DOKMAIPHA POR PONGSAWANG (Career 1980-1990)
DOKMAIPHA POR PONGSAWANG
« THE POWERFUL LEFT LEG »
Dokmaipha of his real name Chamnian Moonkasorn was born on February 18, 1968 in Selaphum in the province of Roi Et, a region of northeastern Thailand. Chamnian is the seventh child in a large family of nine children, six boys and three girls. All the boys participated in boxing. But only three became great champions.
The young Chamnian started boxing at the age of 9 in a small camp near his home in Selaphum, the Kiatbanhan Gym. The camp belonged to Khru Sian Kui. For three years he was known as Det Duangnoi Kiatbanhan. In the province, he did 20 fights with 19 victories in the 100 lbs category.
At the age of 12, Chamnian with two of his brothers, joined the famous Por Pongsawang camp in Bangkok. Chamnian took the name “Dokmaipha Por Pongsawang”. His younger brother was called Tukkatatong Por Pongsawang and his older brother was named Dedduang Por Pongsawang.
The trio of the Moonkasorn brothers became legendary in the 1990s. Tukkatatong had a great career, he won the belt of the Lumpinee in 108 lbs in 1990 against the star Hippy Singmanee.
He also beat the stars of the 90s, Jaroensap Kietbanchong and Nungubon Sitlerchai. Tukkatatong also played anthological matches against terror Rambo Pongsiree and puncher Thongchai Thor Silachai.
Dedduang Por Pongsawang was one of the toughest fighters of the 80s and 90s. His match in 1993 against the powerful Samson Isaan (Samson’s Victory) was voted “The most violent match of the year”.
Dedduang beat puncher Samransak Muangsurin, Odnoi Lukprabat, Phedam Chuwattana, Thongsak Fairtex, Yodarwut Sitmax, Saichon Phichisuek, Siptit Lukbanyai and made fabulous fights against stars Oley Kiatoneway, Karuhat Sor Supawan, Kaensak Sor Ploenchit, Langsuan Panyuthaphum, Noppadech Sor Rewadee (1 draw, 1 loss by KO).
Dedduang fought twice for the Lumpinee title against the legendary Paruhatlek Sit Chunthong (102 lbs, 104 lbs, 108 lbs and 112 lbs Lumpinee Champion) nicknamed “Gentleman of the Ring.” The first time in 1985, after a draw between the two fighters, Paruhatlek kept his Lumpinee belt in 108 lbs. And the second time, in 1988, Paruhatlek won points against Dedduang for the Lumpinee title in 112 lbs.
Dedduang also fought twice for the Radja stadium title but lost points to Boonnam Chor Waikul (Radja champion in 108 lbs, in 112 lbs and 115 lbs) and by KO against Sangyuth Teenhiran in 1985.
Great champions were formed in the Por Pongsawang camp, names that marked the 80s and 90s, such as Duangsompong Por Pongsawang, Fasang Por Pongsawang, Toto Por Pongsawang, Dokmaifa Por Pongsawang, Heik Por Pongsawang and the three Moonkasorn brothers.
The Por Pongsawang camp is one of the oldest still operating camps in Bangkok, located in the Lad Phrao district, northeast of Bangkok. It was created in the early 1980s by Sergeant Major Praphan Pongsawang.
Mr. Praphan Pongsawang is a senior police officer in Bangkok. He was a long-time promoter at Lumpinee Stadium. Today, he is a promoter at Rangsit stadium. Mr. Praphan Pongsawang has invested his entire life in the Muay Thai industry. In 2022, he began the construction of a huge boxing camp in Uttaradit province in northern Thailand. A complex where will also take place boxing events.
Mr. Praphan Pongsawang is colloquially nicknamed as “Ja Tu Kraduk Lek” (The Sergeant of Steel Bones). Because Praphan Pongsawang barely escaped death after being shot four times in the body. He’s got an iron plate in his jaw.
On 8 September 1989, in Bangkok, in the small alley of the Soi Senanikom in the Bangkapi district, his BMW car was riddled with bullets by shots fired by a motorcycle killer.
Praphan Pongsawang had his jaw shattered by a bullet in the neck, a bullet in the chest and a bullet in the skull. On the verge of fainting, he managed to drive his car with one hand to the hospital where he was rushed to the operating room. After several operations, Praphan Pongsawang miraculously survived this bloody score!
Dokmaipha was a tough fighter and a strong durable boxer. His left High Kick was terribly dangerous. Dokmaipha was nicknamed “Saytokop” after kicking an opponent out of the ring with a powerful kick from his left tibia.
Dokmaipha won the belt of the Lumpinee stadium in two different categories in 112 lbs and 115 lbs.
His first Lumpinee belt in 112 lbs, he won it in 1987 by beating the star Burlek Pinsinchai. Then, in 1988, he beat another star for the Lumpinee title in 115 lbs, Wisanupon Saksamut!
Dokmaipha made his first fights at the Lumpinee stadium at the age of 16.
In 1984 he beat Winanoi Chor Wichanoi, Tepbout Luktapfa, Pansuriya
Or Mahachay and lost to Liksitee Sor Jitpana.
In 1985, Dokmaipha defeated Superin Kietisapan, Kitichainoi Sor Ploenchit, Hanunoi Sor Ploenchit, Boonmee Siasukon (2 times), he lost to Klay Sor Ploenchit, Payrojnoi Sor Siamchai and Boonmee Siasukon.
In 1986, Dokmaipha made 10 fights and he lost on points only three times against big names in the discipline such as Haodang Sor Tasanai, Jaroenthong Kietbanchong and Hippy Singmanee. He beat Bountiang Bualouangprakanpay, Wanthongchai Payaksakdaa (KO), Seksan Siajomthong (2 times), Morakot Sor Tanmarangsee (2 times) and Bounkiet Fratiek.
In 1987, Dokmaipha had a great year as he won a Lumpinee belt at only 19 and beat the stars of the moment Paruhatlek Sitchunthong and Burlek Pinsinchai.
On 13 January at Lumpinee Stadium, Dokmaipha lost again to the talented Hippy Singmanee (105 lbs and 108 lbs Lumpinee champion).
On April 24, at Lumpinee Stadium, he beat Paruhatlek Sitchunthong (102 lbs, 104 lbs, 108 lbs and 112 lbs Lumpinee Champion) nicknamed “Gentleman of the Ring”!
On 28 August at Lumpinee Stadium, Dokmaipha (19 year) challenged Lumpinee title in 112 lbs holder Burlek Pinsinchai (21 year). Burlek (Lumpinee champion in 112 lbs, best boxer of the year at Lumpinee stadium in 1986) conquered the Lumpinee belt in 112 lbs against Odnoi Lukrabat. He successfully defended his trophy against Paruhatlek Sitchunthong and Kwayrong Sit Samthahan.
Dokmaipha did a great match and defeated Burlek by points. He won his first Lumpinee belt!
On 22 September at Lumpinee Stadium, Dokmaipha lost to the formidable Langsuan Phanyuthapum (108 lbs, 112 lbs and 115 lbs Lumpinee champion, Best Boxer of the Year in 1987). Nicknamed “Khun Khao Ray Namdjai”, Langsuan was in top form in 1987. Dokmaipha and Langsuan have faced off four times and Dokmaipha has always lost points against «Khun Khao Ray Namdjai»…
1988 was also a good year for Dokmaipha, he kept his Lumpinee title and conquered a new Lumpinee belt in the upper category.
On January 26, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha was challenged by the puncher Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai for the title of Lumpinee in 112 lbs.
Wangchannoi (Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs and 122 lbs, Best Boxer of the Year 1993) was nicknamed “Aymat 33 Wee” (The dazzling punch in 33 seconds), he had beaten by KO two stars of boxing rings the year before, Dennuah Denmolee and Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong.
After a very tough match, Dokmaipha retained his Lumpinee title at 112 lbs!
On May 31, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha met the super Fimeuu Wisanupon Saksamut for the title of Lumpinee in 115 lbs.
Wisanupon (Lumpinee Champion in 105 lbs, 108 lbs and 115 lbs) was one of the best technicians of his generation.
Dokmaipha won the match and hung a new Lumpinee belt around his waist!
On July 26, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he lost again against Langsuan Phanyuthapum.
On September 27, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha made a monumental match against the legendary Kongtoranee Payakaroon (Lumpinee Champion in 102 lbs, 108 lbs, 112 lbs, 115 lbs and 118 lbs, Best boxer of the year in 1978 and 1984) who beat him on points.
The year 1989 was one of the most difficult for Dokmaipha as he lost many matches.
On January 31, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he lost against the puncher Samransak Muangsurin (Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs).
On March 10, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he lost against Noppadech Sor Rewadee (Radja Champion in 126 lbs).
On May 2, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he lost for the third time against Langsuan Phanyuthapum. For this match, the title of Lumpinee in 115 lbs was at stake.
On August 15, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he lost against the ferocious Superlek Sor Isaan (Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs and 126 lbs).
On October 17, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he lost against Saichon Phichisuek (Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs).
1990 was a much better year for the Roi Et fighter.
On January 20, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha (22 years old) lost against the young Kangwannoi Or Sribualoi (20 years old, champion of Lumpinee in 118 lbs).
In February, Dokmaipha went to fight overseas for the first time. In England he met local champion Leroy Atkinson (European Champion) whom he beat by knockout!
On Friday March 2, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha took a nice revenge on Saichon Pichitsuek by beating him on points.
At the beginning of April, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha beat the rough Boonlong Sor Thanikul (twin brother of star Boonlay).
On April 24, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he lost again against Kangwannoi Or Sribualoi.
On May 15, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha made a big performance by beating the star of the moment, Boonlay Sor Thanikul (Lumpinee Champion in 115 lbs and 122 lbs). Boonlay was the defending champion of Lumpinee in 115 lbs, a title he had just won against the terrible Langsuan Panyuthaphum, he had successfully defended his trophy against the gifted Oley Kiatoneway.
In June, Dokmaipha again left for England. In the UK he met the French champion Joël César (World champion, European champion) and beat him by KO!
On July 10, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha faced the genius of the rings of the time, Oley Kiatoneway (Champion of Lumpinee in 115 lbs).
His fighter nickname was “Khaimukdam Andaman” (The Black Pearl of Andaman) because he was from the southern region of Thailand.
Oley was a Fimeuu (Technician) fighter with great dexterity in the ring. His special «knee shot jumped» made many of his opponents waver and his dodges were beautiful. Oley had just beaten Boonlay Sor Thanikul for the 115 lbs Lumpinee title a month before.
Dokmaipha and Oley have faced each other six times, Dokmaipha was 23 and Oley 18 when they first met.
Dokmaipha won the first match on points against Oley. On August 7, the rematch took place at the Lumpinee stadium. Oley made a technical festival and opened with his nudges the arcade of Dokmaipha. In the third round, the black pearl beat by KO Dokmaipha. Then Oley beat Dokmaipha four times on points.
On September 25, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he again lost on points against Oley.
But on October 30, Dokmaipha defeated by KO the great champion Samranthong Kiatbanchong who was on the same gym as Oley!
On November 20, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he lost on points the rematch against Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai.
On December 11, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha made one of his toughest fights against the bull Rainbow Sor Prantalay. In the fourth round, Dokmaipha was hit hard and counted out by the referee. But then he had a terrible battle against Rainbow and knocked him out!
In 1991, Dokmaipha beat great champions like Karuhat, Nungubon and Jaroensap. He also had superb matches against ringlords Namkabuan, Langsuan, Jongsanan and Boonlay.
On January 4, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha had a good fight against the king of Lumpinee at the time, Namkabuan Nongkee Pahuyut (Lumpinee champion in 130 lbs, WMC world champion in 130 lbs). Namkabuan was nicknamed “The Ring Genius” and “Khun Khao Phanom Rung”.
Namkabuan had beaten Hippy Singmanee, Paruhatlek Sitchunthong, Toto Por Pongsawang, Karuhat Sor Supawan, Oley Kiatoneway and Dokmaipha’s older brother Dedduang Por Pongsawang.
Dokmaipha lost on points against the technical Namkabuan.
A few weeks later, on January 25, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha beat another gifted boxer, Karuhat Sor Supawan (Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs and 122 lbs) nicknamed Aysiya (The Gifted)!
On March 5, 1991, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha lost for the fourth time against Langsuan Phanyuthapum.
On March 31, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha had a fabulous match against the talented Nungubon Sitlerchai and beat him on points!
Nungubon won the Lumpinee title in four different categories, he was Lumpinee champion in 105 lbs, 112 lbs, 115 lbs and 118 lbs, he beat the biggest stars such as Thongchai Tor Silachai, Hippy Singmanee, Paruhatlek Sitchunthong, Jaroensap Kiatbanchong, Langsuan Panyuthaphum, Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai, Karuhat Sor Supawan, Silapathai Jockygym, Samkor Chor Rathchatasupak, Kaensak Sor Ploenchit, Kaolan Kaovichit, Saenchai Sor Kingstar.
Dokmaipha and Nungubon have faced each other five times and Dokmaipha has defeated Nungubon four times!
On July 16, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha (24 years old) faced the young rising star Jongsanan Fairtex (17 years old). Jongsanan was a tough and powerful fighter, he was nicknamed “Manutmay” (The wooden man), he won the Lumpinee belt in 126 lbs and 135 lbs.
Jongsanan beat the experienced Dokmaipha…
On September 3, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha achieved a great feat by beating the star Jaroensap Kietbanchong. Jaroensap had beaten Dedduang Por Pongsawang, a year before, Dokmaipha avenged his big brother.
Jaroensap (Lumpinee Champion in 108 lbs and 112 lbs) was voted “Best Boxer of the Year” in 1992.
Jaroensap then defeated Dokmaipha for the rematch in 1992.
On September 24, at Lumpinee stadium, Dokmaipha lost the rematch against Boonlay Sor Thanikul.
In 1992, Dokmaipha had two memorable matches, against the biggest puncher of the 90s, Veeraphol and against the star Kaensak.
On January 31, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha beat Nungubon Sitlerchai a second time. They met again the following month and Dokmaipha won the match again!
On May 5, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha made a very hard fight against the puncher Veeraphol Sahaprom (Champion of Radja in 108 lbs, in 112 lbs and in 115 lbs, world champion of Boxing WBA and WBC, 46 victories by KO in Boxing). Dokmaipha lost at points…
On July 27, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha had a magnificent match against the star of the boxing rings, Kaensak Sor Ploenchit (Lumpinee champion in 112 lbs, Radja champion in 112 lbs, Best boxer of the year 1989 and 1990). Kaensak won the fight on points.
In 1993, Dokmaipha made two titanic matches against the terrible puncher Lakhin.
On January 8, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he met Lakhin Wassantasit (Champion of Radja in 115 lbs, winner of the Isuzu Tournament in 115 lbs, champion of Omnoi in 140 lbs).
Lakhin was one of the greatest punchers of the 90s. With his destructive strike, he executed many opponents by knockout. This fearsome “Muay Mat” (Strong in fist) was nicknamed “Mat Phayayom” (The puncher from hell). After five rounds of great violence, Lakhin won the match on points.
Lakhin beat again in points Dokmaipha, on February 6 in the stadium of Lumpinee.
On March 3, in the stadium of Radja, Dokmaipha faced the dangerous Yodkhunpon Sittripoom (Champion of Lumpinee in 118 lbs and champion of Radja in 118 lbs). Yodkunpol was definitely the greatest elbow fighter in the 90s. He was nicknamed “Kransok 100 Kem” (The 100 “needles” or “stitches” elbow) because his elbows were like needles that pierced the faces of his opponents.
Dokmaipha beat Yodkhunpon on points!
On August 16, in Radja stadium, Dokmaipha lost against his old rival Burlek Pinsinchai. But a month later, on September 16, in the stadium of Radja, he beat Burlek!
On October 15, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha defeated one of the greatest champions of the moment, Saenklai Sit Kruod (Lumpinee Champion 118 lbs, WMC World Champion in 122 lbs)!
On November 5, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha (25 years old) faced the young rising star, Anantasak Phanyuttapum (20 years old).
Anantasak was later voted “Best Boxer of the Year” in 1997. Dokmaipha had a great match against the technical Anantasak. But in the second round, Anantasak violently touched Dokmaipha’s chin with a dazzling direct right. Dokmaipha collapsed KO for most of the account, it was one of the rare KO as hard of Dokmaipha in his career…
1994 was not a very good year for Dokmaipha as he lost to Veeraphon Sahaprom on January 6, to youngster Daraeak Sitrungsab on August 30 and to superstar Fimeu Singdam Or Ugrit on November 17.
The year 1995 was more successful for him with great victories over great champions such as Kaensak and Nungubon.
On June 9, Dokmaipha reunited with star Kaensak Sor Ploenchit who had defeated him in 1992. Dokmaipha won this rematch in style!
On June 30, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha met for the fourth time Nungubon Sitlerchai and Nungubon won the match on points.
On August 25, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha lost against the gifted Karuhat Sor Supawan.
On September 30, in Lumpinee stadium, Dokmaipha defeated Nungubon
Sitlerchai for the fourth time!
Dokmaipa (28 years old) then met in the stadium of Lumpinee, the young man who was rising, Saenchai Kiatsupattra (19 years old). Saytokop knocked out Saenchai with a terrible High Kick to his left leg!
On November 17, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha beat Daoudon Sor Suchart.
In 1996, on January 16, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he lost against Baipetch Sor Sakulpan. Baipetch was a fearsome “Muay Khao” (Strong in the knees) who was nicknamed “Ay Ngou Leuam” (The Python).
A month later, Dokmaipha again lost on points to Baipetch. But on March 5, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha knocked out Baipetch!
On September 27, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Dokmaipha beat by KO the young Wanpichit Reuamdjaipeuan.
This great champion ended his career in 1996. But in 1998, at the age of 33, Dokmaipha returned to the Lumpinee ring, he faced the phenomenal Tor Patak Wanchaloem (Sinbi Taewoong, owner of the famous Sinbi Gym in Phuket) who was 19 years old. Dokmaipha fought hard against the technical Sinbi who knocked him out by breaking his legs…
Dokmaipha was a formidable champion who marked the 90s, he beat the greatest fighters of his time such as Oley Kiatoneway, Burlek Pinsinchai, Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai, Saichon Pichit, Boonlung Sor Thanikul, Boonlay Sor Thanikul, Samranthong Kietbanchong (KO) , Rainbow Sor Prantalay (KO), Phedam Chuwattana, Saenkrai Sitkruod, Karuhat Sor Supawan, Chainoi Muangsurin, Morakot Sor Thamrangsee, Nungubon Sitlerchai, Kaensak Sor Ploenchit, Witsanupon Saksamut, Jaroensap Kiatbanchong, Yodkhunpon Sittraiphum, Ritthichai Lukjaophodam!
After his career, Dokmaipha was a coach for a long time in Macau. Then he set up a business in the province of Kalasin.
Unfortunately this great champion died in 2020. Dokmaipha had significant diabetes problems, his liver was in poor condition. Dokmaipha died on October 7, 2020 due to a blood infection due to insect venom. At the age of 52, in the hospital of Kalasin, he had a cardiac arrest after being stung by a huge scolopendre (Centipede) on his left thigh, his powerful and famous left leg…
BY SERGE TREFEU