SANGTIENNOI SOR RUNGROJ (Career 1980-1990)
SANGTIENNOI SOR RUNGROJ
« THE DEADLY KISSER »
Sangtiennoi, whose real name is Thiraphan Chinanut, was born on August 16, 1966 in Phatum Thani, a city located 40 km from Bangkok. The Chinanut family is made up of four children, four boys, the young Thiraphan is the third of the family, the father was a soldier and the mother worked as a saleswoman. The four boys were boxers but only Thiraphan became a star in the rings.
Thiraphan was a puny child, he often fought in school, when he wanted to do boxing, his father did not want him to practice this sport because he feared that the young Thiraphan would become even more brawling…
But Thiraphan finally convinced his father and at the age of 13 he started boxing in Camp Lukbaanadi. This small camp was right next to his home. Every day, Thiraphan saw the boxers of the Lukbaanadi Gym running in front of his house.
His real training at Muay Thai then began at Sitsuraphong Gym, which was one of the most reputable camps in the Phatum Thani region, a camp for which he fought 60 battles and took the name of «Sangtiennoi» which means «The flame that shines». Sangtiennoi had a candle tattooed with a flame on her left shoulder, she symbolizes her name of fighter who brought her luck on the rings.
Around the age of 18 years, Sangtiennoi joined the Lukmingkwan camp in Nonthaburi, a suburb of Bangkok. Sangtiennoi changed his fighter name to “Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj”, “Sor Rungroj” is a chain of restaurants that specializes in duck stir-fry noodles, and was the official sponsor of Lukmingkwan Gym.
The Lukmingkwan Gym belonged to Mr. Manoch Buabuong, his son is the great champion Noppachai Lukmingkwan (Radja Champion in 112 lbs). The camp also included the formidable Boxing champion, Fahlan Lukmingkwan (Sakkreerin), who was IBF and WBF world champion with 61 professional fights for 54 wins (23 Ko), 4 losses and 3 draws.
Mr. Manoch Buabuong was Sangtiennoi’s stepfather who married the daughter of the owner of Lukmingkwan Gym. Sangtiennoi fought for the Lukmingkwan Gym until the end of his career.
At 15 years, Sangtiennoi made his first fight in the famous stadium of Ratchadamnoen, a stadium where he made about 80 fights. In the famous stadium of Lumpinee, Sangtiennoi made about fifty fights. He has more than 200 fights for 150 victories.
Sangtiennoi is one of the Thai champions whose longevity in the ring has been the most important, he fought at a high level for almost 20 years!
This living legend marked the history of Muay Thai by facing and defeating the best boxers of his time. He was nicknamed “Jompitpikat” (The Deadly Kiss) because he kissed his opponents on the forehead or on the cheek after his fights, and sometimes even before knocking out his opponent.
This formidable «Muay Bouk» (Boxer advancing) won three important belts, in 1989, the Radja belt in 130 lbs, in 1997, the Lumpinee belt in 135 lbs, in 1998, the WMC world champion belt in 142 lbs and beat the great champions such as Pornsaknoi Sitchang, Saencheung Pinsinchai, Jack Kiatiniwat, Jomho Chernyim, Sombat Sor Thanikul, Nokweed Dawee, Chanchai Sor Thamrangsee, Jongrak Lookprabat, Kongnapa Watcharawit, Manasak Sor Ploenchit, Cherry Sor Wanich, Superlek Sor Isaan, Nuathoranee Thongraja, Namphon Nong Khee Pahuyut, Orono Por Muang Ubon, Chandej Sor Prantalay, Sakmongkol Sitchuchok, Pairoj Wor Wolapon, Jongsanan Fairtex, Keang Singnakhonkui, Kaoponglek Luksuratham, Nuengtrakarn Por Muang Ubon!
In 1985, at the age of 18 years, on August 5, at the Ratchadamoen stadium, Sangtiennoi fought for the first time for the Radja title, he faced Jumpathong Na Nontatchai for the Radja belt in 118 lbs. Jumpathong, nicknamed «Jomtaekhanko» (The kick that breaks the neck), was 24 years old, he was a terrible champion who beat the legends Samart Payakaroon (2 times), Chamophet Ha Phalang (KO), Saencheung Pinsinchai (KO), Manasak Sor Ploenchit (KO). Jumpathong beat Sangtiennoi by knockout with a beautiful High Kick to the chin…
During this year 1985, Sangtiennoi still conquered great champions. On Saturday April 13, he defeated Daradech Kietapling, nicknamed “Seua Khao Muang Trang” (The White Tiger of Trang), a formidable champion from the south of the Trang region.
On Monday, December 2, in the stadium of Ratchadamnoen, Sangtiennoi defeated Pornsaknoi Sitchang (Lumpinee Champion in 108 lbs), a superb technician who later became one of the main trainers of the legendary Jocky Gym boxing camp.
On December 23, the young Sangtiennoi won against the immense champion Saencheung Pinsinchai (Lumpinee Champion in 105 lbs, in 112 lbs, in 122 lbs and in 130 lbs, Radja champion in 118 lbs) who was nicknamed “Manut Hin” (The man of stone).
In 1986, Sangtiennoi made great fights, against Jack Kiatiniwat whom he beat on points. Jack Kiatiniwat (Radja Champion in 130 lbs and 126 lbs) and Sangtiennoi have met four times, Sangtiennoi has won three times and he lost once.
Sangtiennoi also beat in the stadium of Radja the great champion Jomho Chernyim (Radja Champion in 118 lbs) who was 27 years old, a solid boxer nicknamed “Jomyutha Play Boy” (The fighter Play Boy) who twice beat the puncher Samransak Muangsurin.
On November 11, in the stadium of Lumpinee, the young Sangtiennoi (19 years old) had a superb fight against the legend of the rings Chamophet Ha Phalang (24 years old). Chamophet had just been elected “Best boxer of the year 1985” by the prestigious institution “The Sport Writers Association of Thailand”, nicknamed “The computer knee kick”, he long held the record for the most successful champion with 9 belts won (5 belts from Radja, 4 belts from Lumpinee), Chamophet beat the stars Samart Payakaroon, Kongtoranee Payakaroon, Samransak Muangsurin, Manasak Sor Ploenchit, Chanchai Sor Tamrangsi, Oley Kiatnowey, Langsuan Phanyuthapum. Sangtiennoi lost on points against Chamophet, the two champions met four times and Sangtiennoi never managed to beat “The Computer Kneeling”, he lost three times on points and they drew a match.
A month later, on December 22, in the stadium of Radja, Sangtiennoi had another great match against the champion Sombat Sor Thanikul (Lumpinee Champion) who beat him on points. Sangtiennoi and Sombat faced each other three times, Sangtiennoi lost once and he beat Sombat twice.
Sombat has won the title of world champion several times, it was a terror of the rings in the 80s, this great champion unfortunately died a few years ago…
1987 was a great year for Sangtiennoi as he defeated stars Nokweed Dawee and Chanchai Sor Thamrangsee.
On April 29, in the stadium of Radja, Sangtiennoi took his revenge on Sombat Sor Thanikul.
Sangtiennoi beat Rungnoi Chomputhong at the Radja stadium on 24 August.
On 12 October, at the Radja stadium, Sangtiennoi defeated great champion Nokweed Dawee by TKO. For this match, Nokweed was tired because he had to lose a lot of weight for his fight against Sangtiennoi, Nokweed was fighting in the 140 lbs category and the fight was made in 130 lbs. But the two champions often found themselves in the ring in big battles, they met four times and Sangtiennoi beat three times Nokweed Dawee (Radja champion in 122 lbs, 126 lbs and 130 lbs). This star of the rings died in 2016…
On October 29, at the Radja stadium, Sangtiennoi and Chanchai Sor Thamrangsee (Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs and 126 lbs, TV7 Champion in 135 lbs) did a magnificent fight that saw Sangtiennoi win. Chanchai was nicknamed Phud 2 (Second Poot) in reference to the legend of the rings, Phud Lao Lek. He was in the 80s, one of the best technicians in his category, he beat Orono Por Muang Ubon, Manasak Sor Ploenchit, Jomwo Choenyim, Saencheung Pinsinchai, Pepsi Piyapan. Chanchai and Sangtiennoi made three matches with two wins for Sangtiennoi and one victory for Chanchai.
In November, in the stadium of Radja, Sangtiennoi won against the champion of Radja Jongrak Lookprabat (Champion of Radja in 126 lbs and 130 lbs).
In 1988, Sangtiennoi beat Thawthong Lukdecha in the stadium of Lumpinee and lost to Prasert Kittikasem in the stadium of Lumpinee and Wanpadet Sakhroumay in the stadium of Radja.
Prasert Kittikasem was the reigning Lumpinee champion in 130 lbs, nicknamed “Seua Muang Sing” (The Tiger of Muang Sing) this great champion died of a long illness in 1996.
Wanpadet (Lumpinee champion in 135 lbs, Radja champion in 135 lbs, world champion in 147 lbs) was nicknamed “Khun Khao Phakphanang” (Phakphanang’s knee kick) because he was a formidable Muay Khao (Strong knees ) who notably beat the great champions Nokweed Dawee and Phetdam Lookprabat three times.
1989 is one of the best years in Sangtiennoi’s career as he won the Radja title and beat Kongnapa Watcharawit, Manasak Sor Ploenchit, Sombat Sor Thanikul, Nokweeed Dawee and drew with Chamophet Ha Phalang.
On Sunday 15 January 1989, Sangtiennoi met Jack Kiatiniwat for the Radja stadium title in 130 lbs. The fight did not take place at the Radja stadium in Bangkok but in a show at the famous crocodile farm in Samut Prakarn (30 Km from Bangkok).
Jack Kiatiniwat held the Radja title in 130 lbs, this durable boxer was nicknamed «Sao Fai Faa» (The electric pole), he had won the belt of the Radja against Tangpetch Na Nontachai. Jack Kiatiniwat also won the Radja belt in 126 lbs, on November 13, 1989, he defeated the great champion Kongnapa Lookthafah. Sangtiennoi and Jack Kiatiniwat had already met three years earlier and Sangtiennoi had beaten him in the points. The two champions had a great match and Sangtiennoi won the fight by points, he won his first belt from a big stadium in Bangkok, the Radja belt in 130 lbs!
On February 22, in the stadium of Radja, Sangtiennoi beat the formidable Kongnapa Watcharawit (Radja Champion in 122 lbs, 126 lbs, 130 lbs and 140 lbs). Kongnapa is one of the great champions of the “Golden Age” of Muay Thai in Thailand, he was nicknamed by Muay Thai fans “Diek Exocet” (The Exocet) which refers to the “Missile Exocet” (L’Exocet is a French-made anti-ship missile), because his kicks and punches were as fast and powerful as a missile. Kongnapa and Sangtiennoi have faced each other three times and Sangtiennoi has won all three!
In April, Sangtiennoi drew against the legendary Chamophet and he lost the rematch two months later.
On July 9, in the stadium of Radja, Sangtiennoi defeated Manasak Sor Ploenchit (Radja Champion in 118 lbs, Radja champion in 122 lbs, Thailand champion in 122 lbs) who was nicknamed “Rachan Muay Thai” (The King of Muay Thai). Sangtiennoi and Manasak have met three times with one win for Sangtiennoi and two wins for Manasak.
The next month, he beat Sombat Sor Thanikul again. Then, in the stadium of Radja, he made two great matches against his eternal opponent Nokweed Dawee with a defeat and a victory.
On October 14, 1990, in Holland, Amsterdam, “Jompitpikat” challenged Dutch champion Gilbert Ballantine for a WMTA world belt. Gilbert Ballantine held the title he had won a few months earlier, this great champion was in top form, he had just beaten the terror of the rings Ramon Dekkers. Sangtiennoi lost in points against the Dutchman. In 1990, Sangtiennoi also beat Kongnapa Watcharawit and Jack Kiatiniwat again.
On January 4, 1991, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Sangtiennoi beat by KO, in the third round, the star Cherry Sor Wanich. Cherry Sor Wanich (Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs) was nicknamed Khun Khao Chalam Dam (The black shark knee kick), this super Muay Khao defeated the great champions Samransak Muangsurin, Namphon Nong Kee Pahuyuth, Saencheung Pinsinchaï, Chanchai Sor Thamrangsee, Superlek Sor Isaan (KO), Thedkiet Sitthepikat, Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, Orono Por Muang Ubon, Oley Kiatnoneway (KO), Boonlay Sor Thanikul, Chandej Sor Prantalay, Bangklanoi Sor Thanikul.
A month later, on February 15, in a big show in Ayutthaya, Sangtiennoi defeated another big star of the rings, Superlek Sor Isaan. Nicknamed “Aymat Rimot” (The correct punch), Superlek (Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs and 126 lbs) was a big puncher who notably beat twice the legendary Ramon Dekkers. This great champion unfortunately died in 2013 following blood poisoning (Septicemia)…
On March 22, in Japan, in Tokyo, Sangtiennoi faced the young prodigy Ramon Dekkers. Nicknamed by the Thai “Ay Mat Khanghanarok” (The Turbine of Hell), Ramon Dekkers had beaten great Thai champions such as Cherry Sor Wanich (KO), Nampon Nong Khee Pahuyut and Superlek Sor Isaan. The two champions had a great match and Sangtiennoi beat the Dutchman to the points. They met six months later at the Lumpinee stadium. Ramon Dekkers had just defeated in the first round the formidable bull of the rings Coban Lookchaomaesaithong, he was given favorite against Sangtiennoi. But The Deadly Kisser won again on points against “The Turbine of Hell”. Their third confrontation took place in 1997, in Holland, in Amsterdam. This time, Ramon Dekkers defeated Sangtiennoi on points.
On May 10, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Sangtiennoi lost against Nuathoranee Thongraja who was classified N ° 1 in the stadium of Lumpinee. Nicknamed “Ay Ret Dong” (The Mighty Rhino), Nuathoranee was an exceptional durable boxer who beat stars like Jongsanan Fairtex, Rajasak Sor Vorapin, Wangchanoi Sor Palangchai, Jaroenthong Kietbanchong. Sangtiennoi and Nuathoranee have always made destructive fights, they faced each other four times with two wins for Sangtiennoi, one victory for Nuathorane and they did a draw.
On September 24, Sangtiennoi lost against Namkabuan Nong Khee Pahuyut (Lumpinee champion in 130 lbs, WMC world champion in 130 lbs) in his stronghold of the Lumpinee stadium. This formidable technician, nicknamed “The Ring Genius” (The genius of the ring) and “Khun Khao Phanom Rung” (The knee of Phanom Rung), again beat Sangtiennoi, on October 25, in the stadium of Lumpinee.
But on November 26, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Sangtiennoi took revenge for his two defeats against Namkabuan by beating his big brother, the dangerous Namphon Nong Khee Pahuyut (Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs and in 126 lbs) who was nicknamed “Khun Khao Nay Peuaiye ”(The Reconstructed Knee Kick). Sangtiennoi twice beat Namphon, this great champion unfortunately died on September 19, 2016 at the age of 47 from a long lung disease…
1992 and 1993 were not great years for Sangtiennoi because he had many defeats against formidable champions such as Thedkiat Sitthepitak (Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs and 126 lbs), Petdam Sityodtong (Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs), Jongsanan Fairtex (Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs) and Panomrunglek Chor Sawat (Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs).
But Sangtiennoi defeated three great champions in the stadium of Lumpinee, first Cherry Sor Wanich and Chanchai Sor Thamrangsee whom he had already beaten, then the bull Orono Por Muang Ubon.
Orono was voted “Best Boxer of the Year 1994” by “The Sport Writers Association of Thailand”. This great champion defeated the greatest champions of his time as Jongsanan Fairtex, Pairoj Wor Wolapon (KO), Tuktathong Por Pongsawang, Sakmongkol Sitchuchok, Namkabuan Nong Kee Pahuyuth, Namphon Nong Kee Pahuyuth, Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, Suriya Sor Ploenchit, Kompayak Singmanee.
On Tuesday August 31, 1993, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Sangtiennoi and Orono Por Muang Ubon had a fantastic fight, a terrible battle in which these two “Muay Bouk” (Fighter who advances) gave each other blows for blows. Sangtiennoi won this match on points. Sangtiennoi and Orono have met five times with two wins for Sangtiennoi, two wins for Orono and they drew.
On March 25, 1994, Sangtiennoi fought for the Lumpinee belt in 135 lbs against Chandej Sor Prantalay who held the title and he lost on points. Sangtiennoi fought five times against Chandej with two wins and three losses.
In the stadium of Lumpinee, in July, he lost against Orono and in November, he lost against Sakmongkol Sitchuchok (Lumpinee champion in 135 lbs, WMTC and WPKL world champion in 160 lbs). Sakmongkol was one of the champions who had the strongest middles kicks around, he beat Jongsanan Fairtex, Orono Por Muang Ubon, Namkabuan Nongkee Pahuyuth, Chanchai Sor Thamrangsee, Matee Jedipitak, Kriengkrai Sor Vorapin, Nongmoon Chomphuthong, and great foreign champions Ramon Dekkers, Ivan Hyppolite, Dany Bill, Morad Sari, Hassan Kassrioui, Rayan Simson, Perry Ubeda, John Wayne Parr, Jerry Morris. Sangtiennoi and Sakmongkol have faced each other four times with one victory for Sangtiennoi and three wins for Sakmongkol.
On Tuesday September 5, 1995, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Sangtiennoi defeated Pairoj Wor Wolapon (Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs, winner of the Beer Chang Tournament in Lumpinee) who was nicknamed “Say Asun” (The left-handed demon). Sangtiennoi has beaten Pairoj Wor Wolapon three times.
Sangtiennoi made two great fights against Jongsanan Fairtex in 1995 with a loss and a draw. Jongsanan Fairtex (Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs and 135 lbs, IKKC and ISKA world champion in 147 lbs) was nicknamed “Manut” (The Wooden Man), he was a powerful and hard fighter who beat the champions Therdkiet Sitthepitak, Superlek Sor Isaan, Phetdam Lookprabat (KO), Sakmongkol Sitchuchoke (KO), Cherry Sor Wanich, Panomrunglek Chor Sawad, Robert Kaennorasingh (KO).
For their fourth confrontation, on January 19, 1996, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Sangtiennoi succeeded in beating the solid Jongsanan.
On December 5, 1995, in Bangkok, during the show of the great promoter Songchai Ratanasuban, on the King’s Birthday, Sangtiennoi challenged the great Franco-Cameroonian champion Dany Bill (8 times world champion). Sangtiennoi defeated Dany Bill who had won the WMTC world title against puncher Den Muangsurin on points two years earlier on King’s Day. Sangtiennoi and Dany Bill met on December 5, 1998, still on King’s Day, and Dany Bill beat Sangtiennoi on points.
In 1996, Sangtiennoi took part in the big tournament of the stadium of Lumpinee “Beer Chang”. He lost to Sakmongkol who was a finalist in the tournament against Pairoj Wor Wolapon, the big winner of the “Beer Chang 1995” tournament.
On September 27, 1997, Sangtiennoi faced Keang Singnakhonkui for the Lumpinee title in 135 lbs.
Keang Singnakhonkui was the big winner of the GS Battery tournament in 135 lbs in the stadium of Lumpinee, he beat in the final Kriengkrai Sor Vorapin, he also fought for the title of Lumpinee in 130 lbs against the star Namkabuan Nong Khee Pahuyut who him beat on points. Keang Singnakhonkui defeated champions Kaoponglek Luksuratham, Superlek Sor Isaan, Jompolek Sor Sumalee, Den Muangsurin.
Sangtiennoi defeated Keang Singnakhonkui and conquered at 30 years his second belt from a big stadium in Bangkok, the Lumpinee belt in 135 lbs!
Two months later, Sangtiennoi defended his precious Lumpinee title against the young star of the moment who was 20 years old, Samkor Kietmontep. Samkor had already won the Lumpinee title in 122 lbs in 1995 at just 18 years old. In 2000, he also won the Lumpinee title in 130 lbs. This formidable fighter was a real war machine who sent his left middle repeatedly like a machine gun, his famous “Left leg” hurt many of his opponents.
The old backpacker of the rings Sangtiennoi was beaten in points by the young wolf of the rings Samkor, Sangtiennoi lost his title of Lumpinee. The two champions met in 1999 in the stadium of Lumpinee and they made a draw.
On December 5, 1997, at the King’s birthday show, Sangtiennoi defeated the fantastic Moroccan champion Hassan Kassrioui (Thai WMC World Boxing Champion, WPKL Kickboxing World Champion), a difficult fighter to beat because of his spectacular jumping kicking techniques. Hassan Kassrioui had beaten champions Dany Bill, Den Muangsurin and Pepsi Payapan.
In 1998, Sangtiennoi still had some good fights in the stadium of Lumpinee, he beat Kaoponglek Luksuratham (Lumpinee Champion in 130 lbs, Best boxer of the year 1995), nicknamed Black Mamba and Nuengtrakarn Por Muang Ubon (WMC world champion, world champion S1).
On August 9, in Australia, Sangtiennoi won a WMC world champion belt in – 65 kg by beating the young Australian champion Marcus Mangan (WKA and ISKA world champion) who was nicknamed “Mad Dog”.
The indefatigable Sangtiennoi made his last fight on March 22, 2000 in Japan. He lost by stoppage on injury against the Japanese champion Takashi Ito (Kickboxing World Champion).
This legend of the rings opened his boxing camp in his hometown of Pathumthani and named it the “Sangtiennoi Gym”. Sangtiennoi formed his own son Moses Thor Sangtiennoi who became in 2010 S1 world champion in – 74 Kg by beating the French champion Antoine Pinto. Also, the formidable Muay Bouk Thanonchai Thor Sangtiennoi (Best boxer of the year Siam Sport 2015), Fahsawang Thor Sangtiennoi (Radja Champion in 105 lbs) and Chorfa Thor Sangtiennoi (S1 World Champion).
Many foreign champions have come to train at Master Sangtiennoi. The most famous was the great Australian champion John Wayne Parr (5 times world champion) who stayed 5 years with Sangtiennoi. K1 Max fighters Akeomi Nitta, Kid Yamamoto, Gori as well as the Japanese heavyweight champion of K1 Musashi also came to Sangtiennoi Gym.
The last great foreign champion who trained for a long time at Sangtiennoi is the formidable Australian champion Chadd Collins (Ranked in the Top 5 of the stadium of Radja) who is nicknamed “Chalam Khao” (The white shark), it is besides Sangtiennoi who gave this fighter nickname to the Australian champion!
BY SERGE TREFEU