Olympic light-welterweight champion Manus, a top celebrity in Thailand, has been ordered to steer clear of bars, gambling and women and focus on getting in shape for the Games in Doha in December.

Thaweep Chantaroj, president of the country’s Amateur Boxing Association, told Reuters Manus was Thailand’s best chance of winning gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but that his playboy lifestyle was severely denting his chances.

“If he stays here, he will have problems, so I sent him to Cuba to straighten himself out,” Thaweep said.

“Manus goes out partying too much. He got rich after the Olympics and he spent most of his money on gambling, drinking and girlfriends.”

Manus has been in the news for the wrong reasons since his Athens triumph and is reported to have squandered most of the $600,000 his gold medal earned him.

“Best shot”

The 26-year-old won the hearts of the nation when he broke down in tears after Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej called to congratulate him on his Olympic success.

Thaweep said Manas — who must shed 7 kg (15.4 lb) in the next month — was now training with some of the world’s toughest coaches and had been sent to Cuba without any money to stop him going out at night.

“He is our best boxer, but he will only be a winner if he stays with the programme,” Thaweep said.

“If he doesn’t get in shape, I won’t allow him to go to the Games because he will let down himself and his country.”

Manus left for Havana at the weekend and vowed to lose weight and dedicate himself to his training.

“I’ll give it my best shot,” he told the Thai-language Siam Sport daily.

“If I focus on my training, I’ll be able to get in shape and be a winner in Doha.”  

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