OLEY KIATONEWAY (Career 1980-1990)
Oley Kiatoneway whose real name is Prasit Maikaew was born on April 13, 1973 in the small town of Pak Phraek in the province of Thung Song, in the region of Nakhon Si Thammarat. A region in southern Thailand that has produced a lot of great Muay Thai champions.
Oley came from a very poor family that included nine children, five boys and four girls. Oley is the seventh child of the Maikaew family.
Oley began his boxing training with Khru Wichai Phlaikwhuang in a small camp near his home, it was he who gave young Prasit the fighter name “Oley”.
Then, Oley joined the Kietbanchong Gym which was in the city of Thungsong, a camp where there were the champions Jaroenthong, Samranthong, Chotchai. The camp was also called the Chuchockchai Gym, it belonged to Master “Mai Mueang Khon” (Chuchok Chukaewrungroj). One of the first great champions of the camp was Wuttichai Chuchockchai, it is this champion who gave the desire to become a boxer to the young Oley.
The owner of the Chuchockchai Gym also opened the Kietbanchong Gym in Bangkok. A camp which was also known as “Muay Thai School International”, it was located in the Bangseu district north of Bangkok. This camp was a reference during the 90’s with it’s plethora of ring stars such as Denkaosaen, Tanooin, Chotchai, Jareonthong, Jaroensap, Jokapop, Padmadep, Samranthong, Kiattisak, Thanurit and Oley.
Oley had his first fight at the age of 12 and won the modest sum of 100 baht (€ 2.70). For his first fight in Bangkok, in the stadium of Omnoi, at the age of 15, in 98 lbs, he won the sum of 1000 baht (27 €). Then, at the top of his career, Oley Kiatoneway won purses of 250,000 baht. Oley made a hundred fights in Muay Thai with about 80 victories and four fights in professional Boxing (2 wins, 2 losses).
His fighter nickname was “Khaimukdam Andaman” (Andaman’s Black Pearl) because he came from the southern region of Thailand. The Andaman Sea is a sea in the Indian Ocean, bordering the coasts of Burma and Thailand.
Oley represented for several years the famous Kiatbanchong camp in Bangkok alongside the champions Jareonthong, Jaroensap, Chotchai, Jokapop, Padmadep, Samranthong.
Oley was a Fimeuu (Technician) fighter with great dexterity in the ring. His special “jump knee” made many of his opponents waver and his dodges were beautiful. Oley has always made extraordinary matches against the greatest fighters in his category.
This wonder boy boxer quickly became a rising star of Muay Thai.
At 14, he defeated by points Pajonsuk Kietidanpleung, Huahinlek Lukrawee, Kwanyuen Dechavalit, Daoden Kietinee Gym, Anantasak Singkohyuan, Petchlek Jor Kietgym, Danangnoi Meandee and drew with Anantadech Singhsaithong.
In 1987, in the stadium of Omnoi, he beat on points Djamphangoen Prapatmotor and Chenoi Petchnaka by KO. In Rangsit stadium, he beat Lao Rojanarit on points.
The promoter N° 1 of the time, Mr. Songchai Ratanasuban, then takes him in his fabulous boxing team and makes him fight in the stadium of Lumpinee where he beat the experienced Kompichit Singpracha. Then, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley won in the second round by stopping the referee Petchnampeung Chakraphon. In a big event in Hat Yai, he beat Daochai Sakdeeweecha. Only four days after his fight in Hat Yai, Oley fought in Bangkok in the stadium of Lumpinee, he lost on points against the rough champion Rungrueng Kiatanan. For the rematch with Rungrueng, Oley was intractable, he struck down in the first round Rungrueng with a magnificent Tei Kan Ko (High Kick)!
Oley was in top form, he then beat Paineung Singpracha and he faced the other rising star of the moment, Buriram’s super technician, young Namkabuan Nongkee Pahuyuth who was the same age as Oley, 15. Oley dominated the fight technically and tactically, he beat Namkabuan on points. After his victory over Namkabuan, Muay Thai fans nicknamed Oley, “Payaknoi” (The Little Tiger)!
Oley and Namkabuan met on May 3, 1988, in the stadium of Lumpinee, they again made a great match and Oley again beat Namkabuan on points.
Oley and Namkabuan have faced each other six times, still in the stadium of Lumpinee, with three victories for Oley and three victories for Namkabuan. Oley won the first fight (In 100 lbs), the second match (In 117 lbs) and the fifth fight (In 126 lbs). Namkabuan won the third fight (In 119 lbs), the fourth fight (In 120 lbs) and the sixth match (In 130 lbs). Their last confrontation took place on November 30, 1993 in the stadium of Lumpinee with victory by points for Namkabuan.
On August 5, 1988, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley defeated in points Nuathoranee Chor Rojanachai, a powerful “Muay bouk” (Fighter who advances) who was later nicknamed “Ay Ret Dong” (The powerful rhinoceros).
During the super show organized by the promoter Songchai Ratanasuban in the stadium of Lumpinee, on October 11, with the star matches between Samransak and Jaroenthong, Hippy against Pareuhatlek, Pongsiree Rambo against Pairojnoi, Oley beat Kaowao Kor Pongkiat on points.
But on November 4, 1988, in the stadium of Lumpinee, the young Oley, after having hit hard with superb Tei Kan Ko (High Kick) the puncher Songchainoi, lost by KO in the third round. Songchainoi Por Somjitair won a great victory…
In 1989, the young Oley had an excellent year with good fights against the tenors in the 112 lbs category.
On February 17, 1989, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley beat Dejrit Sor Ploenchit. On April 7, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he lost on points against the technician Puja Sitthuanthong.
On Tuesday May 30, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley lost on points against Petchan Sor Bodin. But on July 20, in the stadium of Radja, the little prodigy of Thungsong beat Pennoi Chuwatthana by KO in the first round and on Friday September 8 in Lumpinee, he beat by KO Seesot Sahakanohsot also in the first round!
On Friday October 6, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley was to meet the terror of the rings of the moment Pongsiri Por Ruamrudee nicknamed “Rambo”. But on the evening of the fight Rambo suffered severe abdominal pain that took him to hospital. Rambo was replaced by Phanpetch Muangsurin who fought notified on the same day. Three days before, the puncher Phanpetch had beaten by KO Samranthong Kietbanchong who was of the same camp as Oley. Oley and Phanpetch had a great fight with the final victory by points for Oley Kiatoneway. The Southern fighter avenged his campmate.
On November 7, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley faced another terror of the rings, Muay Bouk Pairojnoi Sor Siamchai (Lumpinee Champion in 105 lbs). Pairojnoi had beaten Rambo two months earlier in an epic match. Oley defeated “Ayleuhatlek” (Bloodsteel) on points.
On November 28, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley met the great star of the time, the genius of the rings, Karuhat Sor Supawan. Karuhat was then the holder of the Lumpinee champion title in 112 lbs. Karuhat beat Oley on points…
1990 was one of the best years in Oley’s career as he won the supreme title in the stadium of Lumpine and defeated stars like Langsuan, Boonlay, Karuhat and Dokmaypha. Also, in 1990, in Japan, Oley defeated Japanese champion Seiji Sugawara by knockout in the second round.
On March 6, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley had a memorable match against the star Langsuan Phanyutthapum (Best boxer of the year 1987, Lumpinee champion in 108 lbs, 112 lbs and 115 lbs) and beat him on points!
On April 10, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley again beat the puncher Panpetch Muangsurin.
On April 24, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley had a great match against the talented Boonlay Sor Thanikul (Lumpinee Champion in 115 lbs and in 122 lbs). Boonlay won the fight by beating Oley on points.
The two fighters met on June 8 in the stadium of Lumpinee for a match with the Lumpinee belt in 115 lbs in play. Oley defeated Boonlay on points. At just 18 years old, Oley became Lumpinee champion in 115 lbs!
On July 10, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley lost in points against the big durable boxer Dokmaypha Por Pongsawang (Lumpinee Champion).
On August 7, the rematch took place in the stadium of Lumpinee. Oley put on a technical festival and poked Dokmaypha’s arcade open. In the third round, the black pearl defeated by KO the solid Dokmaypha Por Pongsawang!
On September 25, Oley found for the third time Dokmaypha Por Pongsawang in the stadium of Lumpinee and this time beat him in points.
On October 7, 1990, in a show in New Zealand, a championship between two Thai fighters, with a Lumpinee stadium belt at play, was organized. The defending champion of the stadium of Lumpinee in 115 lbs, the young prodigy Oley Kiatoneway defended his trophy against the genius of ring Karuhat Sor Supawan. After a magnificent technical and tactical match, Oley retained his title and won this second confrontation against technician Karuhat.
At the end of October, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley again beat the solid Dokmaypha Por Pongsawang in points.
On November 20, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley beat Dokmaypha’s campmate, the champion Detduang Por Pongsawang in points.
At the end of the year, on December 11, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley again faced the super Fimeu (Technical) Namkabuan Nongkee Pahuyuth. Namkabuan won the match on points.
In 1991, Oley had some very tough fights against some big punchers.
On January 21, in the stadium of Ratchadamnoen, Oley challenged the terrible Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai (Best boxer of the year 1993, Lumpinee champion in 118 lbs and in 122 lbs). Two months before, on October 30, 1990, Wangchannoi had beaten by KO Namkabuan in the 1st round. He was nicknamed after this fight “Aymat 33 Wee” (The dazzling punch in 33 seconds). For this match between the young prodigy Oley and the puncher Wangchannoi, a dumpan (Bet between Team) of one million baht was put into play. Wangchannoi beat Oley on points, the Wangchannoi team pocketed the jackpot!
The return match between Oley and Wangchannoi took place on March 5 in the stadium of Lumpinee. Oley controlled the fight and won a magnificent victory by points!
Oley received his biggest purses for his fights against Wangchannoi, purses of 200,000 baht!
On April 5, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley again beat the great champion Langsuan Phanyutthapum on points.
On June 14, 1991, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley made his first fight in professional Boxing. He beat Indonesian Ippo Gala in points.
Oley found a third time the puncher Wangchannoi in the stadium of Lumpinee. On July 21, a dumpan of one million baht was put into play again. And Wangchannoi again beat Oley on points…
On Tuesday September 3rd, Oley made his second fight in professional Boxing, he beat the Filipino Rico Siodora.
But on November 5, Oley lost by KO for his third Boxing fight against Filipino puncher Samuel Duran.
The Black Pearl ended the year well with a points victory over Dokmaypha Por Pongsawang. On December 27, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley beat Dokmaypha a third time.
1992 was a difficult year for the Thungsong fighter, Oley lost three times by knockout and lost in points for the Lumpinee belt in 115 lbs.
On March 10, in the stadium of Lumpinee, the “black pearl” met the dangerous Muay Khao of Khon Kaen “Chalam Dam” (The black shark), Cherry Sor Wanich. Chalam Dam stopped Oley in the fourth round with a terrible series of knees!
On May 29, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley won a great victory against Rittichai Lookthong. Rittichai and Oley have faced each other twice with two points wins for Oley.
On Tuesday June 30, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley lost against his old rival, Boonlay Sor Thanikul.
Then, Oley lost by KO in the third round against the terrible champion Superlek Sor Isaan (Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs and 126 lbs).
On October 13, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley tried to take his belt of Lumpinee in 122 lbs from Boonlay Sor Thanikul who had just won the title against Wangchanoi. Boonlay kept his property by winning the match on points…
On December 5, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley met the superstar of the rings, the man with 9 belts, Chamophet Ha Phalang (Best boxer of the year 1985, 4 belts of Lumpinee, 5 belts of Radja) nicknamed “Khun Khao Kompiouter ”(The computer knee kick). Chamophet was 30 years old and had a lot of experience in the ring against the young Oley who was only 19 years old. The fight had started well but in the second round, Chamophet, following a knee strike and a dazzling chain of fists, overwhelmed Oley for more of the account. Oley suffered one of the hardest knockouts of his career…
Just three weeks after the severe loss, on December 27, Oley once again defeated Dokmaypha Por Pongsawang on points.
The year 1993 was arguably the best year in Thungsong’s prodigy career. Oley defeated Superlek, Boonlay, Chamophet, the champions who had beaten him in 1992.
On February 5, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley won his fourth confrontation against the puncher “Wonderman” Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai.
On March 23, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley took a spectacular revenge against the lord of the rings Chamophet Ha Phalang, by beating him on points!
Oley found Superlek Sor Isaan who had beaten him with a nasty knockout. On April 24, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley had a brilliant technical match and won the match on points!
On May 21, in the stadium of Lumpinee, the black pearl again beat in points the computer knee kick, Chamophet Ha Phalang.
On June 11, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley defeated his eternal rival Namkabuan!
On July 11, in a big show organized by promoter Songchai Ratanasuban in Nakhon Sawan province, Oley found Boonlay Sor Thanikul. After a very technical fight, Oley beat Boonlay on points!
On August 6, 1993, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley faced the formidable Therdkiat Sithepitak (Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs and in 126 lbs) nicknamed “Rachanheang Lumpinee” (The King of Lumpinee). Khaimukdam knocked out Therdkiat in the first round!
The revenge between Oley and Therdkiat took place on October 5 in the stadium of Lumpinee. The vacant Lumpinee belt in 126 lbs was put into play for this clash. Therdkiat had already won this title in 1990 against Petdam Lukborai. Oley and Therdkiet had a great fight, the match was very close. One judge put Oley winner and two judges gave the victory to Therdkiat Sithepitak who became the new Lumpinee champion in 126 lbs!
On November 30, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley met Namkabuan for the sixth time and it is Namkabuan who won this final confrontation.
On Friday, December 24, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley lost on points against Methee Jaydeepitak (Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs).
After his good year 1993, Oley fought much less, in 1994, Oley lost again against Boonlay.
On March 24, 1995, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley come back to the ring after practically a year without a fight. He lost in points to Jomphoplek Sor Sumalee. It was Oley’s last fight in a Bangkok stadium.
Oley did a few more fights in the south but his physical condition was not very good and he did not make great matches.
On September 8, 1995, in the south, in Nakhon Si Thamarat, Oley fought in Boxing for the title of Asian PABA champion in 122 lbs against Russian Alexander Pak. The Black Pearl lost by KO it’s fourth and last fight in Boxing…
This immense champion stopped his career very young at 23 years old. Oley then lived a peaceful life in his southern region, simply working in small street restaurants with his family, he remained humble and generous as he was in the ring.
Today, he has become, for a few years, one of the main coaches of the best camp in southern Thailand, the Parunchai Gym (Best camp of the year in 2015, the Parunchai Gym has already won a dozen belts from Lumpinee and TV7)!
BY SERGE TREFEU