VIENTIANE, Laos -- While tourists settle at the outdoor eateries along the levee beside the Mekong River to catch another stirring Vientiane sunset, a handful of Laotians nearby gawk equally intently at a middle-aged Caucasian man punching a local youth.
Romero Ruiz Ponciano paces relentlessly after Thanovanh, parrying a volley of punches before delivering one of his own -- a playful slap to Tanovanh's face with the palm of a sparring gloved hand that sends the 17-year-old staggering a couple of steps backward.
"Keep your gloves up!" he growls.