ONCE UPON A TIME, MUAY THAI’S GREATEST CHAMPIONS! CHAPTER II (YEAR 70)
ONCE UPON A TIME,
MUAY THAI’S GREATEST CHAMPIONS!
by Serge TRÉFEU (2019)
CHAPTER II (YEAR 70)
The greatest champions of Muay Thai have been listed in the magnificent book “123 ALL-TIME GREATEST MUAY THAI FIGHTERS OF THAILAND“, a unique book drawn only a few copies in Thailand. Here are the legends that have marked the history of Muay Thai during their heyday!
Some great champions of the 70s who could have been in the book “123 All-Time Greatest Muay Thai Fighters of Thailand”, Singnoum Petchthanin (Lumpinee Champion, Radja champion), Siyanong Sitbangpradjang (Lumpinee Champion), Seanapha Payaksophon (Lumpinee Champion), Hoeun Silathong (Lumpinee Champion).
YEAR 70
Huasai Sittiboonlert
Real name: Suracheep Rakthong
Date of birth: June 15, 1948
City of birth: Huasai in Nakhonratchassima region
Title: No. 1 Lumpinee stadium and Radja stadium in 140 lbs
Nickname: “The Hammer Punch”
The best opponents he beat: Apidej Sitthirun (KO), Vicharnoi Porntawee
Fighter Style: Very strong fighter with his fists
Most important purse: 70,000 baht
Particular sign: Owner of a shrimp farm and a financial lending agency
Sirimongkol Loogsiriphat
Real name: Kasem Prapaisri
Date of birth: 2 December 1946
City of birth: Chanchoengsao
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs
Nickname: “Greatful Fighter”
Best opponents he beat: Kondej Loogbangplasroi (3 times), Vicharnoi Porntawee (3 times), Toshio Fujiwara
Fighter Style: Puncher with a fearful left Leg
Most important purse: 100,000 baht
Particular Sign: Received the trophy of “Best Boxer of the Year” by His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1973. Associated with Lumpinee No. 1 Promoter Mr. Virat Wachirarattanawong (Petchyindee)
Fahsai Taweechai
Real name: Sombat Phuthong
Date of birth: April 16, 1948
City of birth: Varinchamrab in the region of Ubolrajathani
Title: Radja Champion in 112 lbs
Nickname: “The Left Hammer Punch”
Best opponents he beat: Vicharnoi Porntawee (KO), Sirimongkol Loogsiriphat, Saifah Saengmorakot (KO)
Fighter Style: Puncher with a lightning left
Most important purse: 60,000 baht
Particular Sign: Received the trophy of “Best boxer of the year” in 1970. Owner of a big farm in Ubolrajathani
Muangchol Jeeraphan
Real name: Jaruay Coh Cha
Date of birth: July 31, 1946
City of birth: Chonburi
Title: No. 1 Lumpinee stadium and Radja stadium in 135 lbs
Nickname: “Touch Kicker from Chonburi”
Best opponents he beat: Vicharnoi Porntawee, Sirimongkol Loogsiriphat, Nert Saknarong
Fighter Style: Technician with a very fast left leg
Most important purse: 60,000 baht
Particular sign: Promoter stadium Thepprasit Boxing Pattaya
Sichang Sakornpitaks
Real name: Veera Srisuk
Date of birth: June 10, 1946
City of birth: Chonburi
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs
Nickname: “Tokyo Dragon”
Best opponents he beat: Khongdej Loogbangplasroi (2 times), Sirimongkol Loogsiriphat (3 times), Fasai Taweechai
Fighter Style: Very strong technician with his right leg
Most important purse: 80,000 baht
Particular sign: Chief of Bangsrai district in Chonburi. Received the trophy of “Best Boxer of the Year” in 1971
Vicharnoi Porntawee
Real Name: Chucheep Ieam Erb
Date of birth: 25 January 1948
City of birth: Nonthaburi
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs, Radja Champion in 112 lbs, Radja Champion in 130 lbs
Nickname: “The Immortal”
Best opponents he beat: Posai Sittiboonlert (3 times), Dieselnoi Chor Tanasukarn (2 times), Huasai Sittiboonlert (KO), Pud Pad Noi Worawut (KO), Vichit Loogbangplasroi
Fighter Style: Puncher and Technician
Most important purse: 250,000 baht
Particular Sign: Received the trophy of “Best Boxer of the Year” in 1977. Businessman in Nonthaburi
Saensak Muangsurin
Real Name: Boonsong Munsri
Date of birth: August 3, 1951
City of birth: Petchaboon
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 140 lbs, WBC Boxing World Champion in 140 Lbs (2 Times)
Nickname: “The Pain Bud Bomber”
Best opponents he beat: Poot Lorlek, Vicharnoi Porntawee (KO), Thongbai Jarernmuang, Kondej Loogbangplasroi (KO)
Fighter Style: Puncher with terrible low kicks
Most important purse: 100,000 baht
Particular Sign: Received the trophy of “Best Boxer of the Year” in 1973. Died in 2009 at the age of 58
Poot Lorlek
Real name: Taweesak Pipatkul
Date of birth: January 1, 1952
City of birth: Palian in Trang region
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs, Radja Champion in Boxing in 135 lbs
Nickname: “Top Fighter from Trang”
Best opponents he beat: Vicharnoi Porntawee, Saensak Muangsurin, Khondej Loogbangplasroi (2 times), Fahsai Taweechain, Sirimongkol Loogsiriphat
Fighter Style: Technician with a very varied technical tactics
Most important purse: 130,000 baht
Particular Sign: Received the trophy of “Best Boxer of the Year” in 1974. Opened his own boxing camp the Poot Lorlek Muay Thai Gym in Trang
Pud Pad Noi Worawut
Real name: Ponn Ommklin
Date of birth: June 25, 1951
City of birth: Khon Kaen
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs
Nickname: “The Golden Leg”
Best opponents he beat: Huasai Sittiboonlert (KO), Narongnoi Kiatbunditt, Khunpolnoi Kiatsuriya, Vicharnoi Porntaween, Sirimongkol Loogsiriphat
Fighter Style: Technician with exceptional High Kicks
Most important purse: 120,000 baht
Particular Sign: Received the trophy of “Best Boxer of the Year” in 1975. Won the Cup of Tournament of the 16 fighters in the stadium of Radja, a trophy given by the Prime Minister. Work at the famous stadium TV7 Bangkok. Coach for 20 years in France
Klairung Loogjaomaesaithong
Real name: Fuang Boonmee
Date of birth: 16 April 1950
City of birth: Nangroang in Buriram region
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs, Radja Champion in 118 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs
Nickname: “The Giant Dwarf”
Best opponents he beat: Wangvon Loogmatulee (KO), Sakpimai Ritviboon (KO), Karnchai Porntawee
Fighter Style: Enduring Fighter and Puncher
Most important purse: 50,000 baht
Particular sign: Manager of the camp Sittklairung Gym in Buriram
Orachunnoi Hor Mahachai
Real name: Mitree Netrmanee
Date of birth: 11 November 1950
City of birth: Ubon Ratchassani
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs (2 times)
Nickname: “The Golden Fist”
Best opponents he beat: Rernsak Porntawee, Petchpayao Sittkuthuts, Chainarong Sittpiboon
Fighter Style: Returned Elbow Specialist
Most important purse: 45,000 baht
Particular sign: Owner of a coffee shop in Srimahapoh hospital in Ubon Ratchassani
Daotong Sittyodtong
Real name: Daotong Puakpiphat
Date of birth: November 12, 1952
City of birth: Rayong
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 108 lbs
Nickname: “Ferocious Lion from Rayong”
Best opponents he beat: Orachunnoi Hor Mahachai (2 times), Kaosod Sittpraphrom
Fighter Style: Powerful Kick and good Left Kick
Most important purse: 45,000 baht
Particular Sign: Head Coach of the famous Sityodtong camp in Pattaya. Editor to the Siam Nation newspaper
Ruanpae Sittwatnhang
Real name: Raywat Immjit
Date of birth: 17 October 1955
City of birth: Bangkok in Jomthong district
Title: Radja Champion in 122 lbs
Nickname: “Magic knee striker”
Best opponents he beat: Klairung Loogjaomaesaithong (2 times), Sakad Petchyindee, Kengklay Sittsoey
Fighter Style: Technical knee strike and good left leg
Most important purse: 45,000 baht
Particular Sign: Monitors Gasoline Stock for Government Bus Transportation in Prapradaeng
Paruehus Loh Ngern
Real name: Chalor Khuntharee
Date of birth: 18 October 1956
City of birth: Tanyaburi in the region of Pathumthani
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs
Nickname: “The Bull from Rangsit”
Best opponents he beat: Narongnoi Kiatbunditt, Rernsak Porntawee, Saengsakda Kittikasem
Fighter Style: Strong in Fist with Powerful Kicks
Most important purse: 80,000 baht
Particular Sign: Has opened a restaurant in the United States in New York
Samersingh Tianhirun
Real name: Pinij Boonjuang
Date of birth: 14th September 1956
City of birth: Sukhothai
Title: Radja Champion in 112 lbs, Radja Champion in 118 lbs
Nickname: “The Black Mongoose”
Best opponents he beat: Sakad Petchyindee, Klairung Loogjaomaesaithong (2 times), Thanupis Sit Sor Vor
Fighter Style: Technician with powerful elbows
Most important purse: 60,000 baht
Particular Sign: Has opened a restaurant in Sukhothai
Fahprakorb Singhsaamliam
Real name: Prakhob Sirilhong
Date of birth: 2 December 1949
City of birth: Nhong Rua in the Khon Kaen area
Title: No. 1 Lumpinee stadium and Radja stadium in 126 lbs
Nickname: “Nuclear knee striker”
Best opponents he beat: Klairung Lookjaomaesaithong, Muangsurin Denthoranee, Charndej Veerapol
Fighter Style: Knee strike formidable at a distance and in clinch
Most important purse: 60,000 baht
Particular Sign: Chief monk of the temple “Wat Fahsomjainuek” in the province of Nhongbualampoo
Vichit Loogbangplasroi
Real name: Vichit Praianan
Date of birth: October 16, 1951
City of birth: Chonburi
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs
Nickname: “The White Shark”
Best opponents he beat: Vicharnnoi Porntawee, Pud Pad Noi Worawut, Permsiri Rungrit
Fighter Style: Fast and technical fighter with a powerful left kick
Most important purse: 100,000 baht
Particular Sign: Director of Praianan Gym and Principal Member of Chonburi Municipality
Jockey Sittgunpai
Real name: Putta Naree
Date of birth: May 14, 1954
City of birth: Naamphong in Khon Kaen area
Title: Radja Champion in 118 lbs, PMC World Champion in 118 lbs
Nickname: “Horse power knee striker”
Best opponents he beat: Nhongkhay Sor Prapassorn (KO), Padejsuek Pissanurachan (2 times), Pud Pad Noi Worawut, Sakad Petchyindee
Fighter Style: Powerful and fast with knee strike
Most important purse: 100,000 baht
Particular Sign: Defeated the great American Champion of Full Contact and Karate Linsey Ferguson by KO. Become a farmer in Khon Kaen
Rerngsak Porntavee
Real name: Samrerng Manaying
Date of birth: 17 December 1956
City of birth: Lumplimas in the Buriram region
Title: 112 lbs Lumpinee Champion, 112 lbs Radja Champion, 130 lbs Lumpinee Champion
Nickname: “The Rocky Man”
Best opponents he beat: Padejsuek Pissanurachan (3 times), Neth Saknarong, Kaew Sittpordaeng
Fighter Style: Hard and resistant fighter with powerful Kick
Most important purse: 150,000 baht
Particular Sign: Commercial van driver in Nonthaburi
Khunpolnoi Kiatsuriya
Real name: Thawatchai Prasartsilp
Date of birth: August 24, 1953
City of birth: Saiburi in the Pattani region
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs
Nickname: “Young fighter from Saiburi”
Best opponents he beat: Pud Pad Noi Worawut (2 times), Narongnoi Kiatbunditt (2 times)
Fighter Style: Fast and technical fighter as strong with his left leg as his right leg
Most important purse: 100,000 baht
Particular Sign: Coach in several boxing camps
Bunditt Singhprakarn
Real name: Praditt Yoo Klud
Date of birth: 14th August 1956
City of birth: Samut Prakarn
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs
Nickname: “Fighter of Bangduan”
Best opponents he beat: Vicharnoi Porntawee (2 times), Jockey Sittgunpai, Fahsai Taweechai
Fighter Style: Strong right-handed fighter with powerful Kicks
Most important purse: 100,000 baht
Particular Sign: Has opened a family restaurant in Samut Prakarn
Posai Sittiboonlert
Real name: Prayong Makkhong
Date of birth: February 12, 1956
City of birth: Taklee in the Nakornsawan area
Title: No. 1 Lumpinee Stadium in 135 lbs
Nickname: “Electric Pole knee striker”
Best opponents he beat: Poot Lorlek, Sakad Petchyindee
Fighter Style: Fighter with good knee stroke combinations
Most important purse: 100,000 baht
Particular Sign: Received the trophy of “Best Boxer of the Year” in 1976. Coach in several boxing camps
Neth Saknarong
Real name: Viraneth Nakainn
Date of birth: 6 November 1955
City of birth: Pangkone in Sakolnakorn region
Title: No. 1 Stadium of Lumpinee and Stadium of Radja in 135 lbs
Nickname: “Superstar of Pangkone”
Best opponents he beat: Poot Lorlek, Pud Pad Noi Worawut, Vicharnoi Porntawee, Porsai Sitibunlert
Fighter Style: Technical southpaw fighter with powerful punches and feet
Most important purse: 100,000 baht
Particular Sign: Won by KO the great champion of Full Contact and Karate “Earnest Heart” in the United States in Los Angeles in 1977. At his own boxing club in France since 1995, the Neth Gym in Normandy