Back in April some New Mandala readers may have heard of the Thai prisoner who won a world light flyweight title from inside prison.

Today, CNN provides more details:

Thailand’s first female boxing world champion has been released from jail as a reward for winning the women’s world light-flyweight title earlier this year.

Siriporn Thaweesuk, who boxed her way to freedom, was released Wednesday on parole from the women’s prison in Pathum Thani province, 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of Bangkok, three years before the end of her seven-year sentence for selling amphetamines.

Siriporn — or Samson Sor Siriporn as she is known in the ring — defeated Japan’s Ayaka Miyano for the title in a prison yard boxing ring in April amid cheers from other inmates and prison guards.

She had previously been told by prison authorities that they would release her early if she won the title.

Thanks to North Asia specialist, Juliet Tompkins, for initially drawing my attention to this unusual story.