Thai prisoner Siriporn Taweesook warms up during a training session at the Women's Correctional Institution.
Twenty-four year-old Thai prisoner Samson Sor Siriporn was granted an early release after winning the world light-flyweight boxing title.
A convicted drug dealer, Siriporn beat Japan's Ayaka Miyano in a bout staged at the mixed Klong Prem jail.
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."
Prison Match
Thai prisoner Siriporn Taweesook trains with a sparing partner at the Women's Correctional Institution in Patham Thani, north of Bangkok, March 13. Siriporn, alias Samson Sor Siriporn, fought AyakaMiyano of Japan for the WBC female light-flyweight title on April 3. Jailed seven years ago for selling 'ya ba' (crazy drug) methamphetamine pills, the 24-year-old prison pugilist could be released on parole three years early as a reward for winning the WBC title. - REUTERS photo
The match took place in a makeshift ring in the grounds of the Klong Prem prison, in front of a crowd of about 700 people, including a few inmates.
Siriporn is serving a 10-year sentence for selling drugs. She dominated the fight, taking the World Boxing Council title.
A Thai corrections department official said the parole process would start immediately.
"I think it's very likely she will be released as a result of this victory, maybe in a couple of months. We gave her a chance to show us her talent, and she has done that," said Natti Jitsawang.
"She is a changed woman, and now she has the chance to be free and fight around the world."
Organisers believe the win makes Siriporn the first inmate to clinch a world title in prison.
Info from BBC website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6523249.stm
