The Boxer's End

A Life Among the Ruins

There was an old man named Mr. Chat who made a living collecting garbage. His right eye was so dim he couldn’t see, and his left eye was starting to blur. His clothes were old and tattered, his hair matted, and his fingernails black. Wearing worn-out flip-flops and carrying an old sack, he lived in a fragile hut right next to a pile of refuse where the garbage trucks dumped their loads. The atmosphere was filled with a foul stench, but Mr. Chat was used to it.

Every day, people came to rummage through the trash, but Mr. Chat had an advantage because he lived on-site. He woke up very early to look for recyclables. He earned just enough to buy food, though sometimes illness left him bedridden for days, his head constantly shaking.

The Rise of a Champion

Over 40 years ago, Mr. Chat’s life was very different. Originally from Korat, he grew up in a poor farming family with many siblings. At 16, he joined a boxing camp to learn Muay Thai. By 19, his promising talent brought him to a boxing ring in Bangkok. In his debut, he won by knockout in the 4th round.

He fought five more times, winning four and drawing one. When he finally earned enough money, he traveled back to his parents, only to learn a devastating truth: his mother had died over a year earlier, heartbroken and ill from grief over his sudden disappearance.

“He had longed to eat beef larb with his mother, father, and siblings, to his heart’s content. His hopes were dashed.”

He gave his earnings to his father and sisters, promising to visit again soon, and hurried back to Bangkok.

The Price of Fame

Mr. Chat’s reputation soared. Though he never became a world champion, he grew extremely famous in Thailand. Unfortunately, the fame went to his head. He had more than enough money, but he squandered it on alcohol and women, forgetting the promises he made to his father and becoming consumed by the glitz and glamour of city life.

“The more money you have, the more you can eat the best things, and the more women will come into your life, all waiting to exploit you.”

The Fall from Grace

For five years, Mr. Chat lived as a star, but soon, he started losing. His camp owner lost confidence in him, his money dwindled, and eventually, no one was interested in him anymore.

He returned home, but his brother-in-law was not pleased to see him penniless. For years, Mr. Chat worked the rice fields alongside his family. However, his past caught up with him. One day, he suffered severe headaches, seizures, and muscle spasms. The tension eventually caused his right eye to go completely blind, leaving him constantly dizzy and shaking his head. The doctor diagnosed it as a condition common among veteran boxers—brain and nervous system damage, often called being “punch drunk.”

A Heartbreaking Departure

His brother-in-law was merciless. “With your eyes like that, what will you do for a living? You should go to Bangkok. Even beggars can earn a living there,” he sneered.

Despite his father’s pleas to let him stay, the brother-in-law threatened to leave with his four children if Mr. Chat remained. Not wanting to cause trouble, Mr. Chat decided to leave. With only 20 baht to his name, he packed his suitcase. His weeping father secretly slipped him an extra 100 baht.

“Find time to visit me sometime. Good luck, son,” his father wept.

The Final Count

Mr. Chat settled at the garbage dump, hiding his identity from the world. Only an old friend named Grandpa Suk knew his true past.

One day, Grandpa Suk noticed Mr. Chat hadn’t come out to collect garbage. He checked the dilapidated hut and found his friend severely ill, suffering from terrible head and eye pain. Grandpa Suk offered him food and a sip of Thai liquor to refresh his dry throat.

Knowing his time was near, Mr. Chat opened a bag he always wore around his neck and asked his friend to count the money inside. It totaled 6,042 baht.

“We’re giving you this, sir. If we die, have them come and collect our body. This money isn’t enough for a proper funeral.”

With his final instructions given, Mr. Chat tensed up and passed away. Grandpa Suk arranged for a rescue foundation to take the body to a temple, where he and his family used the 6,000 baht to sponsor a proper cremation and funeral prayers.

A Lesson in Humility

Grandpa Suk used Mr. Chat’s tragic life to teach his orphaned grandson, whom he was raising.

“In the future, when you have a job, don’t be extravagant with money. Learn to save. Associate with good friends and choose good women. Even if you have money and gold, don’t get carried away.”

The grandson took the lesson to heart, promising to study hard, finish high school, and never follow the destructive path of the fallen boxer. Proud of his grandson, Grandpa Suk and his wife continued to offer alms to monks, dedicating the merit to his late friend, the famous former champion, every month.