Anantasak Panyuthapum “Axe Elbow” | Best Fights & Biography
The name “Axe Elbow” conjures notions of strength, decisiveness, and impact, encapsulating both the precision and power of this legend’s signature move. It not only serves as a testament to his exceptional skill in executing elbow strikes, but also underscores the ferocity with which he approached each bout.
| Name: | Anantasak Panyuthapum |
| Birth Name: | Suttisak Samaksaman |
| Thai Name: | สุทธิศักดิ์ สมัครสมาน |
| Date of Birth: | August 7th 1973 |
| Place of Birth: | Surin Province, Thailand |
| Nickname: | Flying Axe Elbow |
| Height: | Height 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Weight: | 57 kg (126 lb; 9.0 st) |
| Style: | Muay Femur |
| Stance: | Southpaw |
| Fighting out of: | Samut Prakan, Thailand |
| Team: | Panyuthapum |
Before we delve deeper into the fascinating story of Anantasak Panyuthapum, let’s take a moment to appreciate his formidable presence in the ring.
Anantasak’s story begins in Surin Province, where he embarked on his Muay Thai journey at the tender age of 9. After completing his primary education, he weighed less than 100 lbs but possessed an unwavering passion for Muay Thai. He honed his skills by fighting in the suburbs of Rangsit (a district in the northern part of Bangkok) under the name Anantasak Satrawut, gradually making a name for himself in the local fighting scene.
It wasn’t long before Anantasak Panyuthapum caught the attention of the Muay Thai community with his dominant performances in the ring. He had fought around 100 times when he drew the attention of the Phanyuthapum Group, who brought him and nine other boxers from the Satrawut camp to join their ranks. This marked a significant turning point in Anantasak’s career as he adopted the name Anantasak Panyuthapum and began training under the guidance of the renowned Panyuthapum Muay Thai Camp. He did so along with another legend in Langsuan Panyuthapum who won Lumpinee titles in four different weight classes in the ’80s and ’90s.
Sharpening the Axe
Anantasak’s journey to becoming the “Axe Elbow” began in ’93 when he faced off against the powerful southpaw kicker, Singdam O Aukritt, in two memorable bouts. Employing his trademark horizontal elbow technique, Anantasak left a lasting impact on Singdam, shattering his nose in both of those encounters. The severity of the injuries necessitated 16 stitches after the first fight and 18 stitches following the second.
It was during these fights that Anantasak earned the nickname “Axe Elbow” by spectators, a testament to the devastating power and precision of his elbow strikes.
Following a brutal KO victory over former Lumpinee Champion Dokmaipah Por Pongsawang in November of ’93, Anantasak was given a shot at the Lumpinee Stadium title in December that year against Sanklai Sitkru-Ott. Anantasak’s knockout over Dokmaipah had been significant in that Dokmaipah had formerly held both the 112 lbs and 115 lbs Lumpinee title in ’87 and ’88 respectively. However, in reality, Dokmaipah wasn’t in the best form of his life, having lost five of his last ten fights at Lumpinee. The caveat here is that those losses came to Saenkeng Pinsinchai, Lakhin Wassandasit (x2), Oley Kiatoneway and Jaroensap Kiatbanchong who were all former Lumpinee or Rajadamnern champions.
Sanklai Sitkru-Ott, however, was at the peak of his powers. He had won the 118 lbs Lumpinee title from Yodkhunpon Sittraiphum in April of that year, and had won eight out of his last ten fights at Lumpinee and Rajadamnern including victories over Veeraphol Sahaprom, Samson Issan and Dara Aek Sitrungsap. In fact, Sanklai even beat Anantasak in his run-up to the Lumpinee title shot against Yodkhunpon.
Sanklai had successfully defended his title once against Jomhodlek Rattanachot in August, and so the upcoming fight against Anantasak would be his second defence.
It was evident that Anantasak Panyuthapum’s title shot had come prematurely. Sanklai employed his silky-smooth evasive maneuvers that left Anantasak chasing shadows, and countered him time and again with middle kicks. The Lumpinee Champion’s superior experience, speed, and strategic prowess proved to be more than Anantasak could match.
For perspective, Sanklai went on to successfully defend his title four times over the next twelve months – twice against Singdam O Aukritt and twice against Dara Aek Sitrungsap – finally losing the belt to Phetnamnueng Por Chatchai in February of ’95. This, in itself, is quite remarkable.
Anantasak’s Rise and Solidification of Status
Undeterred by his title challenge disappointment, Anantasak went on to win six out of his next seven fights in ’94. His rise to fame over the next two years was propelled by defeating prominent adversaries like Muangfahlek Kiatvichian, Padejseuk Kiatsamran, Watcharalek Wongwianyaiplaza (twice) and Jaowayha Looktubfah (twice).
Anantasak had developed a technical style (Muay Femur), and had immense power in several different weapons. He could set his range using teeps and jabs, and utilise shorter punches, elbows and low kicks at closer range.
His fight against Saichon Ploysakda in April of ’94 demonstrates Anantasak Panyuthapum’s remarkable ring control. He utilises teeps that target Saichon’s hip and thigh, intersperses them with fake teeps and jabs, and ultimately primes Saichon for one of his signature boxing combinations – Right Jab/Left Uppercut.
This fight demonstrates Anantasak’s well-roundedness, and underscores his prowess beyond elbow fighting.
The year of ’96 was a tale of two halves for Anantasak. It began with a fight early on in the year against top contender and legendary technician Dara Aek in which Anantasak Panyuthapum won by KO in the second round. This was followed by a points loss against Namtaothong Sor. Sirikul and a loss against Auttapon Sor Wandee in which Anantasak sustained a broken leg.
However, his fortunes changed later that year when he was selected to fight in the 7th Isuzu Tournament being held at Omnoi Stadium, emerging victorious against Komkiat Sor Thanikul and Sanklai Sitkru-Ott in the first two bouts. Additionally, he claimed the World Muay Thai Council 122 lbs world title from Sanklai Sitkru-Ott in the process. The victory over this old adversary who had defeated Anantasak twice at Lumpinee Stadium in ’93 would prove to be a pivotal moment in his development as a title-winning nak muay.
Anantasak Panyuthapum’s career continued to ascend, reaching its peak in ’97. That year, he emerged victorious in the Isuzu Cup final against Singdam O Aukritt, simultaneously capturing the Omnoi Stadium 126 lbs title. Anantasak’s use of low kicks and sweeps in this fight is superb, and demonstrated the gulf between the two fighters four years on from their last encounter.
Later that year, Anantasak lived up to his alias once more with a left elbow KO victory over Phetnamek Por.Siriwat at Omnoi Stadium. He was awarded the coveted Sports Writers Association of Thailand “Fighter of the Year” award for the year ’97, solidifying his status as one of the top fighters in the sport.
The year of ’98 proved equally triumphant for him, marked by two bouts against Neungsiam Kiatvichian, both resulting in victories via decision. Furthermore, he successfully defended his Omnoi belt against Ittidej Sor.Boonya in May ’98, securing yet another left elbow knockout.
Anantasak also faced Muangfahlek twice at Rajadamnern Stadium that year, with each claiming one victory. However, the second encounter with Muangfahlek would mark his final match in Muay Thai.
Anantasak’s Switch to Western Boxing
Anantasak Panyuthapum transitioned to amateur boxing, debuting at the Thailand Championships in Nakhon Sawan in the Lightweight (-60 kg) category. Despite reaching the final, he faced defeat against Somchai Nakbalee, earning a silver medal. Following this experience, he shifted to the Featherweight (-57 kg) division.
Despite a string of KO victories an as amateur, Anantasak Panyuthapum was unable to advance to the Thailand national boxing first team due to the dominance of Somluck Kamsing in the featherweight division at that time. Anantasak and Somluck fought twice as amateurs, with Somluck taking the win on both occasions. Therefore, Anantasak served as a substitute for Somluck who had already won olympic gold at the ‘96 summer Olympics.
These fights against Somluck exposed Anantasak’s inexperience in competing under the amateur boxing ruleset where speed and agility are often prioritised due to the nature of the sport’s scoring system and rules. As a result, Anantasak decided to turn to professional boxing in July of ’04, earning a points victory over Carlo Deliguel in his debut. This was followed by four consecutive wins utilising his trademark heavy punching style.
This streak earned him the opportunity to contend for the PABA championship against Jun Paderna of the Philippines. Despite being knocked down in the 5th and 12th rounds, Anantasak staged a thrilling comeback, clinching victory via points. However, Paderna avenged his defeat six months later, swiftly dispatching Anantasak with a first-round knockout.
At 32 years old, unprepared and grappling with physical limitations, Anantasak Panyuthapum decided to retire from professional boxing.
The Anantasak Panyuthapum Legacy
After retiring from competitive fighting, Anantasak found a new calling as a boxing instructor in the Royal Thai Army, passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of fighters.
Anantasak Panyuthapum’s bouts during the ’90s exemplify mastery in range control, effective use of boxing and low kicks while sitting in the pocket, and adept utilisation of elbows both inside and outside of the clinch. He exuded a strong ring presence, coupled with unwavering confidence backed by formidable punching power.
Anantasak’s journey from humble beginnings to Muay Thai legend is a testament to his skill, dedication, and unwavering determination. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, he left an indelible mark on the world of combat sports. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of fighters for years to come.
