Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong – Best Fights and Biography
Who were the best technical fighters during the Golden Age of Muay Thai? Which athletes packed the stadiums, captivating both gamblers and spectators, leaving them craving more action?
Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong undoubtedly stands among the foremost names on this list.
| Name: | Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong |
| Birth Name: | Jaroen Chumanee |
| Thai Name: | เจริญ ชูมณี |
| Date of Birth: | June 11th 1968 |
| Place of Birth: | Tambon Thung Yai |
| Nicknames: | Kru Ped, Master Ped |
| Height: | 172 cm (5 ft 8 in) |
| Weight: | 126 lb (57 kg; 9 st 0 lb) |
| Divisions: | Junior Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight |
| Fighting out of: | Nakhon Si Thammarat Province |
| Team: | Kiatbanchong Gym, Chuchok “Mai Muangkhon” Chukaewruang |
| Years Active: | 1980s–90s |
Born in the village of Thung Yai, southern Thailand, Jaroenthong grew up as the seventh child in a family of nine siblings. He faced early hardship when his father passed away during his childhood, meaning Jaroenthong’s mother then had to work tirelessly in the rubber plantations to provide for her family.
Jaroenthong’s journey in Muay Thai began at the Kiatbanchong camp in Nakhon Si Tammarat, around 380 miles south of Bangkok. He had his first taste of combat at the age of 12 with his first professional fight, earning him 100 baht.
While Jaroenthong was in his teenage years, he attended Wimuttayaram Pittayakan High School in the Bangkok Noi district. After school, Jaroenthong would catch the bus to the Kiatbanchong Gym in the Bangseu district of Bangkok to work his craft, hoping one day to emulate the legendary fighters that lived at the camp.
Jaroenthong’s Rise at Lumpinee
Jaroenthong emerged as a prodigy within the Thai circuit, securing victory in his initial twenty bouts in Bangkok. However, his undefeated streak met its match against the “Genius of the South” Hippy Singmanee who was a two-weight Lumpinee champion in the ‘80s.
However, after an impressive run of wins between ’86 and ’87 which included victories over legendary fighters like Dokmaipah Por Pongsawang, Namphon Nongkeepahuyuth and Paruhatlek Sitchunthong, Jaroenthong earned a shot at the 115 lbs Lumpinee title. He won a decisive victory over Phayanoi Sor Tasanee in December of ’87, becoming Lumpinee Champion at just 19 years of age.
Such were the standards of Muay Thai during that era, Jaroenthong’s reign as champion was short-lived, as he lost his title to Wisanupon Saksamut the following month. Wisanupon’s victory that day marked his sixth Lumpinee title, spanning four weight divisions (102 lbs, 108 lbs, 112 lbs and 115 lbs).
The subsequent year saw Jaroenthong engage in a series of ten bouts, resulting in six victories and four defeats. Notable wins included victories over three notorious knee fighters in Langsuan Panyuthaphum, Panomtuanlek Hapalang and Chamuekpet Hapalang, offset by losses to tough opponents like Yodphet Sor Chitpattana and Samransak Muangsurin.
Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong developed a technical style, demonstrating technical prowess and tactical intelligence. He frequently countered his opponents’ powerful strikes with seamless evasive maneuvers and impeccably timed kicks and sweeps.
Despite Jaroenthong’s loss against Samransak that year, the promoters at Lumpinee Stadium seemingly identified an opportunity for an intriguing matchup. This led them to organise a 126 lbs Lumpinee title fight between the two fighters the following month. Jaroenthong beat the heavy-punching Samransak on points and became a Lumpinee champion once again.
Title Loss and Turbulent Times
In ‘89, Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong faced a challenging period as he lost his Lumpinee title to Namphon Nongkeepahuyuth, and suffered two devastating knockouts against two revered legends, namely Samart Payakaroon and Manasak Sor Ploenchit. Even in defeat, Jaroenthong found a silver lining as his loss to Saencheng Pinsinchai resulted in a purse of 250,000 baht, making it his most financially rewarding bout ever. In total, he participated in thirteen fights that year, winning seven and losing six.
Jaroenthong avenged his loss against Namphon later that year in a non-title fight with a TKO via doctor stoppage due to cuts in the third round.
Following significant victories over Petdam Sor Bodin, Noppadet Sor.Rewadee, and Cherry Sor Wanich in ‘89, Jaroenthong found himself in contention for another shot at the Lumpinee title. He was granted the opportunity to reclaim his 126 lbs title, which he had lost to Namphon six months earlier. However, the fight ended with Namphon securing a points victory.
The following years involved a mix of triumphs and setbacks, with notable encounters against renowned Thai fighters such as Superlek Sor Isaan and Cherry Sor Wanich. Jaroenthong’s resilience paved the path for further glory in June of ’91 as he clinched the Lumpinee belt once more, defeating the technical elbow specialist, Therdkiat Sittepitak in the 126 lbs division. This would prove to be Jaroenthong’s last Lumpinee belt win.
The Final Stretch ’91-’94
Up until November ’92, Jaroenthong managed to secure wins against top contenders like Superlek Sor Esarn and Chanchai Sor Tamrangsee, but endured losses against Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai, Namphon Nongkee Pahuyuth, Jongsanan Fairtex, and Cherry Sor Wanich.
A significant downturn in Jaroenthong’s career occurred during a bout with “Psycho” Chandet Sor Prantalay, where the referee intervened and ordered Jaroenthong to leave the ring due to his perceived underperformance, deeming the match a ‘no contest.’ Such actions are typically taken when a fighter is suspected of involvement in match-fixing in Thailand.
Match-fixing in Thailand often occurs due to financial incentives and pressures within the sport. Fighters may be approached by gamblers, promoters, or the mafia, and coerced into intentionally underperforming or losing a fight.
Despite this setback, in ’92 and ‘93, Jaroenthong secured wins against Petchdam Sor Bodin and Ramon Dekkers (earning the WMTC 140 lbs title), and suffered yet more losses against Superlek Sor Esarn and Orono Por Muang Ubon.
In ‘94, Jaroenthong faced a decisive loss against Theerapong Sit Korayuth, signaling the end of his competitive career.
However, Jaroenthong made a brief return to the ring at the age of 32, participating in the Warriors Cup of America held in California. In 2013, Jaroenthong’s passion for Muay Thai was evident once again as he laced up his gloves at the age of 45 to compete in the Toyota Marathon held in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. He beat Japanese fighter Yukiya Nakamura but eventually lost to Iran’s Vahid Shahbzai in the final.
The Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong Legacy
Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong ended his career with a record of 151 fights, 120 wins, 29 losses, and 2 draws.
Throughout his journey, Jaroenthong remained loyal to the Kiatbanchong Gym under the guidance of Pi Mai Muangkhon. This camp boasted a roster of esteemed champions during the ‘80s and ‘90s, including Oley Kiatoneway, Samranthong Kiatbanchong, Issara Saknarin, Jaroensap Kiatbanchong, and Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai.
Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong’s journey extends beyond the realm of the boxing ring, branching into politics, modeling, and cinema. Several years back, he ventured into the political arena, contesting in regional elections in his hometown of Nakhon Si Tammarat in southern Thailand, a place deeply intertwined with his family roots.
Remaining true to these roots, Jaroenthong displayed his generosity toward his native village of Thung Yai, erecting essential infrastructure like a gymnasium, sports centre, boxing stadium, and a football field. He has now established 16 Jaroenthong Gyms across Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Jaroenthong’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and enthusiasts alike, embodying the timeless virtues of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. He stands, in the eyes of many, as one of the greatest technical fighters of all time.
