MUAY THAI LEGENDS

There are many legends of Muay Thai this is but a selection of those who have stood out.To be a great fighter requires courage, skill, tenacity and tremendous fitness amongst many other attributes, but there is one that stands out above all else - SPIRIT. This is what separates the legends from the greats and the greats from the good.

It is with kind permission of the USMTA INC (Thanks Curt!) that I have reproduced and added their page as I felt it is the best representation of some of the legendary Nak Muay to whom we all aspire - Kru Yai Shaun Boland."

Sook Prasarthinpimai "Yak Pikamod"

First boxing Training: With corporal Boon Choorat. First Boxing bout: At a makeshift stadium in his the Pimai District at the age of 21 and knocked out his opponent Nai Bao in the second round.

When he was released in 1946, he immediately headed for the Rajadamnern Stadium. With support from stadium manager Pramote Puengsoontorn, Sook was allowed to box in a test match, since he was already 34 years old. Despite his age, he defeated his younger opponent with a KO in the fourth round.Only a few days after his match, Sook faced a murder charge and was sentenced to a 20 year imprisonment at the Nakorn Ratchasima Prison.

Owing to his good behaviour, the prison term was reduced to 12 years. During his jail term, he was selected to box in the special match at the mass funeral of the soldiers who died in the Indochina War. His opponent was Prasert Sor Sor, the famous boxer of that time. The match was a draw. Sooks alias derived from his fearful appearance. A big boxer with piercing eyes, Sook, with a imposing tattoos on his chest, fought with fearlessness. The elbow strike was his dangerous weapon. Sook had a very strong body structure without which he could not box at that late starting age. And he fought well too. His outstanding skills played a great part in reviving the interest in Muay Thai after the end of the World War II.

Boxing record: KO victory over Srimuang In­tarayot in the fourth round; KO Prasit Chomseemek in the third round; KO Tawee Jaimeeboon in the third round; defeated Tawan Wongtevet twice by points; two draws with Prasert Sor Sor; outscoring Saman Dilokwilas; TKO ,Sompong Vechasit in the third round; one point defeat­over Surachai Looksurin against two KO victories; defeated by Sakchai Nagapayak by points; and was knocked out by Choochai Prakanchai in the fifth round. Sook had his last match with Linglom Chaweewong who felled him in the fourth round. When he declared his retirement, he was already 41 years old.

Despite his record as a former convict, Sook Prasarthin­pimai led his life as a good citizen, so much so that he was appointed headman of his own home District at Rang­ga. He served his community up until his retirement at the age of 60. At 72, Sook is still very active in the boxing circle with many of his young relatives 'following closely in his footsteps, some even outshining him.

One of them is Sorasak Sor Lookbukalo, the former Junior Welterweight champion of the Lumpinni Stadium. Another of his success­ful) descendents is Sakad Petyindee who reached as high as world champion challenger, but was TKOed by world champion Wilfredo Gomez. The name of Sook Prasarthinpimai has become a legend. Starting at 34 and retiring at 41, no boxer has matched his extraordinary record. Not till this very day.

Choochai Prakanchai "The Adornis of the Ring"

FIRST BOXING TRAINING With Kru Poon Prakanchai.

Choocnai had his first boxing match at a temporarily built ring of the Pattanakorn Theatre. He came out even with his opponent Tawat Wongtevet.

Stepping up, the twenty-year old Muay Thai boxer bad his first match at the prestigious Rajadamnern Stadium in 1945 and easily defeated Suwat Pornpompoh by a technical knock-out.

As for his records, out of his total 25 bouts, Choochai had 8 technical knock-out victories, 11 point victories, one even match, and four defeats. One of the outstanding Muay Thai boxers of our time, Choochai had several memorable matches during his career. His records include a victory over Banchong Silachai which brought him a commendation blazer in the crowd-drawing Eight Big Dragons match; his outscoring a Filipino boxer Speedy Navaro in international boxing bout; a technical knock-out over Sook Prasarthinpimai in 1951 which won him 17,000 baht, the highest cash award of that time; and his outscoring Prasit Chomsrimek at the exciting bout in Chiang Mai Province.

Compared to other star boxers, Choochai had couch fewer boxing statistics than other boxers of his time because his career was cut short due to his health. He had been barred from the ring for several years after doctors found that he was inflicted with tuberculosis. Despite this, Choochai kept his boxing skills sharpened. At 50, he represented Muay Thai and fought a karate master from Japan, Hideo Asano at the Rajadamnern Stadium. Without much difficulty, he downed his opponent in a technical knockout in the fourth round. Choochai is remembered as much for his extremely good looks as for his boxing skills. His eye-catching looks, coupled with his artistic talents, helped this star of the ring to shine in other circles, and as brilliantly.

With his fame and looks, Choochai easily became an idol in the celluloid world. The historical film "Pantai Narasingha," in which he starred opposite the famous actress Supan Buranapim, was a big success. Its theme song "Nam Ta Sang Tai" was also a big hit and is now considered a classic.

Choochai's presence also felt in the journalistic circle with his refined literary skill unexpected of a tough boxer. Choochai was a close aide of the former Prime Minister M.R. Kukrit Pramoj at the time when this extraordinary leader was still actively involved as director of his Siam Rath newspaper. Armed with literary flair, Choochai was known for his work in all forms of Thai poetry. His craftsmanship in amulet engraving was as outstanding. Apart from Muay Thai, Choochai also imprinted his styles in bowling, playing for the Thai league in various overseas competition. Choochai has two younger brothers who followed his footsteps in boxing. Neither of them, however, could match Choochai's success. Today, Choochai Prakanchai has changed his name to Choochai Rittiruechai.

Prayuth Udomsak "The Simok Horse"

He started boxing training by himself at the age of 15 when he was studying in grade 8. He later sought more professional guidance from Kru Monthon Udomchoke, owner of the Udomsak Camp. Using "Yuth Sor Boonsong" as his boxing name, Prayuth had his first boxing match against Sima Tiamkamhaeng at the boxing stadium of Nam Chae Theatre and outscored his opponent . In 1944, the young and aspiring boxer headed for Bangkok and had his first match at the Tha Pra Chand Stadium against Sawat Panlop whom he knocked out in the second round. Three years later, Prayuth boxed in a historic match which marked the inauguration of the Rajadamnern Stadium in October 1947 and had a point victory over Som Pol Clause.

Muay Thai : 81 bouts; 30 KO victories, 32 point victories, 8 even matches, 7 Ko and TKO de- feats and 4 point defeats. His cash award totaled 477,710 baht at the time when the monthly salary of the C.1 government official was only 450 baht. AWARDS: He won the Four Wayupak commendation jacket from a KO victory over Tawat Wongtevet in the last round; honorary gown from the Armed Forces; the Gold Doll Award as outstanding Boxer in 1951 ; twice Middle- weight champion of the Rajadamnern Stadium; 30 Khannam Parnrongowards; one golden cup; and 75 silver cups.

International Boxing: Point victory over Sakdichai Nagapayak; two point defeats against one KO victory in the fourth round with Somsri Tiamkamhaeng; three KO defeats over Somdej Yontrakij; one draw, one TKO defeat (first round) against two point victories with Surachai Looksurin; and with Plian Kingpet, one TKO victory and one KO defeat. As for his only three international boxing bouts, Prayuth knocked out Jimmy Bird in the fourth round, outscored Pirk Singhapallop and was out pointed by Umman Somdang. Prayuth was a genuine gentleman boxer. And that is why he also won the spectators' hearts in his every match, no matter whether he actually won or lost the fight. His fearful weapon was his straight right punch. Prayuth's fights were always exciting matches, and clean.

Very clean. He never took advantage of his opponents. And he applied this principle in and out of the ring, the virtue that gained him the name "The Gentleman from the Highlands" apart from his other name "The Simok Horse."Simok is a famous legendary horse in a Thai classical literature " "Khun Chang Khun Paen," belonging to the hero or Khun Paen. Prayuth gained this nickname from his masculine and speedy body like that of a horse. His beautiful masculine figure is well-proportioned and full of firm muscles. He also move at high speed, each movement designed to put his opponents off their guards, posing them danger every second during the fight. During his career as a boxer, Prayuth was never once booed by the spectators. His defeats never caused them to lose their faith. There were times that he was defeated but it was still he who won the applause while his victorious opponents received but curses from the spectators. ' Today, the old Simok Horse is a C.6 government official at the Revenue Department, the Ministry of Finance. He retired in 1985.

Apidej Sit-Hirun

BOXING TRAINING: Apidej had his first formal Muay Thai training with Suporn Wongsaroj and boxed under the name of Apidej Lookpornchai.After only a few bouts, the young boxer became widely known in his home regions, namely ThaChalorm, Mahachai, and Bang Nok Kwaek districts for his violent and powerful kicks. The aspiring Apidej later joined the Sit-Hirun Camp run by Kasem and A-ngoon lampinyo. Despite his flair, some still doubt his potential since he was often unexpectedly defeated. But after rigorous training and firm determination on his part, Apidej successfully polished his tactics and became one of the best known Muay Thai boxer to date.

Of all the Muay Thai boxers of a heavy division, Apidej is the boxer with the most fearful kick strike of the past 20 years. It can be said that there has never been a boxer to match his kick ever since.

The name Apidej Sit-Hirun captured the boxing fans' imagination when he impressively kicked his way to victory in the bout against Danchai Yontrakit who was downed in the third round. Several other well-known boxers lined up to meet him, in order to be defeated, one after another. He outscored the famous Adul Srisothorn and his kicks almost ruined Sompong Charoenmuang's boxing career by breaking his arms.

As a matter of fact, Apidej defeated all the Muay Thai stars of that time. But his most persistent opponent was none other than Dejrit Itti-anuchit. They took turn winning and losing for as many as 11 times. The second most persistent could be Kongdej Lookbangplasoi who had four memorable matches with Apidej.

A highly exceptional boxer, Apidej is a good boxer in both Muay Thai and international boxing. At one time he held seven Welterweight titles of both Muay Thai and international boxing. This historic record has never been broken since. On international level, Apidej's skills won him the championship of the Eastern Region, and, more yet, a world champion contender. His boxing statistics totalled 177 bouts in both Muay Thai and international boxing.

He won the Welterweight championship of the Rajadamnern Stadium by outscoring Srisawat Sitsorpor. And he took over the Lumpini Stadium championship by defeating Dejrit Itti-anuchit by a technical knock-out. This victory simultaneously made him champion of the Professional Boxers Association of Thailand.

Feeling that he was getting too old to box, Apidej retired after he got married. Even then, he was coaxed back to the ring for a few more bouts with younger boxers. He was defeated. But everyone knew that it was his age that was the real killer. Apidej's impressive kick are firmly imprinted in the minds of his fans. For whenever one talks of the kick ace in Muay Thai, it is Apidej who is still number one.

Vicharnnoi Porntawee "The Immortal Boxer"

Trained by Chaleao Tinnamora who was his first mentor when he was a boy As a young boy he took up his first boxing name of Vicharnoi Srimuangnont. He started his boxing career in 1960 weighing 47 kilograms and continued to box until he was 34. He officially hung up his gloves in 1981. During his twenty-year boxing career, from a thin small boy to a Lightweight champion, Vicharnnoi changed his camp three times. He started with "Srimuangnont", then switched to "Porntawee", before finally joining the "Petchyindee" camp where he stayed until the end of his boxing career. Altogether, he has boxed in more than one hundred matches. The combination of his high-skills and his extraordinarily long prime in the boxing ring when compared to other boxers accounted for his being named the "Immortal Boxer".

Vicharnnoi won public admiration as a real fighter. He has a lengthy fighting history and great success to his credit. He was a three-time champion of Thai boxing, a Flyweight champion of both stadiums and a Junior Lightweight champion of Rajadamnern Stadium.

A highly skilled fighter, his bout always guaranteed an exciting match for boxing fans. This is why Vicharnnoi often appeared in the crowd-drawing leading pair in various charity matches. Sometimes he had to fight an opponent more than 10 pounds heavier than himself. But one thing the crowd could be sure of, Vicharnnoi always gave his best. Win or lose, Vicharnnoi always impressed his fans with his guts and style.

This "Immortal Boxer" has one special characteristic. He only agreed to fight when he felt he was physica!ly fit. With'the slightest hint of not being at his peak condition, Vicharnnoi would ask to postpone his fight fearing he would give his fans less than his best. And he admitted his worst fear was to be booed out of the ring by his fans. His fears were well-justified. He had earlier been dismissed from the ring twice for not fighting up to his honour. The rumours that Vicharnnoi had been "bought" was later cleared. He was simply not physically fit enough to give a good fight.

Vicharnnoi was an exceptional model to other boxers. From a humble origin, the poor boy with only a primary school education has successfully built himself up to be a highly respectable figure in his community. Financially, he also operates a successful business, set up with his hardearned savings. And socially, Vicharnnoi has been elected municipality council member of the Nonthaburi Province for several terms up to the present. Indeed, his success is certainly not confined to the boxing ring.

But the love of boxing is in his blood. Even after he has quit professional boxing, Vicharnnoi still cannot divorce himself from the boxing circle. With money to support his devotion to boxing, he has set up a boxing camp of his own which he named "Vicharnnoi Store." And his store has produced several young boxers who seem to be well on their way to their own prominence. He said: "Thai boxing is. an art' of self-defence and a profession which can yield fruitful and fulfilling results. It is a national heritage we Thai people should cherish and protect with utmost love ....Forever.

Poot Lorlek

At 15 with Sawat Sangswannachai. Started boxing under the name "Prakaip Sor. Pinyo" in the southern province areas. More tha ten matches. No defeats. In 1968. The young boxer from Trang came to Bangkc with high hopes.

He stayed with his uncle, a former fly-weight champion "Ginggaew Bangyeekhan," and learned mor boxing tactics from him. Ready to show his forte, Tawee took up the boxing name of "Poot Lorlek" and appeared in the Lumpinni' Saturday TV boxing program. In this opening match which is usually for new faces Poot outscored Sirinarong Saktanin. The famous promote "Kru Tao" became his patron, providing Poot with opponents to further sharpen his skills.

Poot was a Thai boxer with very colourful tactics, a rea pleasure to watch. Sharp eyes, remarkable agility and speec were his trademark. A clever boxer, he also uses his brains and very brig'it one at that, when facing opponents. All these elements help explain why he was dubbed "The Angel Boxer." It was simply because he was rarely beaten. Out of some 80 matches, he was never knocked out, or even counted down: Poot was the star of his time remaining at its height for seven years from 1970-1977.

His records said it all. Poot once successfully tool the Junior Featherweight championship from Samyar Singsorntorn. But he eventually had to relinquish the championship, simply because no one dared to challenge him. Poot was one of those Thai boxers who often encountered opponents heavier than himself. His skills and speed, however, helped him to come out on top always.

Poot earned the title the "Great Thai Boxer" in 1975 by defeating his long-time arch-rival Vicharnnoi Porntawee who had defeated him twice earlier. Fans flocked to the Lumpinni stadium to see the historic fight which grossed more than one million baht, a rare event in those days.

Another match which won Poot much fame was the fight with Japanese Ikari Kensiu who was landed on the canvas by Poot's deadly high kick. Poot eventually had to turn to international boxing because it became hard for him to find a challenger in Thai boxing. And his forte also shone in this new arena. Poot became the Lightweight champion of Rajadamnern Stadium by knocking down Malaithong Sinkhunyok in the seventh round. Stepping up internationally, Poot boxed with various foreign opponents of both regional and world challenger levels, and successfully brought honor to the country. In the World Boxing Council, Poot's name was listed as the 6th challenger in the Lightweight division.

It was most unfortunate that Poot stopped his still rising career at this point. With some unresolved problems, Poot left his camp and became an independent boxer fighting for bets in provincial boxing rings. And as always, he came out the winner despite little preparation for these fights. Today, Poot is approaching mid-thirties. He has returned to his hometown in Trang Province, renting out his rubber plantation and is now a fervent fan and patron of cock-fighting.

But refusing to bury his boxing skill in the past, Poot, is also engaging himself in ring life as trainer, passing on his knowledge to young and aspiring boxers. Few can recognize the slim and speedy Poot nowadays with a weight of over 80 kilogram's. But he is still fast. Just recently, Poot was asked to fight Hern Silatong, former Rajadamnern's Junior Middleweight champion for a charity match. It ended as anyone would expect. Poot won.

Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn

Real name: Charin Sorndee. Birthplace: Tambon Huakoon, Nakornluang District. Birth date December 26, 1961. Dieselnoi had his first boxing training with Banchong Ngarm-ket who is the owner of the "Sor Banchongsak" training camp. His first boxing name then was Dieselnoi Sor Banchongsak. Although he weighed only 32 kilograms at that time, he was never defeated. After 4-5 bouts, he changed camp and Thai boxed at Sri Raja District, Chol Buri Province. For a while under the name "Dieselnoi Sor Vorakulchai."

He was the constant winner throughout his twenty odd bouts there. Then he joined the Chor Thanasukarn although but still Thai boxed under his old name. In 1969, he changed his name and boxed for the Chor Thanasukarn camp, run by the energetic Somchai and Sirinand Duangprasertdee. He has remained with this camp up until now at the height of his fame with no one daring to challenge him. This long-legged boxer is 183 centimeters tall. And his height is put to its maximum use. He has been trained to use his knees as his deadly weapon, and he is certainly good at it. His opponents, one after another, have been downed by his overpowering knee attacks. in 1981, he outscored Kaopong Sittichoochai, winning the Lightweight championship at Lumpinni Stadium. He was champion for four consecutive years without any challenger. And this is why he simply had to quit the post.

His extraordinary knee attacks have become a legend. He came out a winner in almost all 50 odd bouts. To list only some of his important ones -- one victory, two defeats with Vicharnnoi and four victories, one defeat with Padejsuek Pisanurachan (his defeat was a scandal since Dieselnoi only had a small cut but was unexpectedly declared defeated in a technical knock-out. The decision later brought out fierce protest). His other opponents who found him more than a match included Nonekai Sor Prapassorn, Narongnoi Kiatbandhit, Kaosod Sitpraprom, Noi Sakornpitak, and Pohsai Sittiboonlert. Dieselnoi was once outscored by Pravit Sridhani but the record remained so only because the two fighters have not had a chance to meet again.

Ironically, since Dieselnoi has proved to be too good a Thai boxer, no one dares challenge him, thus making him a "spinster" fighter. At the end of 1982, Dieselnoi was matched against Samart Payakaroon who is dubbed "The outstanding Muay Thai Boxer." But Dieselnoi rushed to his opponent, flashing out his mighty knee kicks and outscoring Saniart with flying colors. 'There was a long interval after this match before he had a chance to fight again, this time with Sakad Petyindee on June 7, 1984. Again, it was Dieselnoi's overpowering knee kicks that had won him the bout with beautiful scores.

Nowadays whenever there are foreign boxers coming here looking for a match, Dieselnoi is the favorite choice to represent Thailand. This is the same when Thai boxers are chosen to box outside the country. On July 27, 1984, Dieselnoi was matched against Peter Cunningham, a karate champion, at the Olympic Stadium, Los Angeles, USA. With high speed and precision, Dieselnoi attacked his opponent with his forceful knee kick. And he won, without much sweat.

Poodpardnoi Worawoot "The Golden Ankle Boxer"

Real name: Pon Omglin. Born: khonkaen Province, In 1951. Education: Diploma in vocational training south east asian college" At 14, with Dr Sunai Lauhavajarayothin and former boxer Somtong Lookkruen gmuekol. Poodpardnoi began his boxing career in his home province, fighting under the name of "Poodpardnoi Harnpajon." After ten victories running, the young Thai boxer decided to head for Bangkok where he could continue his studies and box at the same time.

With M. R. P. Worawoot as his manager, the young Thai boxer, taking the name of Poodpardnoi Worawoot, fought in the Flyweight division at both Rajadamnern and Lumpinni Stadium. With in two years, Poodpardnoi had become a star boxer. Out of his 19 bouts during those two years, his statistics were adorned by 17 victories. He owed his two defeats to one same opponent Kwanmuang Jitprasert. It was his over powering kick that made Poodpardnoi climb speedily up to be a top-rung boxer.

After Apidej, the kick-killer of the older generation, it was Poodpardnoi whose name could be mentioned alongside Apidej. He had won high pouplarity throughout his career which was marked by more than 100 bouts. He came out champ in the "Lolita's Hero" match as well as being a Muay Thai champ of as many as three divisions. He became a Flyweight champ by TKO Kiatpathum Panpang-nova in the fourth round. The aspiring boxer gave up this title to challenge tlie Junior Featherweight champion Suksawadi Sritevet who as was outscored by Poodpardnoi. He gave up the title again and moved to a heavier division, and easily became a Junior Lightweight champion in a bout against Chaiyuth Sittiboonlert.

Apart from his kick, another fearsome weapon was his elbow attacks. Actually one of his memorable fights was won with his elbow blow. During his bout against Huasai Sittiboonlert on April 5, 1974, Poodpardnoi was stormed by his opponent's various powerful attacks and was counted down up to eight twice in the same round . I t looked like Poodpardnoi would be knocked down any minute. Then he gathered all his strength for the last blow. He flashed out his sharp elbow blow which violently struck his opponent's chin. The blow instantly downed Huasai which prompted the crowd to their feet, the stadium filled with deafening cheer. It was the fight boxing lovers still talk about to this day.

With his guts and style, Poodpardnoi found it difficult to find challengers in the same weight division. He was, therefore, often obliged to fight opponents heavier than him. This made the fights all the more exciting for boxing fans although Poodpardnoi would not find it as forthcoming. He still managed to come out victorious in almost all of his bouts, most of them violent ones.

His good looks made him all the more popular. Women young and old were drawn towards this handsome fighter, which unfortunately partly accounted for his decline. Distracted, he was not physically fit enough to fight. And his name began to plummet. Then came the bout in the middle of 1976 against Wangwon Lookmatulee when Poodperdnoi, totally out of shape, was easily outscored. And to the surprise of his fans, the defeated Poodpardnoi declared that he would hang up his gloves right in the ring.

No one knew of his decision in advanced, not even his manager. After his retirement, Poodpardnoi left Thailand to study in the United States. He was coaxed to go back to the ring for few more bouts after he returned to Thailand, but they were all flops. Poodpardnoi was simply too much out of shape to shine in the ring. But he still puts his Muay Thai skills to good use. Today Poodpardnoi earns his living as a Muay Thai teacher in Paris, France. He is already married and it was a Parisian who won his heart.. This man challenged Benny "The Jet" Urquidez in a Muay Thai rule match many years ago and "The Jet" backed down after seeing him practice. . He was a five-time Muay Thai Champion in Bangkok.

Pol Prapradang "The Wild Boar"

BOXING RECORD: All together 350 bouts both international style boxing and Muay Thai. No KO or TKO defeats with any opponents. Not even once counted down during the fights. Making his record more spectacular is the fact that Pol often fought with much heavier boxers than himself. He belonged to the Bantam­weight division but he fought and defeated boxers in the Welterweight division without much difficulty. Pol Prapradang was a speedy boxer with colorful tactics and spectacular movements, especially in Muay Thai of which he possessed a most dangerous reverse elbow strike. His Muay Thai ceremonial prayer dance before the fight was also a legend. His "Hanuman Tob Yoong" boxing dance has had no equal.

Pol won innumerable prizes while he was boxing at the Suan Sanuk Stadium. They included commendation jackets, belts, and countless honorary medals. His skills shone equally both in Muay Thai and in. international boxing. He also made for himself by knocking out Suwan Janmee on with a reverse elbow strike, the first time in the Thai boxing record during the Rattanakosin period a Thai boxer was able to defeat an opponent with such a strike.

The well known boxers of his time which he beat included Suwan Vechasit whom he out pointed in a commendation jacket match. He also outscored Indonesian boxer Kid Ahmad, and famous Phillipino boxer Terry Ocampo. During the time of the Lak Muang Boxing Stadium, Pol won an honour jacket again by outscoring Kamol Singhapallop. Ok fighter, the much smaller Pol also managed to outpoint Jia Jengliam, the gigantic boxer from a Chinese town called A mueng. His record was as spectacular when he boxed at the Suan Jao Chet Boxing Stadium. Apart from a point victory with Hem Chitpreecha, Pol outdid himself by fighting twice with Tawal Wongtevet °° The Great Wall of China " who was 20 pounds heavier than himself. The result was one point victory and one draw.

His most persistent opponent, however, was Prasert Sor Sor whom Pol had fought for as many as 18 times. And each time was a close and extremely exciting fight, each calling upon his best strikes with only one thing in mind, to beat the other. The results were also close. Pol won six times and lost five with seven draws. This fighter/boxer from Thailand boxed abroad several times. During one his fights abroad, Pol was stranded in Singapore when the Second World War broke out in this part of the world. He was detained for about a month before he could return to Thailand.

Pol was also the first Thai boxer ever to be interna­tionally ranked in the Bantamweight division as no.8 contender after defeating David Kuigongyoung. But that lasted for three months only. He lost his rank when he was outscored by Larry Bataan in Manila.

An extraordinary fighter, Pol boxed until he was 41. His last fight, with Damrongdej Samarnchand, ended with a point defeat. Defeated by his own age, Pol hung up his gloves after that and continued. his career as junior police officer, his last rank being Pol Master Sergeant. The later days of his life were less glorious. He became paralyzed and died in 1977 at the age of 56. His name, however, still lives on.

Adul Srisothorn "The Diamond Crown Champ"

BOXING TRAINING: Adul's first trainer was Kru Uthai Palatanya. At 14, Adul had his first bout at a make-shift ring at Bang Pakong District in his hometown province. Heading for the capital, Adul had his first Bangkok bout at Rajadamnern Stadium, using the boxing name "Adul Benjamasis" and KO'ed his opponent from the Suksawadi Camp, Petchaboon Province. After this, he had Boonsong Kijklamsuan as his manager and began to use "Adul Srisotorn" as his boxing name ever since. Adul Srisotorn was a perfect model of what a boxer should be. He had the. combined skills, politeness, and forte. His calm temperament shone both in and out of the ring, the respectable quality that won him great popularity. Win or lose, Adul always received thunderous applause and deafening cheer from his fans. His name guaranteed a ticket sell out. With Adul, organizers would not know the word loss. Adul's fight represented the genuine Muay Thai art of self-defense. When Adul's time passed and he quit boxing, many Muay Thai fans simply quit going to the stadium altogether.

With a total of more than 200 bouts to his credit, Adul was a remarkable boxer in both Muay Thai and international-style boxing. As for Muay Thai, he won as many as six championship titles of various divisions. When he was in the Flyweight division, Adul outcored Sa-ngob Roongpanoo and won the "Golden Glove" championship title. He gained his alias from his point victory over Kirisak Barbos in the "Lord of the Land" championship contest. He won a diamond studded pin and was called the Diamond Crown Boxer ever since. In this division, Adul was also champion of the "King of the Land" contest by outscoring Adisak Kwangmeechai.

In the Featherweight division, Adul was champion of the Lumpini Stadium with a point victory over Isarasak Pantainorasingha. He was also champion of Lumpinni Stadium's Lightweight division by outscoring Danchai Yontrakij. He won the championship of the same division of the Rajadamnern Stadium from a point victory over Adisak Kwangmeechai.

His boxing skills equally shone in the international style boxing ring. He was Lightweight champion of the Rajadamnern Stadium by KO Danchai Yontrakit in the seventh round. The most important of his life was in 1963 when he TKO'ed Adisak ltti-anuchit in the 8th round of the match before His Majesty the King who gave him the Royal trophy for his victory. He was also no.8 contender for world champion of this division for some time.

Adul had his last Muay Thai bout on October 18, 1968. After being outscored by his opponent Mongkoldej Pitakchai, Adul declared his decision to hang up his gloves. A college graduate, Adul joined the police force after he finished his studies while pursuing his cherished Muay Thai career at tile same time. On February 10, 1976 the fateful day came. The 34-year-old Police Lieutenant Adul drove along the Asian Highway. The car overturned and what was left of this Diamond Crown Boxer was only his name to remember him by.