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