CHANCHAI SOR THAMRANGSRI (Career 1980-1990)
Chanchai Sor Thamrangsi was in the 80s, one of the best technicians of his category, he had an extraordinary defensive game and a phenomenal glance!
His style of technical fighter liked so much that fans of Muay Thai had nicknamed him Phud 2 (Second Poot) in reference to the legend of the rings, Phud Lao Lek (RIP), the great technician of the 70s. “Phud 2” (Phud Tho) means the second Phud in the ring.
Chanchai whose real name is Chanchai Kongkraphan was born on October 19, 1967 in Paak Chong, a town located in the region of Nakhon Ratchassima (North-East) where the famous “Khao Yai National Park” is located, one of the largest reserves natural resources of Thailand.
Chanchai is part of a large boxing family of six children. His father was a good boxer, a formidable “Muay Khao” (Strong knees) and his three brothers were excellent boxers.
Chanchai began his formation in the small gym, the Sor Kietisak Gym in Pak Chong, a gym which was near his home. He made his first fight for Sor Kietisak Gym at the age of 11. At the age of 17, he joined the famous gym of Colonel Pontreemetee Tamrangsri, the Sor Tamrangsri Gym. The most important boxing camp in Pak Chong where the great champions Morakot, Lookdod and Prasongpet were located.
The young Chanchai made his first fight in a big stadium of Bangkok at 17 years old in the category of 100 lbs (45 Kg). This wonder boy had a technical style that impressed everyone, his High Kick leg back was a must have!
At 18, he won his first important title, the Lumpinee stadium belt in 118 lbs by beating Maewnoi Sitchang. A year later, in 1986, he won again the Lumpinee belt in 118 lbs against Panriti Luksirat.
On July 31, 1987, Chanchai met the formidable Yoknoi Fairtex for the title of Lumpinee champion in 126 lbs, Yoknoi had held the Lumpinee belt for a while but technician Chanchai beat him on points.
On April 21, 1989, Chanchai fought for the first time abroad, it is the only fight outside Thailand that he has made. Chanchai faced then-Dutch star Gilbert Ballentine for a world championship that took place in France in Paris. Gilbert Ballentine had beaten the great Ramon Dekkers several times. Chanchai had a memorable match and beat the Dutchman!
Chanchai won his last title in 1995, the TV7 stadium belt in 135 lbs. The 28-year-old took on the young rider Chalunlap Kiatprachanchai (20 year) and beat him on points. The champion Chalunlap then had a great career in France where he today opened a restaurant in Toulouse.
In 1996, Chanchai made the final of the biggest tournament of the time, the Isuzu Tournament. He met Suwitlek Sor Sakawrat who won the match on points and seized the famous trophy.
Chanchai has defeated great champions such as Orono Por Muang Ubon, Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj, Manasak Sor Ploenchit, Maewnoi Sitchang, Sanphet Lukramsi, Jomwo Choenyim (2 times), Saencheung Pinsinchai, Pepsi Piyapan, he also faced mad fights against terrible puncher Samransak Muangsurin (Chanchai’s points defeat for the defense of his Lumpinee belt in 126 lbs), the legendary Chamophet Ha Phalang, the powerful Kongnapa Watcharawit and the stars of the 90s, Jaroenthong Kietbanchong and Sakmongkol Sithchuchok!
His knowledge of the Art of Muay Thai is so great that he has often been asked to teach Muay Thai in Thai schools. Muay Thai has an important place in physical education at school, it is taught in many schools in the country.
Chanchai also shared his immense knowledge in the famous Arena Gym which is located in Indonesia.
BY SERGE TREFEU