ORONO POR MUANG UBON (Career 1990-2000)
ORONO « SAM O » POR MUANG UBON
Orono whose real name is Somkid Deomprakon was born to a Thai mother and an American father. He was trained in Muay Thai in the famous Por Muang Ubon Gym which included great champions like Nungtrakarn and Nungubon.
The origin of his name “Orono” comes from the former Venezuelan boxing champion, Raphael Orono who won the WBC world champion belt in 115 lbs in 1980. Raphael Orono lost for the WBA world championship in 1985, in the stadium of Radja, against the biggest Thai puncher in Khaosai Galaxy history. It was after seeing this match between these two legends of the noble Art that the camp coach Por Muang Ubon gave the fighter name “Orono” to Somkid Deomprakon. Because he found that the Boxing champion Raphael Orono had an incredible physical resemblance to the young nakmuay Somkid.
Nicknamed “Sam O” (3 O), Orono was a fighter with a particular style, a very difficult southpaw to beat. An exceptional durable boxer who has sometimes taken too many hits during his long professional career. At 40 years old, Orono was still fighting. He has fought over 250 fights.
In October 1993, Orono lost to Phetdam Sityodthong for the Lumpinee belt in 135 lbs. But he then won this Lumpinee belt in 135 lbs in 1994, a belt that he defended three times victoriously, notably against the legendary Jongsanan Fairtex, on March 28 in 1995.
Orono also won a world champion belt in 140 lbs against Sangtiennoi and Nuathoranee. As well as a belt of World champion in 147 lbs against the great French champion Stephane Nikiema in Tokyo in 2000.
Orono had a lot of very hard fights especially against Sakmongkol Sitchuchok, they met seven times, Orono won once, Sakmongkol won five times and they drew a match. The two champions received in 1998 for their memorable confrontation the trophy of “Hardest match of the year in Lumpinee”.
In 1994, on October 24, in the stadium of Radja, after the decision of the match between Orono Por Muang Ubon and Pairoj Wor Wolapon, the punters started a riot in the stadium which almost degenerated. Pairoj Wor Wolapon was given the points winner to the public’s surprise. To calm the crowd, the official had to announce on the microphone the cancellation of the verdict, the result was a match without a winner. Orono and Pairoj met a year later, on December 24, 1995, in the stadium of Lumpinee, and Orono won the match by KO. The match was voted “Best Fight of the Year” by the “Association of Sports Journalists of Thailand”.
In 1994, Orono was also voted “Best Boxer of the Year” by “The Sport Writers Association of Thailand”.
Orono defeated the greatest champions of his time as Jongsanan Fairtex, Pairoj Wor Wolapon (KO), Tuktathong Por Pongsawang, Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj, Sakmongkol Sitchuchok, Rodtang Wor Thaweekiet, Nuathoranee Wor Thaweekiet, Namkabuan Nong Kee Pahuyuth, Den Muangsurin, Namphon Nong Kee Pahuyuth, Somchaï Sor Nanthana (KO), Dejpitak Sityodtong, Saenchai Kiatworawut, Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, Suriya Sor Ploenchit, Kompayak Singmanee, Praphayree Sitphraphom, Jirasak Por Pongsawang!
Orono is arguably one of the Thai champions of the 90’s who has met the most foreign fighters.
At 19, in 1993, Orono defeated legendary Dutchman Ramon Dekkers in Bangkok. He won again against the Dutchman in 1995.
Orono faced champions such as Farid Villaume (Loss), Mickael Lieuwfat (Victory by KO), Morad Sari (1 victory, 1 loss), Soren Eminentair (Loss), John Wayne Parr (1 victory by TKO, 1 loss), Dany Bill (2 Losses), Stephane Nikiema (Victory), Jean-Charles Skarbowsky (2 losses including one by TKO, 1 draw), Vlad Malko (Victory by TKO).
Orono is now a trainer at the 13 Coins Resort camp in Bangkok.
BY SERGE TREFEU