JOMTHONG CHUWATTANA “BANG FAI MARUTIYU” (THE ROCKET OF DEATH) (CAREER 2000-2020)
JOMTHONG CHUWATTANA
“BANG FAI MARUTIYU” (THE ROCKET OF DEATH)
By Serge TREFEU
Thanakorn Phawachat, known as the fighter “Jomthong,” was born on July 28, 1989, in the small town of Mahachai, located in Yasothon province, in northeastern Thailand.
Coming from a humble family of rice farmers, he grew up in a very poor region but one renowned for being a breeding ground for Muay Thai champions.
Affectionately nicknamed “Jom” by his parents, Thanakorn is the youngest of three brothers. Their father, a boxing enthusiast, saw Muay Thai as a hope for success for his family and introduced his sons to the ancient art of eight limbs at a very young age.
Each child received a symbolic fighter name: the eldest became Jemthong, and the youngest inherited the name “Jomthong.”
While Jemthong would also have a successful career in the provincial boxing rings, it was Jomthong who would become the true gem of the family.
At the age of 8, Jomthong and his brothers truly began their Muay Thai training at the Lukpetchnoi camp, located in Yasothon province. This camp belonged to Ajahn Petchnoi Sitsaphan, a respected trainer in the region.
Under the guidance of his master, young Thanakorn adopted the fighter name “Jomthong Lukpetchnoi” and quickly forged a solid reputation.
During this period, he competed in 50 fights in the provinces of Yasothon and Buriram, winning 40 victories and conceding only 2 draws, an impressive start to his career for a boy who was still a teenager.
At the age of 14, his talent caught the attention of one of the most influential men in Muay Thai in the region, Mr. Narongsak Maharaksuwan, nicknamed “Sia O Buriram,” the owner of the famous Sit O Gym.
Convinced of the young fighter’s potential, Sia O asked Ajahn Petchnoi for permission to take him under his wing in order to continue his training at his camp in Buriram.
Jomthong then joined Sit O Gym, a true breeding ground for champions that had produced big names such as Saksri Sit O, Chanarit Sit O, Namphet Sit O, and Fahsuchon Sit O.
It was there, in the heart of this elite camp, that the young prodigy refined his style, developed his power and precision, and changed his fighting name to “Jomthong Pomkwannarong,” a name that would soon resonate in the biggest stadiums of Bangkok.
Thanks to the influential connections of Sia O Buriram, Jomthong quickly got the opportunity to perform in the stadiums of Bangkok.
He made his debut at Lumpinee Stadium, where he won his first fight on points against Fasathan Kor Saphaothong. Before this impressive victory, he had already distinguished himself by defeating several renowned opponents such as Narongchai Kaewsamrit, Nilamangkorn Asawayothin, Patiwat Sor Santicha, and Chalarmkhao Rachanon.
At only 15 years old, Jomthong impressed the entire Muay Thai community with his maturity and composure in the ring. He racked up a remarkable series of victories at the famous Rajadamnern Stadium, triumphing over seasoned fighters such as Thewarit Muangsurin, Petcheak Sor Tarntawan, Burkrit Pinsinchai, and Saengathit Sasiprapa Gym, whom he defeated twice.
On September 30, 2004, the young prodigy from Yasothon was given a magnificent opportunity: to compete for the Radja Stadium title in the 118 lbs (53 kg) category against Deatsak Sor Thumpet.
In a tough fight, Jomthong dictated the pace and showcased his technique, winning by points.
Thus, at only 15 years old, Jomthong Pomkwannarong became the Radja champion, an exceptional achievement that propelled him among the most promising prospects in Thai Muay Thai.
Jomthong Pomkwannarong, a southpaw boxer with a stealthy and precise striking style, quickly established himself as one of the most talented technicians of his generation.
His refined style is the result of meticulous training under the guidance of the legendary Sia O Buriram. Alongside figures such as Namphet Sit O (TV7 Champion), Nonthachai Sit O (Lumpinee Champion at 122 lbs, Thailand Champion at 130 lbs, Radja Champion at 160 lbs) and Fahsuchon Sit O (Thailand Champion at 112, 115 and 118 lbs, Lumpinee Champion at 118 lbs, Best Boxer of the Year 2000), Jomthong learned to combine power, precision, and technical rigor.
Gamblers and Muay Thai fans quickly gave him a nickname, calling him “Bang Fai Marutiyu” (the rocket of death), in reference to Yasothon, his home province, known throughout the country for its annual rocket festival where immense handcrafted rockets are launched into the sky as an offering to the rain gods.
During the three years that followed his coronation at the Radja Stadium, Jomthong maintained an exceptional level of performance. He defeated numerous established champions and rising stars of the circuit, including his three fights against Ronachai Naratrikul (Lumpinee Champion), of which he won two; his four legendary technical duels against the phenomenal Lerdsila Chumpaetour (Radja Champion in three weight classes), whom he dominated three times with one draw; his two clear victories against Sarawut Lukbanyai (Thai and Radja Champion); his two triumphs over Singtongnoi Por Telakun (Thai and Lumpinee Champion); and a decisive victory over the formidable Watcharachai Kaewsamrit (Radja, Thai, and WMC World Champion).
Thanks to this impressive series of victories, Jomthong confirmed his status as a rising star of Muay Thai.
After brilliantly conquering the rings of the Radja Stadium, Jomthong made a strategic decision that would propel his career to new heights. He left the Sit O Gym in Buriram to move to the capital, joining the prestigious Chuwattana Gym, one of the most renowned camps in Bangkok.
Headed by the legendary Radja promoter, Mr. Chucharoen Raveeramwong, nicknamed “Ang Mo,” the Chuwattana Gym was then a champion factory with Lamsongkram Chuwattana (Radja Champion and WMC & WBC World Champion), Noppadet Chuwattana (Radja Champion and WBC World Champion), Kayasit Chuwattana (Radja Champion), Dechapanom Chuwattana (Radja Champion) and Wethiya Chuwattana (WBC World Boxing Champion).
Upon joining this camp, Jomthong adopted the name “Jomthong Chuwattana”.
On September 4, 2006, at Ratchadamnoen Stadium, facing his former rival, Ronachai Naratrikul, Jomthong delivered a true display of technical skill and power.
After a tough fight, he won on points and claimed the WMC world championship belt in the 126 lbs (57 kg) category.
At only 18 years old, Jomthong Chuwattana thus became a world champion, confirming his status as a rising star of Thai Muay Thai!
Two months after winning the WMC world title on November 16, 2006, Jomthong was thrust into the spotlight at Ratchadamnoen Stadium for what the Thai press immediately dubbed “the fight of the year.”
Facing him was a formidable opponent, Anuwat Kaewsamrit, the “executioner of the rings.”
At 25 years old, Anuwat was at the peak of his career. A true terror in the stadiums, he had already amassed an impressive record, having won the Rajadamnern Stadium title in the 105 lbs (1998), 108 lbs (1999), 112 lbs (2000), and 126 lbs (2003) weight classes, the Lumpinee Stadium title in the 126 lbs (2005) weight class, and the Omnoi Stadium title in the 126 lbs (2004) weight class.
Nicknamed “The Iron Hands of Siam,” Anuwat is considered the most formidable puncher of his generation, capable of knocking out any opponent with a single blow.
His explosiveness and ferocity earned him the “Boxer of the Year” award four times, a very rare achievement: in 2003 and 2004 by the Sports Writers Association of Thailand, and in 2004 and 2005 by the Sports Authority of Thailand.
Facing such a legend, the young Jomthong Chuwattana, barely 18 years old, appears to be a complete underdog. But the prodigy from Yasothon is fearless.
The fight is scheduled for the vacant Rajadamnern Stadium title in the 126 lbs (57 kg) weight class.
Jomthong impressed with his tactical discipline, surgical precision, and relentless defense against Anuwat’s powerful blows.
After five rounds, the unthinkable happened: Anuwat lost on points.
Jomthong Chuwattana became the Radja champion in the 126 lbs division!
A month later, on December 21, 2006, the two champions met again in the same stadium for a rematch eagerly awaited by all Muay Thai fans.
The fight was a true war. The exchanges were incredibly intense. Neither fighter gave an inch.
At the end of five epic rounds, the verdict was announced: a draw.
This monumental battle was named “Best Fight of the Year 2006” at the Radja Stadium!
The year 2006 remains an exceptional season for Jomthong Chuwattana. His resounding victories against the biggest names of the time earned him the prestigious “Boxer of the Year” award, presented by the Sports Writers Association of Thailand. A supreme achievement for a fighter who was still only eighteen years old.
In 2007, Jomthong continued to assert his dominance in the ring. He defeated several established champions such as Nongbee Kiatyongyut (Lumpinee Champion in the 105 and 118 lbs divisions), Jaroenchai Kesagym (Rajadamnern Champion, Omnoi Champion, and Thai Champion), as well as his old rivals Ronnachai Naratrikul and Lerdsila Chumpairtour.
Only two defeats punctuate his season, both against living legends of Muay Thai: against Singdam Kiatmuu9 (Voted “Best Boxer of the Year” in 2002 and 2003), and the incomparable Saenchai Sor Kingstar, an absolute icon of Muay Thai (Voted “Best Boxer of the Year” in 1999 and 2008).
On July 31, 2008, Jomthong faced his formidable opponent Anuwat Kaewsamrit again at the Rajadamnern Stadium. At stake was the WBC Muay Thai world championship title in the 126 lbs division, held by Anuwat.
In an incredibly violent fight, Jomthong once again demonstrated his tactical superiority and won on points, dethroning the fearsome puncher and adding another world title belt to his record.
Following this victory, he went on to achieve an impressive series of wins against several rising stars such as Saketdao Petpayathai (Lumpinee champion in 126 lbs and 135 lbs, Rajadamnern champion in 126 lbs, TV7 champion in 102 lbs), Kaew Fairtex (Lumpinee champion in 126 lbs and 135 lbs), Phetasawin Seatranferry (Thai champion), and Fahmai Skindewgym (TV7 champion).
Then, on October 1, 2009, he won the Rajadamnern Stadium title in the 126 lbs weight class, defeating the star Sittisak Petpayathai (Lumpinee Champion at 135 lbs, TV7 Champion at 108, 122, 130 and 135 lbs).
On November 28, 2009, Jomthong Chuwattana had his first fight in Europe, in France, where he successfully defended his WBC Muay Thai world title by defeating champion Albert Veera Chey.
On October 7, 2010, at Rajadamnern Stadium, Jomthong won another Rajadamnern belt, this time in the 130 lbs (59 kg) category, by defeating Kongnakornban Sor Kitrungrot.
He then brilliantly defended his title against Tukkatathong Phetpayathai (TV7 Champion).
Next, he defeated the legendary Nong-O Sit Or twice, one of the greatest boxers of his generation, who was a Lumpinee, Radja, and Thailand champion, and was voted “Best Boxer of the Year” in 2005 and 2010.
In 2011, Jomthong won another world title, knocking out the Japanese fighter Hiromasa Masuda for the WBC world title in the 135 lbs (61 kg) category.
Still very active, he then won several prestigious tournaments in the 67 kg category, including the MAX Muay Thai in 2014 and the WLF Tournament in China in 2015.
Between 2017 and 2018, Jomthong competed in numerous fights abroad, particularly in China and Europe. Although he was fighting outside his preferred weight class (57 kg), he continued to face some of the world’s best fighters with varying degrees of success.
On January 5, 2020, at the age of 31, he nevertheless proved that he remained a formidable champion by winning the Rajadamnern Stadium title in the 147 lbs (67 kg) division, defeating the young Petchnarin Kluarae by knockout.
Alongside his Muay Thai career, Jomthong also distinguished himself in professional boxing between 2010 and 2015, with an impressive record of 8 wins in 9 fights.
He won the WBC Asian Boxing and OPBF titles before challenging the formidable Japanese fighter Takashi Uchiyama for the WBA world title in the 130 lbs division, a fight he lost by knockout after a valiant effort.
Towards the end of his career, Jomthong turned to kickboxing, a style less suited to his technical Muay Thai style. He fought primarily in Japan and China, in the 70 kg category, until 2025.
While he suffered several tough defeats during this period, his courage and long career command respect.
With nearly 300 fights to his name, Jomthong Chuwattana remains one of the greatest Thai champions of the 2000s and 2010s, leaving an indelible mark on that era!