Berkrerk Chartvanchai

Boxing transition

Berkrerk transitioned to boxing under the guidance of promoter Boonsong Kitklamsawan (head of the Srisothorn camp). He began competitive professional boxing in early 1966, and in his first twenty-seven bouts through January 1970, he won twenty-four with the remaining three as draws. Nearly all of his early bouts took place in his native Bangkok. Chartvanchai used primarily body punches and solid defense to take the title. He made Villicampo miss repeatedly and scored frequently with blows to the torso. In the eighth he opened a cut above Villacampo's eye that bothered his opponent throughout the remainder of the bout. One source noted "Villicampo...was the more aggressive but could not land telling blows." Many of Chartvanchai's best scoring punches were quick strikes to the torso after breaking out of clinches.

On July 25, 1970, in a non-title fight he lost to Filipino boxer Erbito Salavario in a non-title ten round fight in Manila. Salavario was Flyweight Champion of the Orient. Chartvantchai at 115, outweighed his opponent by two pounds.

Losing the WBA World Flyweight Title

On October 22, 1970, he lost the WBA World Flyweight Title in a thirteenth round knockout against Masao Oba in a title bout at Nichidi Auditorium in Tokyo, Japan. According to one source, the bout was postponed from its initial date when Chartvanchai took ill with a high fever. Chartvanchai was down three times in the third round before finally being called out for the full count at their bout at Nihon University. Enrique Jimenez refereed. Chartvanchai was finished off with a volley of punches to the head at 2:16 into the thirteenth round. He had trouble making the weight limit, even after doing light exercise and taking a steam bath, which may have weakened him for the bout. Oba gained a considerable lead in points throughout the match.

Retirement

After retiring he changed his real name to Berkrerk Chartvanchai. Chartvanchai studied at the Postal School, and worked as a postal employee of the Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT) until retirement in 2004. He later lived with his family at Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province.

Titles and accomplishments

Muay Thai

Lumpinee Stadium 1964 Lumpinee Stadium Flyweight (112 lbs) Champion 1966 Lumpinee Stadium Bantamweight (118 lbs) title Two successful title defenses

Boxing World Boxing Association 1970 WBA Flyweight Champion

Muay Thai record

Professional boxing record