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ONCE UPON A TIME, MUAY THAI’S GREATEST CHAMPIONS! CHAPTER III (YEAR 80)

Temps de lecture : 8 minutes

ONCE UPON A TIME,

MUAY THAI’S GREATEST CHAMPIONS!

by Serge TRÉFEU (2019)

CHAPTER III (YEAR 80)

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 80s who could have been in the book “123 All-Time Greatest Muay Thai Fighters of Thailand”, Bangklalek Sor Thanikul (Lumpinee Champion), Buriram Swanmisakwan (Lumpinee Champion, Radja Champion), Witsanutphon Saksamut (Lumpinee Champion), Nungpichit Sityodtong (Lumpinee Champion), Fanta Attapong (Radja Champion), Ratchak Sor Prapasorn (Radja Champion).

YEAR 80

Jitti Muangkhonkaen (Kiatsuriya)

Real name: Somjit Viangnon

Date of birth: October 9, 1956

City of birth: Khon Kaen

Title: No. 1 Stadium of Lumpinee in 135 lbs

Nickname: “Millionaire Tricycle”

Best opponents he beat: Vicharnoi Porntawee (2 times)

Fighter Style: Offensive fighter with a powerful left kick and good knee strikes

Most important purse: 100,000 baht

Particular Sign: Won by KO the great champion of Full Contact and Karate “Earnest Heart”. Received the trophy of “Best Lumpinee stadium boxer” in 1977. Has a family restaurant in Ladprao district in Bangkok

Narongnoi Kiatbunditt

Real name: Amnaj Boonrodd

Date of birth: 19 April 1957

City of birth: Hantra in the Phra Nakorn region Sri Ayudhaya

Title: Radja Champion in 126 lbs, Radja Champion in 130 lbs

Nickname: “The discreet Tiger”

Best opponents he beat: Jitti Muangkhonkaen (2 times)

Fighter Style: Technical fighter with a powerful right kick

Most important purse: 120,000 baht

Particular Sign: Drawn a match against the legendary Kickboxing Champion “Benny Urquidez” in Los Angeles in 1977. He became a millionaire with many companies. Later, in 2009, he was unconscious because of a blood supply problem in the brain

Nhongkhy Sor Prapassorn

Real name: Udom Suworaphan

Date of birth: August 31, 1954

City of birth: Nhongkhy

Title: Radja Champion in 126 lbs, Radja Champion in 130 lbs

Nickname: “Left kicker from Khong river”

Best opponents he beat: Sakad Petchyindee (2 times)

Fighter Style: Very technical southpaw fighter with a powerful left kick

Most important purse: 250,000 baht

Particular Sign: Defeated by KO Chinese Kung Fu Champion Deng Yes Hong and American Full Contact Champion Dave Johnston and won the World Free Martial Art Championship. He’s half paralyzed after coaching for more than 20 years

Sakad Petchyindee

Real name: Viroon Pholpimai

Date of birth: 20th April 1958

City of birth: Pimai in Nakhon Ratchassima region

Title: Radja Champion in 118 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs (2 times), Radja Champion in 140 lbs, WKA Kickboxing World Champion in 140 lbs, IBC Boxing World Champion in 140 lbs, Radja Champion Boxing in 135 lbs

Nickname: “Giant Ghost’s nephew”

Best opponents he beat: Kaopong Sittichuchai (KO), Jitti Kiatsuriya (2 times), Kiattisak Nuengmuangmaha, Kitti Sor Thanikul, Samart Prasanmirt, Raktae Muangsurin (KO)

Fighter Style: Puncher with heavy strikes and stylish Kicks

Most important purse: 150,000 baht

Particular Sign: Received the “Best Ram Muay” award of the last ten years in 1977. The world-famous video game “Street Fighter” has integrated the virtual character of Sakad. At his own boxing camp in Bangkok

Padejsuek Pissanurachan

Real name: Khamsej Thepjang

Date of birth: October 12, 1957

City of birth: Ban Pai in Khon Kaen area

Title: No. 1 stadium of Radja in Muay Thai in 135 lbs, Champion of Radja in Boxing in 135 lbs

Nickname: “6th Fighter who received the King’s Award”

Best opponents he beat: Narongnoi Kiatbunditt (2 times), Posai Sittiboonlert (KO), Vicharnoi Porntawee

Fighter Style: Very experienced fighter with good tactics and sharp elbows

Most important purse: 240,000 baht

Particular Sign: Received in 1979 the award of “Best Boxer of the Year” by Prince Maha Vachiralongkorn (Current King of Thailand since 2016, King Rama X). Coach at Bangkok Thonburi University Boxing Gymnasium

Dieselnoi Chor Tanasukarn

Real name: Charin Sorndee

Date of birth: 26th December 1961

City of birth: Nakornluang in the region of Phra Nakorn Sri Ayudhaya

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs, WFM World Champion in 135 lbs

Nickname: “Sky High kneestriker”

Best opponents he beat: Nhongkhy Sor Prapassorn, Vicharnnoi Porntawee, Posai Sitboonlert, Sakad Petchyindee, Samart Payakaroon, Krongsak Boranrat, Raktae Muansurin

Fighter Style: Knee strike dangerous with good combinations

Most important purse: 400,000 baht

Particular Sign: Received the “Best Boxer of the Year” award in 1982. Has been coaching in Japan for 10 years. He became a monk for several years. Coach in several camps in Bangkok and Pattaya

Kaopong Sittichuchai

Real name: Tavee Umpornmaha

Date of birth: 15 November 1959

City of birth: Rayong

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs, WFM World Champion in 147 lbs

Nickname: “The Black Cotton”

Best opponents he beat: Dieselnoi Chor Tanasukarn (KO), Padejsuek Pissanurachan (2 times), Krongsak Sakkasem

Fighter Style: Fighter with hard knocks, puncher

Most important purse: 120,000 baht

Particular Sign: Won the Silver Medal in Boxing at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. TV Commentator for the Siam Boxing stadium

Raktae Muangsurin

Real name: Boontham Thoykrathoke

Date of birth: 8th February 1960

City of birth: Chaipoom

Title: Radja Champion in 135 lbs

Nickname: “Hell Quake Punch”

Best opponents he beat: Jitti Kiatsuriya (KO), Jockey Sittgunpai (KO), Rakchart Sor Prasartporn (KO)

Fighter Style: An enduring fighter with strong punches

Most important purse: 100,000 baht

Particular Sign: Opened a spare parts auto shop in Klong Saam Wa district, Bangkok

Krongsak Sakkasem

Real name: Prakorng Boranrat

Date of birth: 11th September 1963

City of birth: Nhongrua in Khon Kaen region

Title: No. 1 stadium of Lumpinee and stadium of Radja in 135 lbs, world champion Thai boxing in 147 lbs (6 times), world champion Kick Boxing in 147 lbs (3 times)

Nickname: “Young Fighter from Nhongrua”

Best opponents he beat: Sakad Petchyindee (3 times), Jitti Kiatsuriya, Samart Prasarnmit (KO), Somsong Homkhorkhor, Nokweed Dawee, Kaopong Sitichuchai, Fanta Attapong

Fighter Style: Good combinations fighter with strong left swing kicks

Most important purse: 100,000 baht

Particular sign: Has made a second career boxer in France, he has never been beaten in Europe. Defeated Dutch star Rob Kaman in France with 9 kilos less than him. Won foreign champions Rick Varthorst, Orlando Wiet, Ivan Hyppolite, Stephane Nikiema, Guillaume Kerner, Andre Panza, Pascal Scalp. Coached for 20 years in France

Payapa Premchai

Real name: Thavorn Suppamart

Date of birth: December 15th 1958

City of birth: Bangkok in the district of Bangsue

Title: Radja Champion in 147 lbs

Nickname: “Tough Kicker from Bangsue”

Best opponents he beat: Pud Pad Noi Worawut, Sakad Petchyindee, Siprae Kiatsomphop

Fighter Style: Tough fighter with powerful left kick

Most important purse: 120,000 baht

Particular sign: Engages in his own business in Bangkok

Samart Prasarnmit

Real name: Samart Rakchartyingcheep

Date of birth: 12th November 1961

City of birth: Sikiew in the region of Nakhon Ratchassima

Title: Champion of Radja in 140 lbs

Nickname: “Big Bumper Push Kicker”

Best opponents he beat: Kaosod Sittphraprom (KO), Saensatharn Saengrit, Kaopong Sitichuchai, Padejsuek Pisanurachan, Reangsak Porntwee

Fighter Style: Strong fighter with powerful push kicks and effective knee strikes

Most important purse: 100,000 baht

Particular sign: Defeated American kickboxing star Don Wilson (World Champion in light heavyweight) in the stadium of Radja. Engages in village development work in his hometown, Sikiew

Inseenoi Sor Thanikul

Real name: Thawat Pimsub

Date of birth: 16 September 1958

City of birth: Thamoung in Kanchanaburi region

Title: Radja Champion in 135 lbs

Nickname: “Melodrama Fighter”

Best opponents he beat: Padejsuek Pisanurachan (2 times), Raktae Muangsurin, Samart Prasarnmit

Fighter Style: Fast righthanded fighter with good combination

Most important purse: 120,000 baht

Particular Sign: A vendor in Sriracha market, Chonburi

Wanpadej Pukrongfah

Real name: Yodwanpadej Suwanvijit

Date of birth: 19 November 1962

City of birth: Paak Panang in the region of Nakon Si Thamarat

Title: Lumpinee Champio in 135 lbs, Radja Champion in 135 lbs, World Champion in 147 lbs

Nickname: “Top knee striker from Paak Panang”

Best opponents he beat: Nokweed Devy (3 times), Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj, Phetdam Lookprabat, Rachabut Sor Thanikul, Kitty Sor Thanikul

Fighter Style: Good knee striker with various tactics

Most important purse: 100,000 baht

Particular sign: Air Force officer, chief of training department and also trainer of amateur boxing for Thai National team. Defeated Guillaume Kerner of France for a world championship in France

Lom Isarn Sor Thanikul

Real name: Chalome Multripakdee

Date of birth: November 9, 1956

City of birth: Nongbua in Khon Kaen region

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs, Radja Champion in 126 lbs (2 times)

Nickname: “Left kicker from North East”

Best opponents he beat: Nokweed Devy (3 times), Onepadej Pukrongfah, Jack Kiatniwat, Tuukjai Jaroenmuang

Fighter Style: Good timing fighter with fast and strong left kick

Most important purse: 80,000 baht

Particular sign: Operates his own business in Pitsanulok after being Muay Thai trainer in different gyms for many years

Gingthong Lookprabat

Real name: Vinai Naaksin

Date of birth: February 26, 1957

City of birth: Panasnikom in the Chonburi region

Title: Radja Champion in 118 lbs

Nickname: “Amazing fighter with 2 names”

Best opponents he beat: Jomvo Saknirun, Samersingh Tianhirun, Noklek Singhtanongsak

Fighter Style: An offensive fighter with good timing

Most important purse: 70,000 baht

Particular sign: Promoter in the stadium of Radja

Mafuang Veerapol

Real name: Nopnoi Cherdsuk

Date of birth: June 2, 1955

City of birth: Surin

Title: Radja Champion in 118 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs

Nickname: “The Rocky Punch”

Best opponents he beat: Samingnoom Sittiboontham (KO), Kongtoranee Payakaroon (2 times), Muns Sor Jipattana

Fighter Style: Tough fighter with strong punches both left and right

Most important purse: 200,000 baht

Particular sign: Owns a minibus service for students in Mahasarakarm province

Srimuang Singhsuan Ngern

Real name: Anan Chantip

Date of birth: 8th July 1962

City of birth: Sunpahtoang in Chiangmai area

Title: No. 1 in the stadium of Lumpinee and Radja in 115 lbs

Nickname: “Tough Kicker from Chiangmai”

Best opponents he beat: Muns Sor Jipattana, Rarerng Thammachart (2 times), Rungrat Chutinavee

Fighter Style: Good front standing left kicker

Most important purse: 35,000 baht

Particular Sign: Defeated Japanese champion Sato Michinori in Japan in Tokyo. President of famous Muay Thai gym Kaewsamrit and Associate Director of Professional Muay Thai Association of Thailand

Jomvo Chernyim

Real name: Sutee Pathompoka

Date of birth: December 9, 1959

City of birth: Potaram in the region of Rajaburi

Title: Radja Champion in 118 lbs

Nickname: “Playboy Fighter”

Best opponents he beat: Phetdam Lookprabat (KO), Samransak Muangsurin (2 times)

Fighter Style: An offensive fighter with good tactics and timing

Most important purse: 100,000 baht

Particular Sign: Owns an orchard in Nakornpathom province and still associates with Muaythai work

Samingnoom Sittiboontham

Real name: Phat Kongrum

Date of birth: 7th of September 1959

City of birth: Buriram

Title: Radja Champion in 115 lbs, Radja Champion in 130 lbs

Nickname: “Hero of Panomrung”

Best opponents he beat: Samransak Muangsurin, Rernsak Petchyindee, Phol Sittpordaeng, Laimangkorn Chonabotrungroj

Fighter Style: Strong right kicker with good tactics and timing

Most important purse: 120,000 baht

Particular sign: Has coached several years in Sweden

Kongthoranee Payakaroon

Real name: Chartchai Thipthamai

Date of birth: 12th July 1960

City of birth: Bangpakhong in Chachaengsao region

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 102 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 108 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 115 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs, European Champion in 140 lbs

Nickname: “Miracle Boy”

Best opponents he beat: Chamophet Ha Phalang (2 times), Sakmongkol Sitchuchoke (KO), Bangklanoi Sor Thanikul, Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang, Maewnoi Sitchang

Fighter Style: Good combinations fighter with different tactics, durable boxer strong

Most important purse: 120,000 baht

Particular Sign: Received the “Best Boxer of the Year” award in 1978. Has been a trainer at Sityodtong gym in Pattaya, also trainer in Baku, Azerbaijan. Today, he’s a coach in the Poptheeratham Gym in Bangkok, the gym of his brother, the ring legend Samart Payakaroon

Bangklanoi Sor Thanikul

Real name: Rak Sayont

Date of birth: 23 September 1962

City of birth: Klaeng in Rayong area

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 102 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 108 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs

Nickname: “Diamond Heart Boy”

Best opponents he beat: Samransak Muangsurin, Kongthoranee Payakaroon (2 times), Loogkiad Muangsurin

Fighter Style: Fast and strong kicker with good tactics

Most important purse: 180,000 baht

Particular Sign: Received the “Best Boxer” Cup by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Operates his own business with his friends

Chamophet Ha Phalang

Real name: Vichien Butrdee

Date of birth: 7 October 1962

City of birth: Sriracha in the Chonburi region

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 102 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 108 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs, Radja Champion in 105 lbs, Radja Champion in 122 lbs (2 times), Radja Champion in 126 lbs (2 times)

Nickname: “Computer knee striker”

Best opponents he beat: Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj (3 times), Samart Payakaroon, Kongthoranee Payakaroon, Wanpichit Kaennorasing, Jack Kiatniwat, Samransak Muangsurin, Manasak Sor Pleonchit, Chanchai Sor Tamrangsi, Oley Kiatnowey, Langsuan Phanyuthapum

Fighter Style: Powerful knee striker in close quarter and in distance

Most important purse: 200,000 baht

Particular Sign: Received the “Best Boxer of the Year” award in 1985. Has his own boxing gym in Japan

Samart Payakaroon

Real name: Samart Thipthamai

Date of birth: 5th December 1962

City of birth: Bangpakhong in Chachoengsao area

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 102 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 108 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 115 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs, WBC Boxing World Champion in 122 lbs

Nickname: “The Jade Tiger Face”

Best opponents he beat: Nonghkay Sor Prapassorn, Padejsuk Pitnurachan, Panomtuanlek Ha Phalang (KO), Samransak Muangsurin, Bangklanoi Sor Thanikul, Chamophet Ha Phalang, Mafeuang Weerapon, Samingnoom Sittibountham, Samart Prasarmit, Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong (KO)

Fighter Style: Proper technical fighter with good combinations in fists

Most important purse: 350,000 baht

Particular Sign: Received the “Best Boxer of the Year” award in 1981, 1983 and 1988. Shoots in about 20 movies and releases several records as a singer. At his own boxing camp in Bangkok, the Poptheeratham Gym. Defeated in Muay Thai foreign champions Murat Comert (KO), Gilbert Ballentine, Paul Lenehan (KO), Michael Lewfat, Nizuma Shirato

Jumpathong Na Nontachai

Real name: Saroj Koomjit

Date of birth: March 3, 1962

City of birth: Rajaburi

Title: Radja Champion in 118 lbs

Nickname: “High swing kick Hero”

Best opponents he beat: Samart Payakaroon (2 times), Chamophet Ha Phalang (KO), Saengtianoi Sor Rungroj (KO)

Fighter Style: Very effective high swing kicks both left and right

Most important purse: 100,000 baht

Particular Sign: Operates his own business and owns a small restaurant in Nonthaburi

Samransak Muangsurin

Real name: Rarn Kridrum

Date of birth: June 18, 1959

City of birth: Buriram

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs (2 times), WFMA World Champion in 122 lbs

Nickname: “Iron Pestle Punch”

Best opponents he beat: Manasak Sor Ploenchit (KO), Saengsakda Kittikasem (KO), Yoknoi Fairtex (KO), Kongtoranee Payakaroon, Saengcheung Pinsinchai (KO), Sakmongkol Sitchuchok (KO), Chanchai Sor Tamrangsi (KO), Samranthong Kiatbangchong (KO)

Fighter Style: Dynamite punches both left and right, puncher and strong durable boxer

Most important purse: 200,000 baht

Particular Sign: The match between Samransak and Saengsakda Kittikasem was elected the hardest fight of the year 1986 (Victory by KO of Samransak). Coach in different camps of Thailand

Saengsakda Kittikasem

Real name: Arming Gadair

Date of birth: October 24, 1956

City of birth: Pattani

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs

Nickname: “Arming The Shaker Punch”

Best opponents he beat: Jitti Kiatsuriya (KO), Samransak Muangsurin (KO), Phayphung Ekmit

Fighter Style: Heavy blows fighter with good knee strikes

Most important purse: 100,000 baht

Particular Sign: Working with DBS Productions (Studio recording and production of Artist)

Manasak Sor Ploenchit

Real name: Mana Sornjamm

Date of birth: 7 December 1965

City of birth: Rayong

Title: Radja Champion in 118 lbs, Radja Champion in 122 lbs, Thailand Champion in 122 lbs

Nickname: “King of Muay Thai”

Best opponents he beat: Panomtuanglek Ha Phalang (KO), Sancherng Pinsinchai (2 times), Chanchai Sor Thammarangsi

Fighter Style: Fast fighter with impeccable timing and good combinations

Most important purse: 120,000 baht

Particular Sign: Owns a shop in his home town, Rayong province

Panomtuanlek Ha Phalang

Real name: Anusak Thitkrathoak

Date of birth: November 1, 1966

City of birth: Mahasarakam

Title: Radja Champion in 115 lbs, Radja Champion in 118 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs

Nickname: “Madly Sea Storm knee striker”

Best opponents he beat: Jumpathong Nontachai (2 times), Samransak Muangsurin (2 times), Boonum Sor Jarunee, Nampon Nongkeepahuyut (KO), Kongtoranee Payakaroon, Manasak Sor Pleonchit, Phetdam Lookprabat

Fighter Style: An enduring fighter with tough knee strikes in close quarter

Most important purse: 150,000 baht

Particular Sign: Received the “Best Boxer of the Year” award in 1986. Coach in Japan Tokyo

Hippy Singmanee

Real name: Pichet Chuthong

Date of birth: 14th August 1967

City of birth: Tungsong in Nakhon Si Thamara province

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 105 lbs (2 times), Lumpinee Champion in 108 lbs

Nickname: “Genious of the South”

Best opponents he beat: Seksan Sittjomthong (KO), Karuhat Sor Supawan (2 times), Chainoi Muangsurin, Phunluang Kiatanane, Veeraphol Sahaprom, Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, Dokmaypai Por Pongsawan, Khunponoy Kietpetchnoi, Phanomrunglek Chor Sawat

Fighter Style: Good combinations fighter with various tactics

Most important purse: 120,000 baht

Particular Sign: Promoter in the south of Thailand. At his own boxing gym the Por Suwan Gym in Bangkok’s Town in Town district. Defeated French champion Jaid Seddak in France

Paruehuslek Sittchunthong

Real name: Chali Khuntharee

Date of birth: 2 September 1961

City of birth: Tanyaburi in Phatum Thani province

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 102 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 104 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 108 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs

Nickname: “Gentleman of the ring”

Best opponents he beat: Hippy Singmanee (2 times), Samart Payakaroon (KO), Sangtiannoi Sor Rungroj, Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai, Rambo Pongsiri, Chachai Sor Thamrangsi, Toto Por Pongsawang

Fighter Style: Strong fighter with tough blows and good sporting spirit

Most important purse: 120,000 baht

Particular Sign: One of the few fighters who beat the legendary Samart Payakaroon by knockout. Physical education officer of Muang district, Pathum Thani. Freelance referee for different stadiums

Burlek Pinsinchai

Real name: Sakorn Yindeechart

Date of birth: June 30, 1966

City of birth: Nangrong in Buriram province

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs (2 times)

Nickname: “Powerful fighter from Nangrong”

Best opponents he beat: Paruehuslek Sittchunthong, Veerapol Sahaprom (3 times), Dokmaipah Por Pongsawan, Warunee Sor Ploenchit, Tukatatong Por Pongsawan (KO), Wichane Sitchuchone

Fighter Style: Tough fighter with good combinations

Most important purse: 180,000 baht

Particular Sign: At his own boxing gym in Lampang in the North, the Burlek Gym

Saencherng Pinsinchai

Real name: Panom Pachano

Date of birth: 15th September 1967

City of birth: Nangrong in Buriram province

Title: Lumpinee Champion in 105 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs, Radja Champion in 118 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs

Nickname: “The Rocky Mountain”

Best opponents he beat: Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, Chamophet Ha Phalang (2 times), Samransak Muangsurin, Chanchai Sor Thamrangsi (3 times), Bangklanoi Sor Thanikul

Fighter Style: Tough fighter with powerful weapons in good combinations

Most important purse: 250,000 baht

Particular Sign: Head coach and trainer of Pinsinchai Gym in Bangkok