LANGSUAN PHANYUTTHAPUM (Career 1980-1990)
LANGSUAN « KHUN KHAO RAY NAMDJAI » PHANYUTTHAPUM
HEARTLESS KNEE STRIKER
Langsuan Phanyutthapum whose real name is Pinthong Wongpanya was born on February 1, 1967. He grew up in the village of Tom Dong which is in the province of Phayao (Northern Region), an area near the northern border of Laos. Pinthong is the eldest of three siblings.
Pinthong started boxing at the age of 14 under the fighter name of Sayannoi Sor Jamrat with Khru Jamrat Songngai in the Sor Jamrat camp. A wonder boy little boxer, he made 10 fights with 10 victories for the Sor Jamrat camp. Then he joined the Sak Boontham camp in Chiangmai, Mrs. Boontham Malaitham’s camp with Khru Yuttaphum and he fought under the name Pinthong Phanyutthapum. Around the age of 17, Khru Yuttaphum took Pinthong to an important tournament in Bangkok in the stadium of TV7. Pinthong prepared in Bangkok’s famous camp, Ajahn (Master) Pongsupha’s Sasiprapa Gym, a camp located at 130 Soi Ladprao in the Bangkapi district. Pinthong made it to the final of the tournament where he lost to Aytoy Singhathaphon.
Pinthong then stayed in Bangkok at Camp Sasiprapa and changed his fighter name to “Langsuan Phanyutthapum”. The Sasiprapa Gym camp had, among others, the champions Sukhothai Taxi Meter (Radja Champion), Kongdech Jor Weerach (Radja Champion), Meaw Sakniran (Radja Champion), Phaniang Sasiprapa, Dechrat Sasiprapa and Saendech Sasiprapa.
Langsuan has had a long career of 10 years at a very high level in the big stadiums of Bangkok. He was fighting for the greatest promoter of the moment, Songchai Ratanasuban.
Langsuan won his first belt against the great champion Paruhatlek Sitchunthong (Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs), the Lumpinee stadium belt in 108 lbs in 1987.
His second Lumpinee belt, Langsuan won it by beating the rock Dokmaypha Por Pongsawang (Lumpinee Champion in 115 lbs), the Lumpinee stadium belt in 115 lbs in 1989.
Langsuan won his third Lumpinee belt against the super technician from the south, the champion Jaroensap Kiatbanchong (Lumpinee champion in 108 lbs and in 112 lbs, Best boxer of the year 1992), the Lumpinee stadium belt in 112 lbs in 1991.
Langsuan also won a world champion’s belt in 115 lbs in the United States against his compatriot Otnnoi Lukprabat, as well as a world champion’s belt in 112 lbs against the “Wonderman” puncher Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai (Best boxer of the year 1993).
The biggest purse that Langsuan touched was 250,000 baht for his fight against the champion of Radja, Rajasak Sor Vorapin, a fight which took place on November 27, 1989 in the stadium of Radja with the victory in points of Rajasak.
Muay Thai fans had nicknamed Langsuan “Khun Khao Ray Namdjai”, “Heartless Knee Striker”. Because Langsuan was a big durable boxer with formidable knee kicking techniques and a very hard clinch.
Langsuan beat the greatest champions in his category of the 80s and 90s. He defeated Hippy Singmanee (KO), Orono Por Muang Ubon, Dokmaipah Por Pongsawang, Samson Isaan, Rambo Pongsiri (KO), Jaroensap Kiatbanchong, Wangchanoi Sor Palangchai, Karuhat Sor Supawan, Michael Sor Sukontip, Rajasak Sor Vorapin, Weeraphon Sahaphrom, Tukattatong Por Pongsawang, Detduang Por Pongsawang, Matee Jedeepitak, Paruhatlek Sitchunthong, Dennuah Denmolee, Thailand Pinsinchaï!
After his career, Langsuan became a coach for several years in Japan. Then he was a coach at the Suwannakhiri camp in Ban Maï in his native region of Phayao in northern Thailand.
1987 was Langsuan’s best year, that year Khun Khao Ray Namdjai won nine matches in the stadium of Lumpinee out of his ten fights, he only lost to the champion Paruhatlek Sitchunthong whom he beat in points for the rematch for the Lumpinee belt. Langsuan has beaten all the terrors of the rings of the moment such as Boonkerd Fairtex, Morakot Choenyim (KO), Sangwannoi Sor Rungroj, Dennuah Denmolee, Hippy Singmanee (KO), Paruhatlek Sitchunthong, Dokmaipah Por Pongsawang, Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai, Baebeu Narupai!
It is thanks to his magnificent fights in 1987 that Langsuan was voted “Best Boxer of the Year 1987” by the prestigious « The Sport Writers Association of Thailand »!
In June, Paruhatlek beat Langsuan on points. Two months later, Langsuan took his revenge by beating Paruhatlek on points and he won the Lumpinee title in 108 lbs!
Langsuan and Paruhatlek have met 4 times, Langsuan has won 3 times and Paruhatlek has won once.
On September 22, Langsuan defeated the formidable durable boxer Dokmaypha Por Pongsawang on points. In October, Langsuan (20 years old) made a big performance by beating young puncher Wangchanoi Sor Palangchai (20 years old) on points.
But his most impressive fight of the year 1987 in the stadium of Lumpinee was done on July 31. This battle of legends was organized by the promoter Songchai Ratanasuban. Langsuan challenged the legendary Hippy Singmanee (Lumpinee Champion in 105 lbs and 108 lbs), the two champions made a match of madness, in the third round Hippy was stunned by the powerful knees of Khun Khao Ray Namdjai!
In 1988, January 22, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan Phanyuthaphum won his match against the young champion of Lumpinee, Petchit Phatthana.
On March 4 a big evening was organized in the stadium of Lumpinee with the star match Langsuan Phayutthapum (Best boxer of the year 1987) against Chamophet Ha Phalang (Best boxer of the year 1985). But March 4, 1988 has become a historically bloody date in the history of Muay Thai in Thailand.
During the main fight between Langsuan Phayuthapum and Chamophet Ha Phalang. In the fourth round, shots were fired near the ring. There were several deaths and many injured in the audience following a monstrous stampede. A French spectator was even seriously injured and taken to hospital. People fled, leaving the bodies of the victims, it was a general panic. The promoter Songchai Ratanasuban, present at this evening, had to flee the tragic scene by climbing the gates of the stadium. Promoter and godfather Gnow Ha Phalang was shot in the left eye, shot in the back and another bullet in the chest, rushed to hospital, succumbed to his injuries, “unofficially” murdered by the men of the godfather Kléo Thanikul (Owner of the Sor Thanikul Gym). This settlement of account between mafia was one of the bloodiest of the 80s. The match between Langsuan and Chamophet has never been reorganized, officially there is no loser no winner between Langsuan and Chamophet…
In June, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan (21 years old) faced the young champion Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong (19 years old) (Lumpinee champion in 115 lbs, in 126 lbs and in 135 lbs) who beat him in points.
On Tuesday July 26, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan beat the powerful Dokmaypha Por Pongsawan. Langsuan and Dokmaypha have met four times and Langsuan has won all four confrontations.
On September 9, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan took a hard KO against the puncher “Wonderman” Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai (Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs and in 122 lbs, Best boxer of the year 1993)…
But in October and December of 1988, “Khun Khao Ray Namdjai” had an excellent performance by beating two killers of the discipline.
In the stadium of Radja, Thursday, October 13, Langsuan defeated the formidable puncher Weeraphon Sahaphrom by points (Radja Champion in 108 lbs, in 112 lbs and in 115 lbs, WBA and WBC Boxing world champion, 46 victories by KO in Boxing) nicknamed “Death Mask”!
On Friday December 2, in the stadium of Lumpinee, the shock between the furious Muay Bouk, Pongsiri Por Ruamrudee nicknamed “Rambo”, and the Muay Khao Langsuan raised the crowd of the stadium of Lumpinee. At the end of this epic match, Langsuan won on points!
1989 was another great year for Langsuan.
On January 6, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan beat on points, after a terrible match, the star of the time Karuhat Sor Supawan (Lumpinee Champion in 112 lbs and in 122 lbs) nicknamed “Aysiyan” (The Genius). The two champions made a lot of memorable fights, Karuhat and Langsuan faced each other 9 times with 5 wins for Langsuan, 3 wins for Karuhat and one draw.
On February 21, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan again beat Paruhatlek Sitchunthong. The month after, Langsuan again beat Paruhatlek in points in Lumpinee stadium.
Then, Langsuan won the Lumpinee belt in 115 lbs against the solid Dokmaypha Por Pongsawan and on August 8 in the stadium of Lumpinee, he defeated another champion of the Por Pongsawan camp, the durable boxer Detduang Por Pongsawang.
On Tuesday, September 5, Langsuan defended his Lumpinee belt in 115 lbs against star Kaensak Sor Ploenchit. Kaensak was then defending champion of the stadium of Lumpinee and of the stadium of Radja in 112 lbs, he was twice elected “Best boxer of the year” in 1989 and in 1990. After a very close match, the judges gave one draw. Langsuan retained his Lumpinee title in 115 lbs!
On Thursday November 2, in the stadium of Radja, a big show was organized with the star match between the reigning Radja champion in 115 lbs “Rajasak Sor Vorapin” (Radja Champion in 115 lbs, in 122 lbs in 126 lbs) and defending Lumpinee champion in 115 lbs, Langsuan. The fight was won by Langsuan. But the match was so close that a rematch was immediately organized between the two champions.
On November 27, for the return match between Rajasak and Langsuan, the battle between the two dangerous Muay Khao, Khun Khao Laweeyan (The Knee of the Reaper) Rajasak Sor Vorapin and Khun Khao Ray Namdjai, brought in the public en masse in the stadium of Radja which was completely full. For this rematch, Rajasak beat Langsuan on points!
In 1990, on Tuesday February 12, Langsuan found Karuhat Sor Supawan. The two champions clashed for the Lumpinee belt in 115 lbs and Langsuan retained his title against technician Karuhat!
On March 6, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan and the superb technician Oley Kiatoneway (Lumpinee Champion in 115 lbs) made a memorable match, Oley won the match on points!
In the stadium of Lumpinee, on Tuesday April 10, Langsuan and the terrible Rambo clashed once again in a breathtaking match, it was Langsuan who won again in points!
On May 15, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan faced for the third time Wangchanoi Sor Palangchai who beat him on points.
Langsuan lost, in the stadium of Lumpinee, then, in points against Taweesaklek Ploysakda, on June 26 and August 31 against Samranthong Kiatbanchong (RIP), the little brother of Jaroenthong Kiatbanchaong who beat him by stop of the referee…
But on Friday October 12, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan made a big fight against the iron head Orono Por Muang Ubon (Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs, Best boxer of the year 1994) and beat him on points !
On November 20, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan lost in points against Jaroensap Kiatbanchong and on December 7, he defeated “Say Mongkon” (The left-handed dragon) Matee Jedipitak.
1991 was a rebounding year for Langsuan as he won great victories but also lost hard twice by knockout against the great champion Nungubon Sitlerchai.
On February 12, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan beat his old rival Karuhat Sor Supawan by points.
On March 5, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan met for the fourth time the champion Dokmaypha Por Pongsawang and beat him in points.
Langsuan found the great champion Oley Kiatoneway, Friday April 5, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Oley again beat Langsuan by points. A month later, on April 30, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan beat Jaroensap.
The two great champions met on May 31, in the stadium of Lumpinee, for the title of Lumpinee in 112 lbs which was held by Jaroensap. Langsuan stole the Lumpinee belt from Jaroensap and hung on his fight record a third Lumpinee stadium belt!
On July 2, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan faced for the third time the terror of the rings “Rambo” Pongsiree, the match was very violent, in the fourth round Langsuan executed Rambo with a terrible series of knees!
But on Tuesday August 6, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan suffered a nasty defeat against Nungubon Sitlerchai nicknamed “Tuan Pey” (The lame) who was champion of Lumpinee in four different categories in 105 lbs, in 112 lbs, in 115 lbs and in 118 lbs. Langsuan was defending his Lumpinee title in 112 lbs which he had won two months before against Jaroensap Kiatbanchong. Nungubon won the precious Lumpinee belt by knocking out Langsuan!
Only fifteen days after his violent defeat against Nungubon, Langsuan made a big clash against the young puncher Samson Isaan (19 years old) (Radja champion in 115 lbs, Lumpinee champion in 118 lbs, WBF Boxing world champion, 36 victories by KO in Boxing) and beat him on points!
On Tuesday September 17, in the stadium of Lumpinee, the rematch between Langsuan and Nungubon took place at sold-out. “Tuan Pey” beat again by KO Langsuan…
Langsuan finally finished well the year 1991 by beating in points, in the stadium of Lumpinee, the bull Duangsompong Por Pongsawang, on November 5th, again Karuhat Sor Supawan, on November 26th and Ponpetch Naratreekul, on December 27th!
In 1992, on March 6, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan again beat puncher Samson Isaan and on April 7, Langsuan defeated another big puncher, Chainoi Muangsurin. In the third round, Langsuan put KO Chainoi with a magnificent knee to the liver!
On Tuesday May 5th, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan beat Michael Sor Sukontip.
A month later, on Tuesday June 9, the two biggest Muay Khao (Strong knees) of the moment clashed in the stadium of Lumpinee. Langsuan “Khun Khao Namrajai” and Lamnamoon Sor Sumalee “Khun Khao Weetan” (The vampire knee stroke) fought a titanic battle and Lamnamoon defeated Langsuan by points.
The revenge between Langsuan and Lamnamoon (Lumpinee Champion in 115 lbs, in 126 lbs and in 130 lbs), which was then N° 1 of Lumpinee in 115 lbs, was made on July 7 in the stadium of Lumpinee and this time Langsuan beat Lamnamoon on points!
But on August 7, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan lost against Jaroensap Kiatbanchong who beat him by KO in the second round…
In 1993, Langsuan was a bit near the end of his career, he lost a lot of matches especially in the stadium of Radja.
On March 8, in the stadium of Radja, Saenkeng Pinsinchai (20 years old, champion of Radja) beat him in points.
On May 17, in the stadium of Radja, Langsuan lost by KO against Duangsompong Por Pongsawang.
On July 12, in the stadium of Radja, Langsuan beat the rough Tukattatong Por Pongsawang.
On September 5, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Langsuan and the star of the rings Kaensak Sor Ploenchit met, Langsuan lost on points.
On September 16, in the stadium of Radja, the rematch took place between the lightning puncher Weeraphon Sahaphrom and Langsuan. The fight was very violent, Langsuan was cut open hard on the forehead, his head bloodied, he resisted the blows of Weeraphon who finally knocked him out in the third round with his terrible left hook…
On November 18, in the stadium of Radja, Langsuan beat Kasemlek Kiatsiri by points.
For one of his last big fights, on Thursday January 20, 1994, in the stadium of Radja, Langsuan challenged the young rising champion, Thailand Pinsinchai (22 years old) (Radja Champion in 118 lbs in 1997, Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs in 2002). Langsuan scored a great victory on points!
BY SERGE TRÉFEU