pom, brother. Not you,” Coste stated. “I’m devastated, we have been so shut collectively, however I might have by no means imagined that you just have been in such misery. I’ll by no means ever overlook you, and I’ll at all times consider you when I’ll step within the ring. Love you Pom. If anyone wants to speak, please message me. I’ll at all times be right here for anybody.”
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