“Children’s boxing” carries the weight of burdens and fight against poverty 

“I want to box to earn money for the electricity bill at home.” That is the dream of an 11-year-old  boxer from a camp in Khon Kaen province who has to provide for his family. His mind set on succeeding, he trains hard in the hope of going professional. Though he may get injured, and the income from competitions might be minimal, it’s still better than nothing at all.

The boy in boxing shorts kicks and punches targets and bags with his peers at a boxing camp in Khon Kaen province. The young boy has been training regularly and, despite being only 11, has stepped into the ring for sparring sessions. Kampun’s life is unlike that of other children. While others his age enjoy their childhood studying and playing, he has taken on the role of breadwinner, supporting his mother and two jobless uncles. It’s for this reason that Kampun made the decision to take up boxing.

“At…