Who was the Best Muay Bouk in the 1990s?

In Muaythai, capturing titles in Bangkok’s most renowned stadiums is not only a measure of skill but also a testament to a fighter’s dedication to the sport. These stadiums serve as hallowed grounds where fighters showcase their mastery, earning the admiration of fans and peers alike.

However, beyond Lumpinee and Rajadamnern belts, spectators are drawn to fighters who exude remarkable spirit and energy. These fighters captivate audiences not only with their knowledge and skills within the sport but with their charismatic presence and their relentless pursuit of the victory.

Anatomy of the Best Muay Bouk

The Muay Bouk is Muaythai’s pressure fighter. These fighters are physically strong, durable, aggressive, and capable of throwing a high volume of strikes while moving forward. Muay Bouks dislike their opponents having the privilege of time and space; instead, they prefer to invade their space, interrupt their flow, and jam their weapons with barrages of varied strikes.

Muay Bouks must be mentally tough, willing to absorb oncoming strikes as they close into their preferred position. Additionally, they must be skilled in the clinch, often pushing right through to clinching range and engaging with knees and elbows.

Being one of the best Muay Bouk in 1990s Thailand demanded more than just physical conditioning; it required an indomitable spirit and a unique mindset. Constantly charging forward in fights is not merely a tactic but a reflection of the fighter’s inner determination and resolve. It is these intangible qualities that truly define the very best Muay Bouk practitioners.

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BEST MUAY BOUK

~ 1990s ~

This is not an exhaustive list of the best Muay Bouk practitioners, but it highlights a few fighters from the 1990s who made a significant impact on the sport.

All the information provided here pertains specifically to the 1990s.

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โอโรโน่ พ.เมืองอุบล Orono Por Muang Ubon

Orono was a tough and durable fighter from Ubon Ratchathani, northeastern Thailand. He enjoyed one of the lengthiest careers of his generation, starting out in 1983 and concluding his bouts against top-tier opponents in 1999. Even after this period, he continued to fight top foreign fighters such as Jean-Charles Skarbowsky, Wayne Parr, and Stéphane Nikiéma.

Orono was skilled with all weapons and set a relentless fighting pace, making him one of the most popular fighters of the 1990s. His fight against Sakmongkol Sithchuchok in 1998 was awarded Lumpinee Stadium Fight of the Year.

Best Year (1994)

10 wins: Chodchoi Chuchokchai, Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, Panomrunglek Chor Sawat, Cherry Sor Wanich, Pairoj Wor Wolapon (x3), Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj, Nuathoranee Tongraja and Nampon Nongkeepahuyuth.

1 NC: Pairoj Wor Wolapon

1 loss: Pompet Naratreekul

Other notable wins: Pongsiri Por Ruamrudee, Jongsanan Fairtex, Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth, Coban Lookchaomaesaitong, and Therdkiat Sittepitak.

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แสงเทียนน้อย ส.รุ่งโรจน์ Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj

Sangtiennoi was a force all throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Nicknamed “The Deadly Kisser” due to his tradition of kissing his opponents, Sangtiennoi won the Rajadamnern Stadium 130 lbs belt in 1989 and secured the 135 lbs Lumpinee Stadium title eight years later.

Sangtiennoi is well-known for defeating the Dutch Muay Bouk Ramon Dekkers (x2) and the Cameroonian Muay Femur Dany Bill. His rivalries against Orono Por Muang Ubon and Pairot Wor Wolapon are especially entertaining.

Sangtiennoi used a varied range of strikes outside of the clinch, and might be the best Muay Bouk to study for heavy kick and knee tactics.

Best Year (1991)

7 wins: Cherry Sor Wanich, Superlek Sorn Esarn, Ramon Dekkers (x2), Nuathoranee Tongraja and Nampon Nongkeepahuyuth (x2).

3 losses: Nuathoranee Tongraja and Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth (x2).

Other notable wins: Saencherng Pinsinchai, Nokweed Davy, Sakmongkol Sithchuchok, Orono Por Muang Ubon and Chanchai Sor Tamarangsi.

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ธงชัย ต.ศิลาชัย Tongchai Tor Silachai

Tongchai was one of the most prolific winners throughout the 1990s, with Lumpinee championships held across four weight classes. He was a powerful puncher and low kicker who brought an intensity to the ring for the best part of 30 years until he retired in 2008.

Tongchai fought Saenchai three times in the 1990s, winning the first bout by KO, winning the second by decision, and losing the third by decision. To this day, Tongchai is the only fighter ever to knock out Saenchai.

Tongchai might be the best Muay Bouk to study for aggressive short fighter tactics.

Best Year (1990)

14 wins: Methanoi Maliwan, Kwanla Bangprachan, Rungrat Srisunchai, Sinchai Saksamut, Chandet Sor Prantalay, Chainoi Sitchunthong, Takrawlek Dejrath, Nungubon Sitlerchai, Khanuphet Jonnygym, Hansulek Singkhonpan and Sornsuknoi Keatwichean.

3 losses: Nungubon Sitlerchai, Chainoi Sitchunthong and Methanoi Maliwan.

Other notable wins: Lamnammoon Sor Sumalee, Pairojnoi Sor Siamchai, Toto Por Pongsawang, Saenchai Sor Khamsing and Nongnarong Luksamrong.

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แสนเมืองน้อย ลูกเจ้าพ่อมเหศักดิ์ Saenmuangnoi Lukjaopormehasak

Samson Isaan was one of the most ferocious fighters in the 1990s, living up to his nickname “Roi Et’s Bull,” a reference to his hometown of Roi Et in Isaan. He was equally adept at fighting with knees and elbows inside the clinch as he was at sitting in the pocket and using his boxing skills, which led him to win the WBF World Super Flyweight title in September 1994.

Samson was hugely successful while competing in Thailand’s biggest stadiums, where his aggressive, knockout-heavy style made him a fan favourite. Despite his immense popularity and potential, he left the sport early at just 22 years old to commit fully to international rules boxing.

Samson’s potential seemed boundless, leaving many to ponder what could have been had he chosen to continue his journey in Muaythai.

Best Year (1991)

9 wins: Kraiwannoi Sitkru-Ott (x2), Dentaksin Sor Suwanapakdee, Rittidej Sor Ploenchit, Pepsi Biyapan, Tongchai Tor Silachai, Sanklai Sitkru-Ott (x2) and Veraphol Sahaprom.

2 draws: Pepsi Biyapan (x2)

Other notable victories: Lakhin Wassandasit,, Jowwayha Luktupfah, Rittidej Kerdpayak, Duangsompong Por Pongsawang and Detduang Por Pongsawang.