Thao recognised as Asian Boxer of Year

Thao, nicknamed The Trigger, will be awarded Boxer of the Year for 2017 after his outstanding performance helped him win the WBC Asia Super Flyweight title last November.

“I am proud to receive the award. It gives me immense happiness that my hard work has brought glory to Vietnam,” Thao said. “I will try harder to make it to the world level and put Vietnamese boxing on the global map,” he added.

Thao is currently in Thailand for his match against Artid Bamrungauea of the hosts on the night of April 27.

This will be Thao’s 10th professional match. He has won all nine games.

The world No 91 is hoping to win to further improve his ranking.