“No one would know that the fight between Superbon and Tayfun Oscan would be the last time we would see Paopom,” ONE said in a statement on its Thai Instagram page.
“Throughout our time working together, Paopom was perfect. He has never been late for a minute, but on Friday, June 16, Paopom did not appear at Lumpini as usual. After trying to contact him by phone several times, we heard the news that made the whole team upset.”
According to reports in Thai media, police found the referee dead around 10pm in a condominium in the Bang Kapi area.
A former police sergeant and Muay Thai fighter, Watcharin Ratchaniphon – known in the combat world as “Paopom” – was the only Thai referee in ONE Championship.
“ONE’s management and our team all mourn the passing and express their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paopom during this difficult time,” ONE’s statement added. “We will always remember the good story of Paopom the police chief, Watcharin Ratchaniphon, ONE’s first Thai judge. In our memory forever.”
“Thank you for everything, Pom,” ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday.
“You made history as the youngest and most decorated referee by the Sports Authority of Thailand. You made history as the first Thai referee to work on the global stage of ONE. You made history as a pioneer in the greatest era of Lumpinee Stadium.
“Above all though, you inspired all of us with your beautiful heart, loyal friendship, and warm humility.
“We will forever honour you and your work with the highest integrity and utmost passion. We will continue to carry the torch and ensure that it burns brightly around the world. We will miss you. May you rest in peace, my fellow warrior.”
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In what proved to be his final match refereeing in ONE, Paopom tried his best to protect Ozcan after the Dutch-Turkish kickboxer was knocked out cold by Superbon, diving to the ground to catch his head before it hit the canvas.
“Unbelievable,” Ozcan told the Post after hearing the news. “He was so nice to me.”
He also refereed Martine Michieletto’s decision victory over Amber Kitchen in their catchweight Muay Thai fight on June 10.
“Very devastating news about Paopom, he will be missed in the industry. I felt very safe in the ring with him,” Britain’s Kitchen, 24, told the Post. “Condolences to his friends and family.”
Other ONE fighters and officials also paid tribute to Paopom on social media.
“My condolences to the family,” former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai champ Nong-O Hama said. “Nice knowing you for a while. May there only be peace in the new world. Rest in peace.”
Ric Auty, ONE’s senior director of competition, posted a black and white picture of ONE’s officiating team together in the ring after the recent Fight Night 11 card.
“Life is short and precious,” he said. “Be kind. Be open. Be there for people. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.”
“Pom, brother. Not you,” Watcharin’s fellow ONE referee Olivier Coste said.
“I am devastated , we were so close together but I would have never imagined that you were in such distress. I will never ever forget you and I will always think of you when I will step in the ring. Love you Pom. If anybody needs to talk, please message me. I will always be here for anyone.”
Mohamad Sulaiman, another fellow ONE referee, turned his profile picture black, and posted a black and white picture of the two together with other ONE officials backstage.
“We lost a family member. Treat everyone with kindness and love,” ONE matchmaker Charlie Pearson said.
“He will be missed,” said Asa Ten Pow, whose Muay Thai victory over Han Zi Hao at ONE Fight Night 9 in April was officiated by Paopom.
“Rest in peace,” said Fabio Reis.
Paopom officiated the Portuguese’s knockout wins over Sangmanee PK Saenchai at ONE Friday Fights 15 in May, and Ferrari Fairtex in February.
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