ONCE UPON A TIME, MUAY THAI’S GREATEST CHAMPIONS! CHAPTER V (YEAR 2000, 2010)
ONCE UPON A TIME,
MUAY THAI’S GREATEST CHAMPIONS!
by Serge TRÉFEU (2019)
CHAPTER V (YEAR 2000, 2010)
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 years 2000 and 2010 that could also be in the book “123 All-Time Greatest Thai Fighters of Thailand”, Fasuchon Sit O (Lumpinee Champion, Thailand champion, Best Boxer of the Year 2000), Wutidet Lookprabat (Thailand Champion, Best Boxer of the Year 2007), Rungruanlek Lookprabat (Lumpinee Champion, Thailand Champion, Best Boxer of the Year 2009), Jonglek Lookprabat (Radja Champion), Chalee Sor Chatamin (Lumpinee Champion), Kongpipop Petchyindee (Lumpinee Champion, Thailand Champion), Orono Wor Petchpun (Lumpinee Champion, Thailand Champion), Panomrunglek Kiatmuu9 (Lumpinee Champion, Thailand Champion), Pornsanae Sitmonchai (Lumpinee Champion, Radja Champion), Sagapetch Ingragym (Lumpinee Champion, Radja Champion), Bowee Sor Udomsorn (Radja Champion), Kaoklai Kaennorasing (Radja Champion), Lamsongkram Chuwattana (Radja Champion), Ledsila Chumpertour (Radja Champion), Singmanee Sor Siripong (Radja Champion), Thailand Pinsinchai (Radja Champion), Pakorn Sakyothin (Radja Champion, Lumpinee Champion), Sakkedao Phetpayathai (Radja Champion, Lumpinee Champion), Superbank Chakchaichote (Lumpinee Champion, Radja Champion), Penaik Sitnumnoi (Lumpinee Champion, Thailand Champion, Best Boxer of the Year 2011), Phanpayak Jitmuangnon (Lumpinee Champion, Best Boxer of the Year 2013, 2014, 2015), Phet Utong Or Kwanmuang (Radja Champion, Best Boxer of the Year 2016), Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai (Lumpinee Champion, Best Boxer of the Year 2017), Muangthai Sor Bonyam (Lumpinee Champion), Sittichai Sitsongpeenong (Lumpinee Champion, Thailand Champion), Superlek Kiamuu9 (Lumpinee Champion, Thailand Champion), Wanchalong Sitsornong (Lumpinee Champion), Seksun Or Kwanmuang (Radja Champion).
YEAR 2000
Tongchai Tor Silachai
Real name: Tongchai Paktai
Date of birth: 16 April 1972
City of birth: Jakaraj in Nakhon Ratchassima province
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 105 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 108 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs, Radja Champion in 115 lbs, WMC World Champion in 115 lbs
Nickname: “The Crowd’s Favorite”
Best opponents he beat: Charndej Sor Prantalay, Saenchai Sor Kingstar (KO), Kaimukdam Chuwattana, Bovy Sor Udomson, Metanoy Maliwan (2 times), Nungubon Sitlerchai (2 times), Rungrat Srisanchai, Sinchainoi Saksamut, Charndej Sor Phrantalay, Khomphayak Singmanee, Pairojnoi Sor Siamchai, Toto Por Pong Sawang, Chainoi Mueang Surin
Fighter Style: Strong fighter with tough weapons
Most important purse: 140,000 baht
Particular Sign: One of the few boxers to have beaten the legendary Saenchai by KO (Saenchai only lost twice by KO in his career). Was elected “Best Boxer of the Year” in 2001. Won the Mitsubishi 11 Tournament at a million baht in 2007. Coach at Rattachai Muay Thai Gym in Phuket
Anuwat Kaewsamrit
Real name: Apisak Rongpichai
Date of birth: 17 November 1981
City of birth: Changklang in Nakhon Si Thammarat province
Title: Radja champion in 105 lbs, Radja champion in 108 lbs, Radja champion in 112 lbs, Omnoi champion in 122 lbs, Radja champion in 126 lbs, Lumpinee champion in 126 lbs, Radja champion in 130 lbs, WBC, WPMF and WMC World Champion, in 135 lbs
Nickname: “Eyelash Killer”
Best opponents he beat: Singdam Kiatmuu 9 (KO), Petchek Sitjaopor (KO), Bovy Sor Udomson (KO), Nopparat Keatkamton (KO), Kongpipop Petchyindee (KO), Lerdsila Chumpairtour (KO), Thongchai Tor Silachai, Phuja Sor Suwanee (KO), Nungubon Sitlerchai (KO), Orono Tawan (KO), Wutidet Lookprabat, Ronnachai Naratrikoon (KO) !
Fighter Style: Strong punches with good low kicks, formidable puncher
Most important purse: 500,000 baht
Particular Sign: Was elected “Best Boxer of the Year” in 2003 and 2004. Won the famous Isuzu 14 Tournament in the stadium of Omnoi in 2004. Considered as the biggest puncher of the 2000s. Defeated foreign champions Hassan Ait Bassou (KO), Imran Khan, Liam Harrison (TKO), Houcine Bennoui
Saenchai Sor Kingstar
Real name: Supachai Saenpong
Date of birth: July 30, 1980
City of birth: Kosumpisai in Mahasarakam province
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 115 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs (3 times), Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs (2 times), WPMF World Champion in 122 lbs, WPMF World Champion in 140 lbs, WBC World Champion in 135 lbs, WBC World Champion in 140 lbs, MIAA World Champion in 140 lbs
Nickname: “Genious Fighter”
Best opponents he beat: Jomthong Chuwattana, Kongsak Sitboonmee (4 times), Khem Sor Ploenchit, Bovy Sor Udomsorn, Singdam Kiatmuu9 (4 times), Orono Wor Petchpun, Nong O Sit Or (6 times), Petchboonchu FA Group (4 times), Sagetdao Petpayathai, Penek Sitnumnoi
Fighter Style: Stylishly fighter with various tactics and good combinations
Most important purse: 300,000 baht
Particular Sign: Was voted “Best Boxer of the Year” in 1999 and 2008. Won the famous Toyota Marathon Tournament twice. Considered the best fighter of the 2000s all categories. Defeated the greatest foreign champions in his category Fabio Pinca (1 win, 1 loss), Rachid Belani, Liam Harrison, Yetkin Ozkul (KO), Imran Khan (TKO), Kevin Ross, Mehdi Zatout, Damien Alamos, Houcine Bennoui, Rafi Bohic, Andrei Kulebin, Victor Nagbe, Stephen Meleady, Morgan Adrar, Charles Francois. Associated with Mr. Somchai Tedrungruang, he created the Saenchai Muay Thai Gym in Bangkok
Singdam Kiatmuu9
Real name: Uthit Kraotprakone
Date of birth: January 1, 1984
City of birth: Prakonchai in Buriram province
Title: Thailand Champion in 126 lbs, Thailand Champion in 130 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs, Thailand Champion in 135 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs (2 times), Lumpinee Champion in 140 lbs
Nickname: “Fierce Tiger of Cambodia”
Best opponents he beat: Saenchai Sor Kingstar (4 times), Kaew Fairtex (3 times), Nong O Kayanghaddao (5 times), Leudsila Chumpertour, Samkor Keatmontip, Orono Wor Petchpun (5 times), Yodseanklai Fairtex, Petboonchu FA Group (2 times), Saketdao Phetpayathai, Kongsak Sitboonmee, Nongbee Kiatyongyut, Jomthong Chuwattana, Attachai Fairtex
Fighter Style: Good knee striker with strong swing kicks
Most important purse: 120,000 baht
Particular Sign: Was voted “Best Boxer of the Year” in 2002. Received the “Best Lumpinee Stadium Boxer” Trophy in 2003. Won the famous Toyota Marathon Tournament twice in 2001 and 2014
Kaew Fairtex
Real name: Saravuth Prapraipetch
Date of birth: 5 September 1984
City of birth: Phukiew in Chayaphum province
Title: Thailand Champion in 126 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs, Thailand Champion in 130 lbs, WBC World Champion in 130 lbs, WPMF World Champion in 140 lbs
Nickname: “The Magic Southpaw”
Best opponents he beat: Lertsila Chumpertour (2 times), Sam A Thor Rattanakiat (3 times), Sarawut Lukbanyai (3 times), Ninmongkol Kaennorasing (KO), Petchmankong Sit Or, Wanmeechai Menayotin
Fighter Style: A southpaw fighter with good combinations and strong punches
Most important purse: 170,000 baht
Particular Sign: Won 3 times the famous Japanese K1 GP Tournament in 2014, 2016 and 2018. Is still at the famous Fairtex camp in Pattaya
Nong B Kiatyongyuth
Real name: Adisak Duangyai
Date of birth: 16 July 1981
City of birth: Chalermphrakiat in Nakhon Si Thamarat province
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 105 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs, WMC World Champion in 126 lbs
Nickname: “Tsunami knee striker”
Best opponents he beat: Khem Sor Ploenchit (3 times), Anuwat Kaewsamrit (2 times), Tongchai Thor Silachai, Saenchai Sor Kingstar, Yodseanchai Sityodtong, Deanthoranee Nakontongpakyu, Attachai Fairtex, Bowy Sor Udomsorn, Watcharachai Kaewsamrit
Fighter Style: An offensive fighter with good knees tactics and powerful left kick
Most important purse: 100,000 baht
Particular sign: Coach in different gyms in Thailand. Is married to a Norwegian
Attachai Fairtex
Real name: Pornsak Bunrat
Date of birth: May 29, 1980
City of birth: Rattanaburi in Surin province
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs, WMC World Champion in 108 lbs
Nickname: “Left hand from god”
Best opponents he beat: Namkabuan Nong Kee Pahuyut (2 times), Anuwat Kaewsamrit, Kompayak Singmanee, Matee Jedipitak, Samkor Kietmontep, Lamnamnoon Sumalee, Kongpipop Petchyindee (2 times)
Fighter Style: Proper timing fighter with powerful left kick
Most important purse: 150,000 baht
Particular Sign: Has been a Singapore coach at Evolve Mixed Martial Arts. At his own boxing gym, the Attachai Muay Thai Gym in Bangkok. Defeated foreign champions Fabio Pinca, Kamel Jemel, Ait Bassou
Jomthong Chuwattana
Real name: Thanakorn Pawachart
Date of birth: 28 July 1989
City of birth: Mahachanachai in Yasothorn province
Title: Radja Champion in 118 lbs, Radja Champion in 126 lbs, Radja Champion in 130 lbs, WMC World Champion in 126 lbs, WBC World Champion in 130 lbs, WBC World Champion in 135 lbs, S1 World Champion in 135 lbs
Nickname: “The Great Sky Rocket”
Best opponents he beat: Anuwat Kaewsamrit (2 times), Nong O Sit Or (2 times), Petchek Sitjaopor, Watcharachai Kaewsamrit, Lerdsila Chumpairtour (3 times), Sarawut Lukbanyai, Nongbee Kiatyongyut, Kaew Fairtex, Sagetdao Phetphayathai (3 times)
Fighter Style: Good combinations fighter with strong punches and kicks
Most important purse: 100,000 baht
Particular Sign: Was elected “Best Boxer of the Year” in 2006. Won the famous Kunlun Fight Tournament in China in 2016. Fight in Boxing with 10 professional fights to his credit for 9 victories. Fought in 2015 in Boxing for the WBA world title of the super featherweights against the titleholder champion, the Japanese Takashi Uchiyama with a defeat by KO
Nong O Sit Or
Real Name: Kothanon Apichet
Date of birth: November 10, 1986
City of birth: Baanmoung in Sakon Nakon province
Title: Thailand Champion in 118 lbs, Thailand Champion in 122 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs (2 times), Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs, Radja Champion in 135 lbs, Thailand Champion in 135 lbs
Nickname: “Top Fighter from Sakon”
Best opponents he beat: Anuwat Kaewsamrit, Petchboonchu FA Group (5 times), Pakorn Sakyotin, Kompayak Fairtex, Wutidet Lookprabat (2 times), Denkiri Sor Sommay, Orono Wor Petchpun, Lerdsila Chumpaetour, Jomthong Chuwattana, Singdam Kiatmuu9 (6 times), Kongsak Sitboonme, Sam A Kaiyanghadaogym
Fighter Style: Strong righthanded fighter with good combinations
Most important purse: 150,000 baht
Particular Sign: Was elected “Best Boxer of the Year” in 2005. Won twice the famous Toyota Marathon Tournament in 2011 and 2014. Has been sacred World champion in 147 lbs in 2019 in the famous organization One Championship Muay Thai. Defeated foreign champions Fabio Pinca and Mehdi Zatout
Buakaw Pro Pramuk
Real name: Sombat Bunchamek
Date of birth: May 8, 1982
City of birth: Samrongtap in Surin province
Title: Thailand champion in 126 lbs, Omnoi stadium champion in 122 lbs, Omnoi stadium champion in 126 lbs, Omnoi stadium champion in 135 lbs, World Champion, S1, WMC, WBC Diamond and WBC in 160 lbs
Nickname: “Black Gold”
Best opponents he beat: Jomhod Kiatadisak, Khunsuk Petchsupaphan (2 times), Sakadpetch Sor Sakunpan, Samranchai 96 Peenang, Sinchainoi Sor Kittichai, Tongchai Por Prabaht, Petarung Sor Suwanpakdee, Petcharun Sor Ploenchit
Fighter Style: Very strong fighter with good combinations
Most important purse: 2,000,000 Baht
Particular Sign: The first champion to win the Toyota Marathon in 140 lbs in 2002. The only Thai fighter to win twice the famous K1 World Max Tournament in Japan in 2004 and 2006. Won the famous Thai Fight Tournament in 2011 and 2012. Thai fighter who won the biggest purses in the history of Muay Thai. At his own gym, the Banchamek Gym in Bangkok. Won all the best foreign fighters in his category, Satoshi Kobayashi, John Wayne Parr, Masato Kobayashi, Albert Kraus, Jean-Charles Skarbowsky, Andy Souwer, Dzhabar Askerov, Nieky Holzken, Jordan Watson, Youssef Boughanem, Abdallah Mabel, Enriko Kehl, Dylan Salvador, Andrei Kulebin, Sergey Kulyaba
YEAR 2010
Petchboonchu F.A. Group
Real name: Yuttaphong Sittichoat
Date of birth: May 8, 1990
City of birth: Kumpawapi in Udon Thani province
Title: Thailand Champion in 105 lbs, Thailand Champion in 108 lbs, Thailand Champion in 112 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs, Thailand Champion in 122 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs, Thailand Champion in 135 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs, World Champion WMC in 135 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs, Thailand Champion in 140 lbs, Radja Champion in 140 lbs
Nickname: “Knee Striker of Khong River”
Best opponents he beat: Saenchai Sor Kingstar (3 times), Yodvicha Por Boonsit (2 times), Chamuaktong Sor Yupida, Panomrunglek Kiatmuu9, Wuttihidet Lookprabat, Jomthong Chuwattana (2 times), Singdam Kiatmuu9 (4 times), Sakeddao Phetpayathai, Pakorn PK Saenchai Gym, Nong O Sit Or (2 times)
Fighter Style: Very good knee striker in close quarter
Most important purse: 110,000 baht
Particular Sign: Won the famous Toyota Marathon Tournament in 2014. Was elected “Best Lumpinee Boxer” in 2013 and 2014. He also received in 2013 the “Best Fighter of Year” Award by the famous magazine Siamkeela. Coach at Evolve Mixed Martial Arts in Singapore
Sam A Kayanghaadao
Real name: Thanapat Juabrum
Date of birth: 13 October 1983
City of birth: Chamni in Buriram province
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 115 lbs, Thailand Champion in 115 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs, Thailand Champion in 122 lbs, Thailand Champion in 126 lbs
Nickname: “Southpaw brush fire”
Best opponents he beat: Penek Sitnumnoi (KO), Sangmanee Sor Tienpo, Pornsanae Sitmonchai (4 times), Petchboonchu FA Group (2 times), Wuttidet Lookprabat, Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9 (2 times), Superlek Kiatmuu9 (2 times), Phet Utong Or Kwanmuang (2 times)
Fighter Style: Powerful left kicker with good timing
Most important purse: 120,000 baht
Particular Sign: Was elected “Best Lumpinee Boxer” in 2011. Won the title of World One Championship Champion in 2018 by beating champion Sergio Wielzen by KO. Coach at Evolve Mixed Martial Arts in Singapore
Kongsak Sitboonmee
Real name: Kumpon Sutti
Date of birth: November 12, 1990
City of birth: Prakonchai in Buriram province
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs, Thailand Champion in 126 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs, WMC World Champion in 130 lbs
Nickname: “Dynamite Left Kicker”
Best opponents he beat: Jomthong Chuwattana, Petchboonchu F.A. Group (2 times), Pakorn Sakyotin, Sitmonchai Pornsanae, Nong O Sit Or, Saeksan Or Kwanmuang, Yodwicha Por Boonsit, Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9, Penek Sitnumnoi (2 times)
Fighter Style: Strong fighter with powerful left kick
Most important purse: 120,000 baht
Particular Sign: Was elected “Best Boxer of the Year” in 2010. His Uncle is the former legend of rings Changpuek Kiatsongrit
Sangmanee Sor Tianpo
Real name: Phongsakorn Suttidej
Date of birth: 20 March 1997
City of birth: Munjakeeree in Khon Kaen Province
Title: Omnoi stadium champion in 105 lbs, Lumpinee champion in 105 lbs, Radja champion in 108 lbs, Radja champion in 112 lbs, Radja champion in 115 lbs, S1 World Champion in 110 lbs
Nickname: “The students favorite”
Best opponents he beat: Prajanchay Por Petchnamthong (2 times), Panpayak Jitmuangnon (2 times), Superbank Mor Ratanabandit, Phet Utong Or Kwanmuang (2 times), Thanonchai Thanakorngym (2 times), Muangthai PK Saenchaimuaythaigym (2 times), Kongsak Sitboonmee, Petmorakot Teedet99
Fighter Style: Good timing fighter with various tactics
Most important purse: 130,000 baht
Particular Sign: Was voted “Best Boxer of the Year” in 2012. Won the King Fighter Tournament at the Lumpinee Stadium in 2014. At only 16 years old, he won the belt of Lumpinee and Radja. Top model for several Thai magazines
Yodwicha Por Boonsit
Real name: Komsun Puntakob
Date of birth: 18 April 1996
City of birth: Paktongchai in Nakhon Ratchassima province
Title: Omnoi stadium champion in 126 lbs, Lumpinee champion in 130 lbs, Thailand champion in 135 lbs, Thailand champion in 140 lbs
Nickname: “Miracle knee striker”
Best opponents he beat: Saenchai Sor Kingstar, Kongsak Sitboonmee, Nong O Sit Or, Petboonchu FA Group (4 times), Singdam Kiatmuu9 (3 times), Thongchai Sitsongpeenong, Petawee Sor Kittichai
Fighter Style: An enduring fighter with tough knee strikes
Most important purse: 130,000 baht
Particular Sign: Was elected “Best Boxer of the Year” in 2012. Won in China the famous Top King World Series Tournament in 2017. Train and fight for gym Kem Muay Thai Gym, the gym of star Kem Sitsongpeenong. Defeated foreign champions Jimmy Vienot, Bobo Sacko, Azize Hlali, Umar Semata
Saiyoke Pumpanmuang
Real name: Sakda Niamhoam
Date of birth: 23 October 1983
City of birth: Bangrakam in Pisanulok province
Title: Radja Champion in 140 lbs, WMC World Champion in 140 lbs, Thailand Champion in 147 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 154 lbs, WMO World Champion in 160 lbs
Nickname: “Terminator Elbow Striker”
Best opponents he beat: Chanajon PK Saenchaimuaythaigym (KO), Samranchai 96 Peenang (2 times), Bernung Sakhomsin (3 times), Singsiri Por Sirichai, Laemthong Thor Ponchai
Fighter Style: Good combinations fighter with powerful elbow strikes
Most important purse: 450,000 Baht
Particular Sign: Won the famous Thai Fight Tournament in 2014. Beat all the best foreigners in his category, Bruce Macfie, Armen Petrosyan, Rudolf Durica, Warren Stevelmans, Farid Villaume, Abdallah Mabel, Andrei Kulebin, Vuyisile Colossa, Fabio Pinca, Mickael Piscitello, Jordan Watson, Antoine Pinto
Yodsaenklai Fairtex
Real name: Yodtanong Pohratt
Date of birth: 1 July 1985
City of birth: Nonesunk in Nhongbualumpoo province
Title: Lumpinee Champion in 105 lbs, Lumpinee Champion in 147 lbs, Thailand Champion in 154 lbs, WMC World Champion in 154 lbs, WPMF World Champion in 168 lbs
Nickname: “The Contender Hero”
Best opponents he beat: Kem Sitsongpeenong (KO), Sam A Kaiyanghaadaogym, Kaew Fairtex, Watcharachai Kaewsamrit, Sakadpetch Ingram gym, Samkor Keatmontep, Lamsongkram Chuwattana (KO), Malaipet Team Diamond (KO), Narupol Fairtex (KO)
Fighter Style: Good combinations fighter with tough weapons, big durable boxer
Most important purse: 300,000 baht
Particular Sign: Won the famous Thai Fight Tournament in 2013 and the King Cup Tournament in 2010. Winner of the famous TV Show Contender Asia in 2008. Beat all the best foreigners of his category, John Wayne Parr, Bruce Macfie, Farid Villaume, Artem Levin, Vuyisile Colossa, Yohan Lidon, Cosmo Alexandre, Marco Pique, Jordan Watson, Karim Ghajji, Antoine Pinto, Gregory Choplin, Dzhabar Askerov, Samy Sana, Marat Grigorian, Enriko Kehl, Chris Ngimbi, Andy Souwer
Kem Sitsongpeenong
Real name: Surasak Pakkotakang
Date of birth: 16 December 1984
City of birth: Vapeepathum in Maha Sarakam province
Title: Thailand Champion in 122 lbs, Radja Champion in 130 lbs, Thailand Champion in 154 lbs, World Champion WMC and WBC in 154 lbs
Nickname: “Wicked Tiger from Vapeepathum”
Best opponents he beat: Saenchai Sor Kingstar, Nopparat Kiatkamthorn (KO), Nongbee Kiatyongyut, Puja Sor Suwannee, Konpipop Phetyindee (KO), Singmanee Sor Srisompong, Big Ben Chor Praram 6, Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee (KO), Prakaisaeng Sit Or
Fighter Style: Good timing fighter with tough weapons
Most important purse: 400,000 baht
Particular Sign: Won the famous Thai Fight Tournament in 2011 and the King Cup Tournament in 2008. Winner of big Tournaments, Isuzu in 2011 and Toyota Marathon in 2012. At his own gym, the Kem Muay Thai Gym in Klong Phai in the Nakhon Ratchasima area. Defeated foreign champions Rudolf Durica, Fabio Pinca, Abdallah Mabel, Mickael Piscitello, Dylan Salvador, Toby Smith, Sergey Kulyaba, Umar Semata