Thailand’s boxing team is targeting nine gold medals in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games next month.

The hosts are sending a total of 17 fighters for the 9 to 20 December sportsfest in Bangkok with the Thailand Boxing Association (TBA) expressing optimism that its bets can punch their way to as much as nine top finishes.

“All 17 of our SEA Games boxers are fully prepared. We expect to claim no fewer than nine titles — the same number we won in the previous edition in Cambodia,” TBA vice-president/secretary-general and Police Lt. General Chaiwat Chotima said during a recent briefing.

“Our main rivals are the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam, whose athletes are technically and physically strong.”

“One thing that should work wonders for the home fighters is the all-out support of the crowd. That said, we believe the home’s support will inspire our fighters to succeed,” he added.

Out to rain on Thailand’s parade is the Philippines which is fielding professionals in Eumir Marcial and Weljon Mindoro.

National team coach Ronald Chavez, who is already in Thailand with the boxers, is on the same radar with the host Thais.

“Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam,” Chavez told DAILY TRIBUNE when asked about the countries threatening the Filipinos’ bid to mess up Thailand’s plans of domination.

Last time in Phnom Penh, the Filipino finished second behind the Thais with a collection of 4-5-1 (gold-silver-bronze).

Marcial is no stranger to SEA Games action, the Asian Games and the Olympics, where he won bronze in Tokyo.

Chavez expressed a bit of concern over Mindoro at first because the unbeaten fighter suffered from cramps during his first day with the team in Thailand.

“All he has to do is work on his legs because Olympic-style boxing is different and you got to be moving all the time,” said Chavez, a veteran of the 1992, Barcelona Olympics.