SOMSONG KIATHORANEE « THE LUMBERJACK »
SOMSONG KIATHORANEE
« THE LUMBERJACK »
BY SERGE TREFEU
Somsong Homknokkor, born in 1960 in Ban Phai village in Khon Kaen province (Isaan region, northeast Thailand), comes from a large family. He began his Muay Thai training around the age of 13 years in Padjonphai Gym, a small camp located in Khon Kaen, run by Master Praphan Ken-in.
This camp, founded in 1965, is still in operation today, now managed by Ajahn Praphan Ken-in’s son. Padjonphai Gym is renowned for having trained many talented boxers, such as Darachai Clay, Songkiat Yodthong, Amnuaychai, Laem Taen, Fah Daeng, Montri Samernoi, Naet Poonthawee, and Somsong himself.
Somsong began his career under the name “Somsong Padjonphai” and fought many times in the Isaan region.
However, as he grew older, his size expanded considerably, making him quickly more massive. He stood at 165 cm tall and had a powerful build, which gave him a strong musculature. His particular physique sometimes made it difficult to find opponents of his weight in his native region.
To continue his development, Somsong decided to travel to northern Thailand, where he joined the Kiathoranee camp in Chiang Mai. It was then that he changed his fighter name to “Somsong Kiathoranee”, continuing his career and gaining notoriety in the region.
In the 1970s, audiences in the northern region of Thailand had a marked preference for Muay Thai fights in higher weight classes than in other parts of the country. While the majority of Thai boxers were in the 108 lb to 122 lb range, the 130 lb and 135 lb categories were already considered “big weights”.
The 140 lbs category in which Somsong Kiathoranee shone, together with the 147 lbs category, truly represented the “heavyweights” in the Thai circuit at the time. The Phrae stadium, located in the city of the same name about 200 km from Chiang Mai, was then the place of reference for Muay Thai fans in the north.
The stadium was run by Professor Pong, a former ring star from the 1960s who hailed from Phrae. Known as the fighter “Anantasak Raw For Thor,” he was the Rajadamnern stadium champion in the 118 lbs and 126 lbs categories, earning the nickname “The Train Knee” due to the devastating power of his knees. After his career, Anantasak became a promoter and played a key role in developing and promoting Muay Thai matches at the Phrae stadium.
Between 1980 and 1981, Somsong Kiathoranee fought memorable fights, especially in northern Thailand, in the cities of Chiangmai, Lampang, Nan, Uttaradit and Phrae. His reputation was forged by his powerful low kicks and brute strength, which earned him the nickname “Khon Lek” (The Man of Steel) among northern Muay Thai fans.
At Phrae Stadium, Somsong had several resounding victories. He knocked out Santisuk Srisothon and Jongcharoen Sakwittaya in the second round, and also won in the third round against puncher Weerachat Sorndaeng.
His first-round victory over Lumpinee 140 lbs legend Sianhong Sitbang Phrachan, as well as his quick win over Karimnoi Sit Abang, were notable.
Somsong also beat Phukradueng Sor Poonphon on points, but he lost on points to Lumpinee champions Samaisak Sor Thanikul and Wangkaew Sityodthong.
In Uttaradit, he defeated Somsak Sitsakorn, and in Chiangmai, he scored a superb points victory against Lumpinee great champion Kamlayok Fairtex (Kiatsompop), and lost to champions Krayphet Sor Prateep and Kasemchai Veeraphon.
Somsong further confirmed his talent in Nan City by beating Samaisak Sor Thanikul on points and knocking out Lumpinee champion Wangprai Rojanasongkram in the second round. He met Samaisak Sor Thanikul in Lampang for a rematch, where he beat him by knockout in the fourth round!
At the beginning of 1981, Somsong fought a little less, but he faced opponents of exceptional caliber. He lost on points to Wangkaew Kiatsompop and Payap Premchai, the latter a true legend of Muay Thai. Payap, nicknamed “the difficult boxer of Bangseu”, was then a reference, champion of Radja at 147 lbs, and known for his victories against figures like Pud Pad Noi Woorawut and Sakad Petchyindee.
One of Somsong’s highlights of that year was his third-round knockout loss to Youssop Sor Thanikul in Phitsanulok. Youssop was a top fighter, having been ranked number one in Thailand’s two major stadiums, Lumpinee and Radja, for nearly four years. He was even recognized by Thai sports authorities as one of the top 10 boxers of the 1980s. Youssop subsequently settled in France, where he remained as a trainer from 1990.
By this time, Somsong’s reputation was strong in northern Thailand, thanks in part to his spectacular fights that attracted the attention of punters and fans. This prompted Bangkok promoters to approach him for fights in the capital, where visibility and opportunities were much higher.
Somsong then joined the Petchmuangtrat camp in Bangkok, founded by Mr. Narris Romyanon, a military officer who held the rank of lieutenant and also played a prominent role as promoter of the Ratchadamnoen stadium in the 1980s. Known to his foreign partners as “Captain Narris,” Mr. Narris was an influential figure in Muay Thai circles.
In this camp, Somsong trained alongside renowned champions such as Wanpadet, the rare reigning champion of both Bangkok stadiums, Radja and Lumpinee, and Attapong Fanta, also a Radja champion.
At the end of 1981, at the peak of his youth and fitness, Somsong Kiathoranee had one of the highlights of his career when he won the belt of the prestigious Radja stadium in the 140 lbs category.
By defeating several formidable opponents at the Radja stadium, he managed to climb to 5th place in the ranking, which gave him the opportunity to challenge the number 1 in the Radja ranking in 140 lbs who was Kwandom Sitbaramee. This great champion of the 70s had been the Radja champion in 140 lbs.
On November 15, 1981, Somsong faced Kwandom Sitbaramee for the vacant Radja title in 140 lbs.
Somsong, despite his young age, was able to show maturity and tenacity against his elder. In an intense fight, he finally triumphed on points, overcoming the experienced Kwandom with his power and determination. This victory made Somsong, at only 21 years old, the reigning Radja stadium champion in 140 lbs, an exceptional achievement in a Muay Thai fighting career!
In 1982, Somsong continued to fight in Bangkok’s prestigious stadiums while performing in the provinces. That year, he again faced Payap Premchai, who beat him on points.
On November 12, 1982, Somsong played a remarkable match in Khon Kaen, his hometown, against Krongsak Sakacem, another local legend. Krongsak was already known for his impressive victories, having defeated formidable opponents such as Samart Prasarnmit (three times, including a KO victory) and Sagat Petchyindee (beaten three times on points). Despite his determination, Somsong lost on points to Krongsak.
Krongsak went on to defeat the biggest names in Muay Thai such as Raktae Muangsurin, Inseenoi Sor Thanikul, Payap Premchai, Padetsuk Pisanurachan, Fanta Attapong, and even knocked out the famous Changpuek Kiatsongrit. Krongsak also faced Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn, the undisputed legend of the 80s, with whom he drew, a remarkable feat. Krongsak then pursued a career in Europe, where he remained undefeated throughout his career.
A few years later, Krongsak and Somsong met again in France, joining the same gym where they quickly developed a strong friendship. They shared intensive training in preparation for their fights in Europe.
In Khon Kaen, Somsong faced formidable opponents, losing to Rakchart Sor Prasatphon and Khomtae Chor Suananan but triumphing against the champion Sermsak Sor Sermpong.
That year, Somsong often fought in two major stadiums in Bangkok, the Radja stadium and the Samrong stadium located in the suburbs of Bangkok.
On June 23, 1982, at the Radja stadium, in an intense duel against the talented Samart Prasarnmit who already held the Radja belt in 135 lbs, Somsong lost his Radja belt in 140 lbs which was at stake for this match between two Radja champions.
But in 1985, Somsong got his revenge against Samart Prasarnmit, beating him by knockout in a fight held in his home region of Khon Kaen.
On 12 November 1983, Somsong met his arch-rival Payap Premchai in Ubon Ratchathani, but once again, Payap won the match on points, confirming his superiority in their confrontations. In total, the two champions met four times, with Payap emerging victorious each time.
Somsong also triumphed by knockout against the rugged Donyang Sakkasem at Radja Stadium.
In 1983, Somsong took a major step in his career by traveling to Europe for the first time, specifically to Paris. It was Master Roger Paschy, a pioneering figure in Thai boxing in France, who saw Somsong’s exceptional potential.
Roger Paschy, working closely with Captain Narris, owner of the famous Petchmuangtrat camp where Somsong trained, was the source of this opportunity.
Under the guidance of Roger Paschy, Somsong was able to fight in Europe, along with his camp mate, Attapong Fanta. The two Thais quickly proved their superiority by facing formidable Dutch opponents, with Somsong knocking out champions Yvan Thorn and Mohamed Yamali.
This European success marked the beginning of a new dynamic for Somsong, who from then on alternated his stays between France and Thailand to fight one after the other.
In France, Somsong was warmly welcomed by the Paschy and Lamy families, who played a central role in his European journey. In Paris, he first trained at Roger Paschy’s Yamatsuki Gym before joining Paulette Paschy’s Lamy Gym.
Paulette Paschy, who was the older sister of Raoul and Gabriel Lamy, ensured a close collaboration between the two families, joining forces to support Thai fighters in France.
Raoul Lamy, owner of the 107 Boxing Camp in Paris, and Gabriel, at the head of the Lamy Gym in Carrières-sur-Seine near Paris, formed a unique network that allowed Somsong to train in an optimal setting.
Under the direction of Paulette Paschy and Raoul Lamy, Somsong participated in major boxing shows in France, where he became a key figure in Muay Thai.
The arrival in France of Krongsak Sakacem, another Muay Thai legend, strengthened this scene. The two champions trained together at the Lamy Gym.
On February 17, 1984, during a big show entitled “Thailand vs Japan” organized by Roger Paschy at the Maubert Mutualité hall in Paris, Somsong made an impression by knocking out Japanese champion Adachi. This evening of spectacular fights helped establish Somsong as one of the most feared fighters on the French scene.
The French public, fascinated by his hard-hitting style and impressive strength, now saw him as a “scarecrow of the rings”.
On May 31, 1984, in Bangkok, Somsong faced another Muay Thai legend, Raktae Muangsurin, former Radja champion in 135 lbs in 1979. After a fierce fight, Somsong won on points.
On July 30, 1984, the Rajadamnern stadium of Bangkok hosted a memorable fight for the vacant 140 lbs title between two powerful punchers: Somsong Kiathoranee and Sagat Petchyindee.
This clash, described as an anthology, pitted two feared figures of Muay Thai against each other. Sagat, champion of both Lumpinee and Rajadamnern, had already proven his power by defeating renowned champions such as Bundit Singprakarn, Seksan Sor Theppitak, Kaopong Sitichuchai, and Raktae Muangsurin.
After a titanic duel, it was in the third round that Sagat finally managed to knock Somsong out, thus seizing the coveted Rajadamnern title in 140 lbs…
In 1984, Somsong also ended the fight in the first round against Rakchai Ha Phalang, a feared champion in 140 lbs and holder of the Radja title, who was struck down by a masterful blow from Somsong.
On February 14, 1986, at the Samrong stadium, in the suburbs of Bangkok, Somsong Kiathoranee won a spectacular victory by beating by KO the great champion Saensatarn Saenrit, holder of the Lumpinee title in 140 lbs.
At 26, Somsong was facing an opponent who was a year older and, more importantly, 10 cm taller, which gave Saensatarn a reach advantage, who was particularly formidable with his knee techniques. The fight was marked by Saensatarn’s initial dominance, as he exploited his long legs and height advantage to score points with his powerful and precise knee strikes.
But in the fourth round, as the fight reached its climax, Somsong changed the momentum with a series of devastating hooks to the body and face. The brutal attack sent Saensatarn reeling until he collapsed, overcome by Somsong’s power, cementing his place as one of the fiercest fighters of his generation.
On Friday, August 8, 1986, Somsong Kiathoranee participated in a prestigious eight-fighter tournament at Rangsit Stadium in Bangkok, bringing together the best Thai boxers of the time. This elite tournament included such notable figures as Payap Premchai, Lakchart Sor Pasartporn, Kunponoi Sor Tanongsak, Coban Lookchaomaesaithong, Tantawannoi Sitsilachai, Rungtae Muangsurin, and Changpuek Kiatsongrit.
Somsong faced Lakchart Sor Pasartporn in the first round in an intense and hard-fought match, but he had to bow out on points to his opponent. This tournament saw Payap Premchai emerge victorious in the final, taking the win over Lakchart Sor Pasartporn to clinch the title of tournament champion.
On Tuesday, January 20, 1987, in Chaiyaphum Province, Somsong Kiathoranee faced the formidable Lanthani Sor Wongsiam. This intense fight ended in Somsong’s defeat, knocked out by the local champion. Later that year, on December 9, 1987, Somsong had another important match in Tak Province, where he fought Muangtak Kiatlansang. This time, the fight went to the judges’ decision, who awarded the victory on points to Muangtak.
In early 1989 in France, Somsong Kiathoranee won a great victory for the world champion belt in -70 kg. This fight took place in Meaux, in the suburbs of Paris, where Somsong faced the Dutchman Rick Van De Vathorst (European Thai Boxing Champion).
Although smaller and lighter than his opponent, Somsong imposed his power by precisely targeting Van De Vathorst’s right leg. Thanks to his devastating low kicks, he quickly took the advantage, finally forcing the Dutch champion to give up in the third round.
On April 29, 1989, during a big show at the Pierre de Coubertin stadium in Paris, the public was captivated by an exceptional program, featuring a world championship of Thai boxing between two big names: the Thai Chanchai Sor Tamrangsee and the Dutch Gilbert Ballantine. Other matches included a European championship between Jaid Seddak and the Dutch Lieuwfat, as well as a French championship opposing Jo Prestia and Joel Cesar.
However, the most anticipated fight of the evening was the clash between American David Humphries, formidable WKA and PKC Full Contact World Champion in -70 kg, and Thai phenomenon Somsong Kiathoranee, now nicknamed the “Lumberjack” of the rings by the famous french speaker Daniel “The Voice” Allouche.
David Humphries, strong from his recent victory by KO in the first round against Frenchman Pascal Leplat (Kick Boxing World Champion) in Istre in February, was an imposing fighter of 75 kg and 20 cm more than Somsong, who weighed only 67 kg.
In order to balance the match in Humphries’ favor, Thai boxing techniques such as knee strikes, elbow strikes and grabs were banned, making this fight similar to the kickboxing style.
But despite this adjustment and his weight advantage, David Humphries could not resist the terrible low kicks of Somsong, whose shins hammered mercilessly into his legs.
The American ended up KO in the third round, unable to stand, and thus giving Somsong a memorable victory that reinforced his status as a spectacular boxer!
On December 24, 1989, in Paris, a long-awaited clash took place between Somsong Kiathoranee of Thailand and Stephane Nikiema of France, a rising star in Muay Thai.
At 30 years old, Somsong brought with him a wealth of experience, with over 200 fights under his belt, while Stephane Nikiema, aged 25 years, had a record of 21 fights and 18 victories. Despite Somsong’s experience, Stephane Nikiema had a significant physical advantage, measuring 187 cm to the Thai’s 165 cm.
The fight for the -67 kg world title was fantastic.
Stephane Nikiema, thanks to his size, often mistreated the Thai champion with powerful series of knee strikes, putting Somsong to the test. However, at the end of this intense match, the judges decided to declare Somsong the winner.
However, many spectators agreed that the Frenchman had been wrongly denied the victory, prompting the organization of a rematch a few months later.
The rematch took place at the Halle Carpentier in Paris, attracting an enthusiastic crowd of 5,000 spectators.
This time, the two fighters did not take the time to observe each other. From the first round, they launched into a tough confrontation, exchanging powerful blows.
In the third round, Somsong managed to land a terrible left hook to the liver of Stephane Nikiema, who collapsed to the ground. This time, Somsong retained his world belt, demonstrating his power and experience against the new generation of fighters!
In late 1990, Somsong Kiathoranee faced a formidable challenge when he faced the formidable puncher Jo Prestia. The latter had just achieved a feat by knocking out Sannarong Kiathoranee, Somsong’s younger brother, in the fourth round. Eager to avenge his brother, Somsong was determined to get his revenge on Jo Prestia.
Jo Prestia, a European champion of Italian origin, was known for his punching power and his warrior style that never backs down in the ring.
He had already beaten several of the best French fighters, including Mohamed Jami, Bruno Benlabed, and Joel César, and had also triumphed over the great Thai champion Wattana Soudareth. Later, Jo Prestia would even beat the Dutch legend Ramon Dekkers.
The fight took place in Paris, with the world title in -67 kg at stake.
But Somsong did not take Prestia as seriously as he should have. This mistake proved fatal. In the fourth round, Jo Prestia executed a spectacular combination: a left hook followed by a right uppercut that knocked Somsong down. The Thai fell to the ground, just like his brother before him, and could not get up.
Jo Prestia thus won the world champion belt in Thai boxing in -67 kg, becoming the first foreigner to beat the Thai champion and the first Frenchman in history to win this title.
The highly anticipated rematch between the “lumberjack” and the puncher Jo Prestia took place on February 16, 1991 in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux.
This fight is now legendary and is often called “the most terrible fight in Thai boxing” in France, due to its intensity and the injuries suffered by both fighters.
From the beginning of the match, the rivalry between the two men was palpable. In the second round, the situation became critical for Somsong, who seriously injured his shin.
Despite the pain, he refused the doctor’s intervention and chose to continue the fight with incredible determination. With every blow he threw with his injured leg, he splashed the ring with his blood, thus showing his courage and determination.
As the fight progressed, Jo Prestia soon began to suffer some very heavy blows as well. In the final round, he was hit hard in the shin, which greatly weakened his ability to continue. The two men, determined and wounded, put on an impressive show, but ultimately, Jo Prestia was unable to continue the fight.
Somsong emerged victorious from this fierce duel, thus taking the world title from Jo Prestia!
Two months after his victory against Jo Prestia, Somsong Kiathoranee tried a new adventure in the world of professional Boxing.
In May 1991, he went to Madrid, Spain, where he faced the experienced English boxer Kevin Plant. He managed to knock out his opponent in the eighth round.
However, his return to Thai boxing soon encountered new difficulties.
In June 1991, during a match in France in Orléans, Somsong found himself facing the tough Dutch champion Dylan Gravenberg, then European Thai boxing champion.
In the first round, he suffered a new shin injury, while trying to execute a low kick, he hit Gravenberg’s block and severely opened his shin again. His shin injury from his match against Jo Prestia had not yet healed well.
The Dutchman thus won the match by stoppage due to injury, seizing the world title at the expense of Somsong…
In August 1991, Somsong Kiathoranee continued his Boxing career, traveling to Marbella, Spain, for his second professional fight. He faced the great American champion Harry Arroyo (IBF World Champion). This ten-round match was a great experience for Somsong, who lost on points. But facing a world champion with only two fights under his belt in Boxing was a small feat for the Thai.
On 31 January 1992, Somsong travelled to Luxembourg for another Boxing match. There he faced American Carl Griffith (IBC International Champion). This match ended in a heavy defeat for Somsong, who was knocked out.
Just three weeks after his difficult KO against Carl Griffith, Somsong Kiathoranee returned to the ring on February 22, 1992, in France, at Chanteloup Les Vignes, in the suburbs of Paris, to face the French champion Farouk Boudar for the world title in -67 Kg.
Farouk Boudar, trained by the famous Omar Benamar and Liazid Belhaoues at Nemrod Gym, had a great record with 21 wins and no losses. He had recently won the world title by beating Dylan Gravenberg, the same opponent who had beaten Somsong by medical stoppage.
Somsong’s experience played a crucial role in this fight. Despite Boudar’s youth and energy, Somsong used his power and ring skills to gain the upper hand. Somsong won on points, reclaiming his world title.
Somsong also successfully defended his world title against American champion Darrel Eckells.
Somsong had an impressive career with around 220 fights for 190 victories. He was a multiple world champion in the –67 kg and –70 kg categories, as well as Radja stadium champion in –63.5 kg, and he defeated many Thai legends as well as the best European champions of the 80s.
Somsong’s fights in France left an indelible mark on the history of Muay Thai, captivating the public with his aggressive style and his terrible low kicks. Each time he appeared in the ring, the euphoria of the public was palpable, making him an emblematic figure in the history of Muay Thai in France.
After his career, Somsong Kiathoranee passed on his knowledge by founding his own boxing camp, Somsong Gym, in Ban Dong village, Khon Kaen, his home region.
As a head coach, he trained some young talents like Somsongnoi and others.
Somsong passed away on August 18, 2014, taken by acute heart failure, at the age of 55 years, in Ban Dong village.
His passing left a deep mark on the world of Muay Thai, and his legacy continues to resonate in the rings and in memories, especially among those who were lucky enough to witness his fabulous fights!