Walter Sarnoi

Walter Sarnoi (June 23, 1986) is a Thai-American professional boxer in the Jr. Featherweight/Featherweight Division.
Early life
Born in the Los Angeles suburb of Monterey Park, California, Sarnoi grew up between East Los Angeles & Monterey Park. Sarnoi came from a single-parent household as his parents separated at 7 and he did not meet his father until he was 14 years old.
After learning to fight and considered taking boxing as a sport, he discovered his father was a professional fighter who fought for the world title against the great Fighting Harada in 1963 as Thira Lodjarengabe. Sarnoi built a reputation as an individual who balanced full-time school with full-time professional boxing.
Sarnoi is a close friend of 2008 U.S. Olympian and professional boxer Shawn Estrada. Sarnoi and Estrada grew up in the same neighborhood and competed in the same tournaments. Sarnoi also is a close friend and sparring partner of IBF World Bantamweight Champions Yonnhy Pérez. Having traveled throughout his athletic career he has been able to develop close relationships with Olympic athletes such as Apolo Anton Ohno, Simon Cho, Spenser Mango, Non Boonjumnong and Wayne McCullough.
Education
Coined the “Schoolboy,” Sarnoi has been active in his academic endeavors. Sarnoi received his Associate Degree from East Los Angeles College in 2005.
Sarnoi then attended the United States Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University on an Olympic B.J. Stupak Scholarship. At Northern Michigan, Sarnoi participated in the USA Boxing Elite Boxing Program. Sarnoi received his Bachelor’s of Science in Finance from Northern Michigan University in 2007.
In 2010, Sarnoi graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a 3.5 gpa to earn a Master of Business Administration degree.
Amateur career
As an amateur, Sarnoi was ranked among the top 6 in the United States. Sarnoi competed in the National Golden Gloves, U.S. Championships, National PAL, Eastern Olympic Trials and the International Duels and World Ringside Championships. Sarnoi made his amateur debut in the 2001 National Junior Golden Gloves at 112 lbs. in Las Vegas, Nevada.
* In 2003 and 2004, Sarnoi placed third at the National Under-19 Championships.
* In 2005, Sarnoi was also the first Thai-American to win the California State Golden Gloves.
* In 2005, Sarnoi also won the Bronze medal at the 2005 National Golden Gloves and a silver medal at the 2006 National PAL.
* At the 2006 National PAL, Sarnoi defeated #1 ranked Luis Del Valle in an upset decision and reached the Finals, where Sarnoi lost to Rico Ramos.
* In 2008, Sarnoi won the California State Golden Gloves Championship and reached the quarterfinals at the 2008 National Golden Gloves, fighting at 125 lbs.
Professional career
After winning the California State Golden Gloves in 2008, Sarnoi went pro. During his professional career, Sarnoi has fought on Goosen Tutor Promotions events. Currently, Sarnoi boasts an undefeated professional career (6-0).
* In his professional debut, on July 25, 2008, Sarnoi defeated Jesse Adame by KO.
* On October 24, 2008, Sarnoi beat Jonathan De Jesus by TKO.
* Sarnoi defeated Alvaro Muro on February 27, 2009 by unanimous decision.
* On March 5, 2010, Sarnoi defeated Jerry Mondragon by unanimous decision at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California.
* On May 8, 2010, Sarnoi earned a majority decision victory against Adrian Aleman at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
* Sarnoi defeated John Lopez by unanimous decision at Omega International in Corona, California.
* Sarnoi currently holds a professional record of 10 - 3.
Social and charitable work
Sarnoi continues to be active in volunteering and speaking at events for non-profit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, local churches, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, 10-20 Club and Union Rescue Mission.
Sarnoi was a candidate in the Monterey Park City Council election for 2011, but unfortunately failed to only secured 1% of the vote.
Acting career
Sarnoi made a cameo appearance in the boxing film Beyond the Ropes (2010).

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