NUNGPICHIT SITYODTHONG « THE STORM KICK »
NUNGPICHIT SITYODTHONG
« THE STORM KICK »
By Serge Tréfeu
Nungpichit Sityodthong, born Naraphan Tiannok on April 13, 1975, was born in the village of Ban Phaeo, in the heart of Samut Sakhon province (30 km from Bangkok). Affectionately nicknamed “Nung” (Number One), he would become a pillar of the circuit of the illustrious promoter Songchai Ratanasuban.
At his peak in the 1990s, Nungpichit established himself as an iconic figure in boxing, facing off against the greatest champions of his era.
Before achieving glory in the ring, young Naraphan honed his endurance in the family shop, helping his parents make the artisanal noodles that had made the Tiannok family famous in Ban Phaeo.
Driven by a burning passion for Muay Thai, Naraphan’s father recognized his son’s natural aptitude for the martial art at a very young age. From the age of 11, he took on the role of his son’s first mentor, shaping him on the punching bag during two months of intensive training. It was under the name “Nung Sor Samut,” named after the modest camp his father had founded near their home, that he made his ring debut at a provincial gala. This baptism of fire resulted in a points defeat for a symbolic purse of 200 baht.
Ironically, his opponent, Phleng Phayakaroon, was a protégé of the legendary Master Yodthong, the illustrious founder of the Sityodtong Gym in Pattaya. The gym where Nung would later spend his entire career.
Far from being discouraged by this first defeat, Nung, representing Sor Samut, competed extensively in the rings of the Central and Western provinces, honing his technique with each bout until he reached an exceptional level.
Seeing such rapid progress, his father, in awe of the renowned Kru Tui (Master Yodthong Senanan), decided to entrust his son’s destiny to him. Thus, Naraphan became Nungpichit Sityodthong. Although he joined the elite in Pattaya, he never forgot his roots, occasionally returning to train at Sor Samut, his father’s camp.
Under Master Yodthong’s tutelage, he honed his legendary kicks, learning the art of disrupting his opponents’ rhythm to better dominate them.
His name change was also the work of Master Yodthong. Believing the nickname “Nung” lacked grandeur, he suggested adding “Pichit,” meaning victory. This combination gave the name Nungpichit the meaning of “Collective Victory,” illustrating the harmony and unity necessary for success. This name would accompany the champion until his final fights.
At that time, joining the Sityodtong Gym was like entering the elite. Master Yodthong ran a veritable “champion factory” there, having already elevated Samart and Kongtoranee Payakaroon to iconic status, as well as the great champions Daotong, Wangkeaw, Sornsil, and Supernoi.
Nungpichit flourished by training daily with the future stars of the country, such as Chatchai, Petdam, Dejpitak, Yodsaenchai, Yoddecha, Yodsanan, and many others, all of whom were trained by Master Yodthong.
Master Yodthong’s legacy remains unsurpassed, with some fifty major titles to his name; he left an indelible mark on the history of Muay Thai.
His camp symbolized an era of unprecedented technical dominance and prestige in Thailand. With his technique now honed to perfection, Nungpichit was ready to take on the capital. His mentor then offered him the opportunity to shine at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium against Prathapthong Kiatirat, under the prestigious banner of promoter Songchai Ratanasuban.
This first triumph was the starting point of his national fame. From then on, the name of Nungpichit began to circulate among Muay Thai fans.
On July 1, 1994, Nungpichit faced the formidable Netnarin Fairtex again for the “decisive” match of their trilogy. Despite a victory in their previous rematch, Nungpichit had to concede defeat to Netnarin’s experience, who had taken down some of the biggest names on the circuit, such as Hippy Singmanee, Saenkeng Sor Weerakul, and Dokmaifai Tor Sitthichai.
But it was on December 2, 1994 that Nungpichit scored his greatest masterpiece at Lumpinee Stadium.
Facing the powerful puncher Silachai Wor Preecha (Somjit Jongjohor), who would later win an Olympic gold medal in boxing in 2008 and be crowned amateur world champion in 2003, he was not considered the favorite. Silachai, a veritable war machine, overwhelmed Nungpichit with the surgical precision of his punches. Nungpichit then deployed all his legwork skills to contain the onslaught.
In the fourth round, the incredible happened: a series of high kicks, delivered with pinpoint accuracy, struck Silachai’s Adam’s apple. Gasping for air, unable to catch his breath, the puncher collapsed, felled by Nungpichit’s technical genius!
This stunning victory over Silachai brought Nungpichit fame. Muay Thai fans nicknamed him “Jomtip Salatan” (The Storm Kick). Admiring the surgical precision of his leg attacks, they also dubbed him “Jomtip Saiyokman” (The Demon-Killer Kick).
Three weeks after his memorable triumph against Silachai, Nungpichit returned to the Lumpinee arena on Friday, December 23, 1994. Facing him was another formidable opponent, Rattanachai Wor Walaphol (Lumpinee champion, winner of the Mitsubishi tournament). It was a tough match for Nungpichit. Battered and on the verge of collapse, he nearly suffered a knockout under the relentless onslaught of his opponent. After an intense battle, he ultimately lost on points.
1995 will undoubtedly remain the most successful year for “The Storm Kick.”
On Friday, February 3rd, Nungpichit delivered a stellar performance at Lumpinee Stadium against Saenkeng Sor Weerakul (Lumpinee Champion at 108 lbs).
After a hesitant start, he regained control, unleashing his powerful kicks with phenomenal speed and cornering Saenkeng until the final decision in his favor. This resounding victory naturally called for a rematch.
A few weeks later, in the same arena, the two men met again for a second, equally exciting act, at the end of which Saenkeng managed to take his revenge on points after a great confrontation…
On Friday, March 24, 1995, Nungpichit met for the third time the one nicknamed “Thep Djao Dam Haeng Pranburi” (The Black God of Pranburi), the formidable Nungsiam Fairtex (Lumpinee Champion in 102 lbs, winner of the Mitsubishi tournament).
Nungpichit confirmed his psychological and technical superiority. For the third consecutive time, he won brilliantly, definitively establishing his dominance over his rival.
But the harsh reality of Muay Thai cast a shadow over this impressive performance. Shortly afterward, facing the lightning-fast puncher Chainoi Muangsurin (Lumpinee champion at 112 lbs), Nungpichit was caught in the second round…
Hurt in his pride by his KO against Chainoi, Nungpichit returned to the ring with determination. He secured three consecutive victories against champions of the caliber of Pairojnoi Sor Siamchai (Lumpinee Champion at 105 lbs), Khwanna Thor Boonlert (Radja Champion at 112 lbs) and Phetseenil Sor Ubonrat.
On Tuesday, September 12th, at Lumpinee Stadium, his fight against Chaichana Dechtawee (Tangthong Kiattavisuk) remains etched in memory as one of his most grueling duels. Troubled by Chaichana’s powerful punches, Nungpichit managed to withstand the onslaught thanks to exceptional technique, narrowly winning on points. He left the ring with a bloodied head, the result of an elbow strike in the final round, requiring ten stitches.
Chaichana was a very great champion who won the Lumpinee belt and the TV7 stadium belt in Muay Thai, and later he became a formidable fighter in professional boxing by winning the IBF Pan Pacific bantamweight title, a title he defended 11 times and WBC International bantamweight champion.
These string of successes earned Nungpichit the honor of challenging for the prestigious Lumpinee Championship title.
On October 13, 1995, Nungpichit faced Nungsiam Fairtex for a fourth bout, this time for the Lumpinee 112 lb (51 kg) belt.
Nungpichit displayed his superior technical and tactical skills. After immobilizing his opponent with a barrage of knee strikes, he sealed the match with a precise elbow to the forehead, severely injuring Nungsiam. This victory earned him the Lumpinee Championship title!
After winning the title, Nungpichit confirmed his new status by dominating Sod Luknongyangtoy. He capped off this successful year with a fine victory on December 26 against the tough Saenchai Jirakriangrai.
Jomtip Salatan began 1996 with undiminished determination. He successfully defended his Lumpinee title in four successful attempts.
On February 10, 1996, Nungpichit started the year well with a successful defense of his Lumpinee title against Sakpaitoon Decharat.
However, on March 29, the 20-year-old Nungpichit faced the young prodigy Kaolan Kaowichit, who was only 17. Despite Nungpichit’s experience, Kaolan’s reach and physical presence turned the tide of the fight. After five thrilling rounds, Kaolan was declared the winner by decision.
Just two months later, Kaolan Kaowichit captured the Lumpinee belt at 115 lbs by defeating the legendary Thongchai Thor Silachai. Kaolan would go on to become a true star of the ring, winning the Lumpinee titles at 135 lbs and then 147 lbs, before receiving the ultimate accolade of “Best Boxer of the Year 1998” from the prestigious Sports Writers Association of Thailand.
Two months after his fight against Kaolan, Nungpichit faced the ferocious Jaranthong Ruamjai Phuean. Put in serious trouble by Jaranthong’s clinch work, who clearly dominated the early rounds with his knees, Nungpichit made a beneficial tactical adjustment.
From the third round onward, he regained the upper hand, alternating powerful right hooks to the solar plexus with surgically precise left roundhouse kicks. By abruptly increasing the pace, “Jomtip Salatan” once again demonstrated his technical superiority, overcoming his deficit to win on points.
On Tuesday, August 13, Nungpichit confirmed his dominance in the 112 lbs division by defending his title for the second time.
Facing Saenkom Sakphanu, the champion delivered a flawless performance, winning by unanimous decision.
Buoyed by this success, he faced his old rival, Jaranthong Ruamjai Phuean, on September 24th for a third title defense. Nungpichit displayed dazzling technical virtuosity. After catching his opponent with a magnificent kick to the face, he followed up with a series of lightning-fast knees and straight punches. This resounding victory allowed him to retain his Lumpinee belt.
To cap off the year in spectacular fashion, Nungpichit took on the most ambitious challenge of his career: defending his Lumpinee throne while simultaneously capturing the WMC 112-pound world championship.
His opponent, Sitthichai Phetbanden (Lumpinee Champion), was a formidable obstacle. He was a fearsome fighter, having won the Lumpinee 112-pound title the previous year by defeating ring star Thongchai Thor Silachai on May 23, 1995.
But “Jomtip Salatan” was at the peak of his form.
Lightning struck in the second round. With rare precision and power, Nungpichit’s fists sealed the victory with two successive knockdowns from perfectly placed hooks before the final blow. Sitthichai wouldn’t get up. With this resounding knockout, Nungpichit ended his 1996 reign, cementing himself as The Champion of the 112 lbs!
Nungpichit’s record at the end of 1996 was 79 fights, with 52 wins and 5 draws. He had established himself as a key figure in Bangkok’s stadiums.
The years 1995 and 1996 undoubtedly represent his sporting peak.
The rest of his career in 1997 was marked by a significant decline.
After unifying the titles and fiercely defending his belt, Nungpichit failed to rediscover his fighting spirit.
On February 15, 1997, Lumpinee Stadium hosted a clash of titans.
Nungpichit defended his two crowns, the Lumpinee Stadium title and the WMC world belt, against the legendary Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn.
Namsaknoi, recently named “Best Boxer of the Year 1996” by the prestigious Sports Writers Association of Thailand, was at the peak of his powers. Namsaknoi would also be named “Best Boxer of the Year 1999” by the other major institution, the Sports Authority of Thailand.
Even before the first gong sounded, an unprecedented psychological battle began. Namsaknoi started his famous Ram Muay of “the Archer”, a dance of hypnotic beauty renowned for its length (Best Ram Muay of the Year Award in 2001 and 2006).
Nungpichit decided to challenge Namsaknoi on his own turf. He executed a Ram Muay of rare elegance, reminiscent of a boxer applying makeup before a fight, and cleverly managed to finish his Ram Muay after Namsaknoi. This brilliant move cost bettors fortunes, as they had wagered 10 to 20 to 1 odds that Namsaknoi would finish his Ram Muay last.
This lengthy Ram Muay caused such a delay that TV7 had to cut the live broadcast before the fight ended. Thai viewers had to wait until the next day to learn that, despite winning this mental battle, Nungpichit had lost on points to the seemingly invincible Namsaknoi after a fight of pure technical skill.
August 1997 offered Nungpichit one last prestigious success with a KO in the third round against Wichan 13 Coins Tower.
However, the rest of the year was going to be difficult in the face of fierce competition. He suffered a points defeat on October 25th against Ekachai Or Chaibadan, who had just beaten the rising young star of the moment, Saenchai Sor Kingstar, the future icon of Muay Thai. Ekachai then defeated Saenchai again, just after his fight against Nungpichit in November, for the Lumpinee 112 lbs title!
The final act came on November 29th during another encounter against Nungsiam Fairtex. In their fifth fight, the dynamics were reversed. Nungsiam landed a devastating straight right to Nungpichit’s chin. The referee counted to ten on a champion unable to recover. Nungsiam was declared the winner by knockout in the third round, thus avenging his four previous defeats against Nungpichit.
After reaching the heights of success, Nungpichit chose to hang up his gloves, leaving behind the indelible mark of a great champion of the 90s.
During this “Golden Age”, he beat the best in his category such as Mongkoldech Sit Daenchai, Weerapong Saksamut, Saenchai Jirakriangrai, Phanphet Muangsurin, Khwanna Tor Boonlert, Phetseenil Sor Ubonrat, Silachai Wor Preecha (Somjit Jongjohor), Pairojnoi Sor Siamchai, Netnarin Fairtex, Donchai Walaphol, Weerapong Saksamut, Chaichana Dechtawee, Ekachai Or Chaibadal, Attisak Sor Nanthana, Nungsiam Fairtex, Saenkeng Sor Weerakul, Sakpaitoon Decharat, Jaranthong Ruamjai Phuean, Saenkom Sakphanu, Sitthichai Phetbanden!
But the end of his fighting career was only the beginning of a broader mission: teaching. Like an ambassador of his art, he traveled the globe, from Australia to Japan, from Malaysia to Italy.
Today, this former ring star has settled in Paris, France. At the renowned Skarbowsky Gym, run by the legendary Chong Skarbowsky, Nungpichit now shares his invaluable knowledge with Parisian enthusiasts!
