THEDKIAT SITTHEPITAK (Career 1980-1990)
THEDKIAT SITTHEPITAK
« THE KING OF LUMPINEE »
Thedkiat by his real name Somkid Crearone was born on 29 August 1970 in Satuek in the province of Buriram (North-East Region).
His father, a former boxer, trained him in boxing. He looked after several little boxers who were called “Luksakaew” fighters. He named his son “Kiatnarong Luksakaew.” The young Somkid made his first fights in the province under the name of fighter. He made his first fight at the age of 14 years, a match he won by knockout in the second round.
Then he adopted the name of fighter of «Thedkiat Sitphonphithak» and fought a few years under this name. When he was spotted by the great promoter Songchai Ratanasuban. Songchai took him into his fighting stable to have him fight in the great stadiums of Bangkok. Songchai changed his fighter name to “Thedkiat Sitthepitak”.
Until 1992, Thedkiat trained virtually alone, at his home in the countryside. When he had a big fight in Bangkok, he would sometimes go to practice in a big camp in Bangkok just before his match.
In 1992, Thedkiat joined the famous Nongkhee Pahuyut camp of Master Pramote Haymook. This champion camp, located in the Buriram region, included ring stars Hansuk Prasathinpanomrung (122 lbs Lumpinee Champion), Nampon Nongkhee Pahuyut (112 lbs and 126 lbs Lumpinee Champion) and Namkabuan Nongkhee Pahuyut (130 lbs Lumpinee Champion, 130 lbs WMC World Champion). Thedkiat had fought hard against Nampon and Namkabuan before training with them. Thedkiat ended his career fighting for Master Pramote Haymook’s camp.
Thedkiat was a superb Fimeuu (Technician) who delighted the gamblers with his tactical and technical battles. In his great time, Thedkiat was nicknamed “Rachanheang Lumpinee” (King of Lumpinee), he fought 140 fights for 107 wins, 30 losses and 3 draws.
His nickname as a more familiar fighter was “Jom Krathin” (acacia). Acacia is an easy plant to grow in country gardens. Near his provincial boxing camp, Therdkiet liked to pick acacia leaves and eat them after training in typical Isaan dishes (North East Region). When he made his first fights in Bangkok, he ended up exhausted several times at the end of the matches. So, a boxing journalist, joking about his physical condition and lack of energy, said he only had acacia leaves to eat in his countryside. This nickname «Jom Krathin» has remained his whole career…
Therdkiet won his first belt by beating the formidable Yodkhunpol Sittraipum (118 lbs Lumpinee Champion and 118 lbs Radja Champion) who was nicknamed “Kransok 100 Kem” (Elbow to 100 “needles” or “stitches”). He was champion of the Isaan region (Northeast) in 112 lbs against Yodkhunpol.
Then, he conquered the title of the prestigious stadium of Lumpinee. Therdkiet was champion of the stadium of Lumpinee in the category of 122 lbs and three times champion of the stadium of Lumpinee in the category of 126 lbs. In 1988, he also won the Nissan Big M tournament, defeating Khingdaeng Sor Ratanachingchay in the final by knockout in the fourth round.
From 1985 to 1988, Therdkiet fought a lot, he made 81 fights for 74 wins with only 6 losses and a draw.
1989 was a good year for the Buriram fighter, he won a belt from Lumpinee and beat ring legends such as Samransak and Superlek.
On Friday January 6, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat lost on points against puncher Den Muangsurin.
The month after, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he beat by KO in the second round Khunphon Chor Rojanachai.
On March 6, in the stadium of Radja, Therdkiat won against Thammawit Saksamut.
In April, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he won the rematch against the puncher Den Muangsurin.
On June 24, in the stadium of Lumpinee, in a big One Songchai promotion, Therdkiat challenged the legendary Samransak Muangsurin (Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs and 126 lbs). Samransak was an incredible durable boxer and terrible puncher who beat stars like Mafeuang Weeraphol, Kongtoranee Payakaroon, Chamuekpet Ha Phalang (KO), Manasak Sor Ploenchit, Saencherng Pinsinchai (KO), Chanchai Sor Tamarangsree (KO). Samransak was 30 years and more years of experience than Therdkiat who was only 18 years when they clashed. Samransak won the match on points.
The two champions made the rematch a month later, on Saturday July 29 in a big show organized in the province of Surin. This show included a featured match, the WBA World Boxing Championship between legend Khaosay Galaxy and Colombian Alberto Castro. Therdkiat and Samransak had a superb match, the young Therdkiat beat the old fox of the rings Samransak by points!
Therdkiat then beat in the stadium of Lumpinee Kawna Sor Kietalingchan and Pon Naruephai.
On November 7, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat faced the terror of rings Superlek Sor Isaan (Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs and in 126 lbs) for the belt of the Lumpinee stadium in 122 lbs. Superlek (Died in 2013) was the reigning Lumpinee champion, this big puncher defeated the best of the moment such as Den Muangsurin, Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang, Chanchai Sor Tamarangsree (KO), Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong (KO), Namphon Nongkee Pahuyuth (KO) ), Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai, Cherry Sor Wanich (KO), Coban Lookchaomaesaitong, Oley Kiatoneway (KO), Chandet Sor Prantalay (KO), Nuathoranee Thongracha (KO), Ramon Dekkers (2 times).
Therdkiat had a great match, beat Superlek and stole his Lumpinee title in 122 lbs. Therdkiat won his first Lumpinee belt!
In December, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat lost on points against Phanomrunglek Chor Sawat (Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs).
1990 was also a great year for Therdkiat with seven victories and a new title for the stadium of Lumpinee.
In January, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he beat Rot Lukrangsee.
On Tuesday February 6, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat met Boonlong Sor Thanikul, the twin brother of star Boonlay Sor Thanikul. Therdkiat won on points against Boonlong. He beat Boonlong a second time, a month later, in the stadium of Lumpinee.
At the beginning of April, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat found Phanomrunglek Chor Sawat and beat him on points.
On April 24, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat faced the star of the moment, Jaroenthong Kietbanchong (Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs and in 126 lbs). Jaroenthong was at the top, he had beaten Samransak for the Lumpinee title in 126 lbs and defeated the great champions Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang, Namphon Nongkee Pahuyuth, Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai, Paruhatlek Sitchunthong, Dennua Denmolee, Langsuan Panyuthaphum, Chamuekpet Ha Phalang, Panomtuanlek Ha Phalang, Cherry Sor Wanich. Therdkiat lost the match on points against Jaroenthong.
In May, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat drew a draw against the solid Grandprinoy Mueang Chaiyaphum.
On June 30, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat and the champion Petchdam Lukborai (Lumpinee Champion in 118 lbs) clashed for the Lumpinee title in 126 lbs. Petchdam, nicknamed “Khun Khao Kin Kone” (Kneeling that eats the person), was a formidable Muay Khao (Strong knees). Therdkiat defeated Khun Khao Kin Kone and he hung a new Lumpinee belt on his waist!
After this new title in the 126 lbs category, Therdkiat tried to conquer another Lumpinee title in the upper category. On Friday August 31, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he challenged the title holder of Lumpinee in 130 lbs, Cherry Sor Wanich. Cherry, nicknamed Khun Khao Chalam Dam (The Knee of the Black Shark), had won the title against the legendary Saencheung Pinsinchai, he had already successfully defended his precious trophy against Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong. Cherry kept his belt by beating at Therdkiat points.
On September 28, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat took his revenge against Phanomrunglek Chor Sawat.
On October 30, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat again lost to Cherry Sor Wanich.
On November 27, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat had a great rematch against Jaroenthong Kietbanchong and beat him on points!
On Thursday 20 December, at the Radja stadium, Therdkiat met the Radja champion, Rajasak Sor Vorapin (Radja champion in 115 lbs, 122 lbs and 126 lbs). Rajasak was nicknamed “Khun Khao Laweeyan” and “Khun Khao Kmer”. Rajasak was the reigning Radja champion in 122 lbs, he was in his fief.
The first three rounds were dominated by Therdkiat, in the fourth round Rajasak reversed the course of the fight with his fearsome knee techniques and opened up badly with his elbows Therdkiat’s forehead, Therdkiat finished the match with the bloody head, the Radja champion defeated the Lumpinee champion…
The two champions met, two months later, on Friday February 15, 1991, in a show in the province of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Therdkiat took a magnificent revenge against Rajasak by beating him on points!
On Friday 1 March 1991, at the Lumpinee stadium, Thedkiat met Nampon Nongkhee Pahuyut (Deceased in 2016). Namphon (Namkabuan’s Big Brother) was an incredible durable boxer who advanced on his opponents by sending knee shots and terrible low kicks, he was nicknamed «Khun Khao Nay Peuaiye» (The rebuilt knee shot). Thedkiat and Nampon had a tough fight and Nampon knocked out Thedkiat in the fourth round…
On June 14, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat defended his Lumpinee belt in 126 lbs against Jaroenthong Kietbanchong. Therdkiat lost the match on points and his belt from Lumpinee…
On Saturday July 20, at Samut Prakan, in a show at the Crocodile Farm complex, Therdkiat defeated Radja champion Jack Kiatniwat.
On Friday 27 September, at the Lumpinee stadium, Therdkiat had the opportunity to fight again for the Lumpinee title in 126 lbs. Champion Jaroenthong had left the title vacant to climb into the 130 lbs category. Therdkiat met Sanit Wichitkriangkrai. Sanit was an aggressive fighter who was nicknamed “Seua Paine” (The Leaping Tiger). Therdkiat defeated Seua Paine and won the Lumpinee belt for the second time in 126 lbs!
But Therdkiat lost his trophy a few months later. On February 21, 1992, at the Lumpinee stadium, he was challenged by ring prodigy Jongsanan Fairtex (Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs and 135 lbs). Known as “Manut” (The Woodman), Jongsanan had just beaten Cherry Sor Wanich and Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang, he was in top form. Therdkiat lost to points. Jongsanan became the new Lumpinee champion in 126 lbs!
Therdkiat faced Jongsanan again a few months later in a show in Nakhon Sawan province and Jongsawan again beat him on points.
On March 20th, at the Lumpinee stadium, Therdkiat took a big challenge by meeting the legendary Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj (Radja champion in 130 lbs, Lumpinee champion in 135 lbs). Sangtiennoi was nicknamed “Jompitpikat” (The Deadly Kiss) because he kissed his opponents on the forehead or cheek after his fights, and sometimes even before knocking out his opponent (Sangtiennoi died in 2021). Sangtiennoi (27 years) had more ring experience than Therdkiat (22 years), he had beaten all the best champions of the moment. Therdkiat won the points match!
On June 9, at the Lumpinee Stadium, Therdkiat tried a second time to conquer the Lumpinee belt in the 130 lbs category. He met the title holder Namkabuan Nongkhee Pahuyut (Deceased in 2021). Namkabuan, nicknamed «The Ring Genius», had delighted Cherry Sor Wanich with the 130 lbs title. The two technicians Therdkiat and Namkabuan had a good technical and tactical match. Therdkiat unfortunately failed in this new attempt in the 130 lbs category. He lost to points as against Cherry Sor Wanich…
On October 13, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat faced Cherry Sor Wanich for the third time. This time, Therdkiat won his match against Khun Khao Chalam Dam!
A month later, Therdkiat defeated another ring terror, Neuatoranee Thongracha. Nuathoranee did a lot of extremely violent fights, it was a steamroller that mastered the techniques of elbow. He often ended his battles with openings in his faces, as well as his opponents. He was nicknamed “Ay Ret Dong” (The Powerful Rhino). After a tough fight, in which Neuatoranee was opened hard to the cheekbone, Therdkiat won a great victory in the points!
1993 was one of the best years in Therdkiat’s career. He won virtually all of his fights and a new Lumpinee belt. Therdkiat only lost one fight against the wonder boy Oley Kiatoneway.
On 29 January, at the Lumpinee stadium, Therdkiat and Jongsanan met for the third time. Jongsanan had already won two points. Therdkiat wanted to beat Manut. The start of the match was very balanced. But in the second round, Therdkiat did a nice right uppercut sequence followed by a high kick of the right leg which electrocuted Jongsanan for more than the count!
Therdkiat and Jongsanan clashed again in the ring. These two champions made six matches with 3 wins for Jongsanan and 3 wins for Therdkiat.
On Friday February 26, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Thedkiat made a great match against the young star Robert Kaennorasing (Radja Champion in 105 lbs, in 126 lbs and in 130 lbs). Robert (20 years) was one of the few boxers in his time who won a Radja stadium belt at only 17 years old. Thedkiat defeated Robert on points. For this beautiful victory, Thedkiat received in the ring an honorary prize, the royal trophy of His Majesty the King!
On Tuesday March 23, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he beat Chandet Sor Prantalay by points.
On August 6, at the Lumpinee stadium, Thedkiat met the talented Oley Kiatoneway (115 lbs Lumpinee Champion). Oley was a Fimeuu (Technician) fighter with great dexterity in the ring, he was nicknamed «Khaimukdam Andaman» (The Black Pearl of Andaman) because he came from the southern region of Thailand. Oley had just beaten ring lords Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai, Chamophet Ha Phalang, Superlek Sor Isaan, Namkabuan Nongkhee Pahuyut and Boonlay Sor Thanikul. Khaimukdam Andaman knocked out Therdkiat in the first round!
The rematch between Therdkiat and Oley took place two months later. On October 5, in the stadium of Lumpinee, they clashed for the vacant Lumpinee belt in 126 lbs. Therdkiat and Oley had a great fight, the match was very close. One judge put Oley winner and two judges gave the victory to Therdkiat who became the new Lumpinee champion in 126 lbs. The King of Lumpinee won the Lumpinee title for the third time in 126 lbs!
On Monday, November 29, in the stadium of Radja, Thedkiat made the rematch against the triple champion of Radja Robert Kaennorasing. Thedkiat beat Robert a second time!
In 1994, June 20, in the stadium of Radja, Thedkiat lost against Chatchai Paeseethong (Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs). Chatchai was an excellent technician who was nicknamed “Samart 2” (In reference to the legendary Samart Payakaroon).
On July 29, 1994, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Thedkiat defended his title of Lumpinee in 126 lbs against Matee Jediphithak. Matee (Lumpinee Champion in 126 lbs), nicknamed “Keng Mangkon” (The Dragon’s shin) and “Say Mongkon” (The left-handed dragon), was a powerful fighter, a very strong boxer physically. The match between Thedkiat and Keng Mangkon was very tough. In the fourth round, Thedkiat received several pokes in the face that opened him badly. The referee stopped the fight because Thedkiat’s injury was too severe. The King of Lumpinee has lost his Lumpinee belt. After the match, Thedkiat had 13 stitches…
On Tuesday, November 29, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Thedkiat found Chatchai Paeseethong. They ended the fight in a draw.
In 1995 and 1996, Thedkiat fought much less.
On January 31, 1995, in the stadium of Lumpinee, he won against the bull Orono Por Muang Ubon (Lumpinee Champion in 135 lbs). Nicknamed “Sam O” (3 O), Orono was a fighter with a particular style, a very difficult southpaw to beat, an exceptional durable boxer who was voted “Best boxer of the year in 1994” by the The Sport Writers Association of Thailand.
On March 28, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Thedkiat lost on points against Pairote Wor Waraphon. Then, in the stadium of Radja, he lost to Chatchai Paeseethong.
On January 19, 1996, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat defeated the powerful Rainbow Sor Phran Talay.
On Tuesday March 5, in the stadium of Lumpinee, Therdkiat was challenged by the young prodigy Samkor Kietmontep (Lumpinee Champion in 122 lbs, in 130 lbs and in 135 lbs). Samkor had beaten the greatest champions of the moment such as Jaroensap Kiatbanchong, Nungubon Sitlerchai, Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai, Karuhat Sor Supawan, Mathee Jadeepitak, Chatchai Paiseetong. Samkor (20 years) was given favorite against Therdkiat. But the King of Lumpinee had a fantastic match and he won the match on points!
On Tuesday 21 May, at the Lumpinee Stadium, Therdkiat met another young star ring, Khaoponglek Luksuratam (130 lbs Lumpinee Champion). Khaoponglek (19 years) had just been awarded the “Best Boxer of the Year in 1995” award by “The Sport Writers Association of Thailand”. Khaoponglek put KO Therdkiat…
At the beginning of July, Therdkiat came to France for the first time. At the Charlety stadium in Paris, he met the solid European champion Christian Garros and beat him on points.
On July 20, at his home, in his region of Buriram, Therdkiat had the rematch against Pairote Wor Waraphon who had beaten him a few months before. Therdkiat defeated Pairote and knocked him out!
In 1996, Therdkiat also defeated Orono Por Muang Ubon a second time.
In 1997, Thedkiat again came to fight in France, on October 5 in Paris. The Thai was accompanied by his compatriots the champions Sakmongkol Sitchuchok (Victory of Sakmongkol against Dany Bill for the world title), Changpuek Kiatsongrit (Defeat by KO against Stephane Nikiema) and Krienkrai Sor Vorapin (Victory against Christian Garros). In a show organized by the promoter Sami Kebchi, Thedkiat met the reigning world champion of – 63 Kg 500, the warrior Morad Sari. Thedkiat was not in top form, he slightly underestimated the fiery French champion who beat him by stoppage of the referee in the fourth round…
Thedkiat still did some fighting but it was no longer the King of Lumpineus of his heyday. At the Lumpinee stadium, he lost against Orono Por Muang Ubon on January 2, 1999 and against young Attachai Por Yosanun (Fairtex), on March 26, 1999, matches made in the 140 lbs category. Thedkiat made his last fight on September 29, 2001 against Kanongsaklek K.T. Gym he beat on points!
After his career as a boxer, thanks to the large purses he had won, Thedkiat set up several small business ventures in his native region. But he has failed to grow his businesses. Today, he has a walking stand with which he sells dishes of Khao Pat Khai (Chicken Fried Rice)…
This immense champion has inscribed his name among the champions of the golden age of Muay Thai in Thailand, he beat the most technical and the hardest fighters of the 90s as Yodkhunpol Sittraipum, Den Muangsurin, Samransak Muangsurin, Panomrunglek Chor Sawad, Phetdam Lukboraï, Jaroenthong Kietbanchong, Rajasak Sor Worapin, Jack Kiatniwat, Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj, Cherry Sor Wanich, Nuathoranee Thongraja, Superlek Sor Isaan, Oley Kiatoneway, Robert Kaennorasing, Orono Por Muang Ubon, Rainbow Sor Prantalee, Charndet Sor Plantalay, Jongsanan Fairtex (KO), Samkor Kietmontep!
BY SERGE TREFEU