Yodsanklai Fairtex: The Boxing Computer
Yodsanklai Fairtex is one of the highest-skilled Muay Thai strikers in history. This Nak Muay is a retired former multi-time Muay Thai world champion. Yodsanklai Fairtex traveled the globe conquering Muay Thai titles everywhere he went.
In his storied career, Yodsanklai Fairtex was able to earn an incredible record with 200 professional victories. He began his fighting career at the age of only 8 years old so we have little record of most of his Muay Thai matches.
Yodsanklai’s remarkable skills and unwavering drive continued to propel him forward. His relentless pursuit of excellence would ultimately lead him to compete on the international stage, where he would face formidable opponents from various corners of the world.
Between Muay Thai and kickboxing, Yodsanklai Fairtex was able to capture world titles in organizations such as Lumpinee Stadium, Lion Fights, WBC Muay Thai, World Muay Thai Council, Toyota Marathon, and many more. Along the way, he defeated incredible competitors such as Marat Grigorian, Cosmo Alexandre, John Wayne Parr, Samkor Kiatmontep, Kaew Fairtex, Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, kickboxing great Andy Souwer, and several others.
Who is Yodsanklai Fairtex?
| Name: | Yodthanong Photirat or Yodsanklai Fairtex |
| Date of Birth: | July 1, 1985 |
| Place of Birth: | Nong Bua Lamphu, Thailand |
| Nickname: | Yodsanklai or Yod |
| Gym: | Fairtex |
| Height: | 171 cm (5 ft 7 in) |
| Weight: | 70 kg (154 lb; 11 st) |
| Weight Classes: | Welterweight, Light middleweight, Middleweight, Super middleweight |
| Record(s): | Kickboxing & Muay Thai 202-74-4 |
| Years Active: | 1993-2021 |
| Championships: | Six Muay Thai World Championships, One Kickboxing World Title |
Yodsanklai Fairtex Early Life
Yodsanklai, one of the renowned Muay Thai fighters of his time, was born in the vibrant province of Nong Bua Lamphu in Northeastern Thailand. This region was widely regarded as a hotbed for the sport of Muay Thai, and it was within this backdrop that Yodsanklai’s journey in martial arts began.
From a young age, Yodsanklai’s fascination with Muay Thai was ignited by his older brother, Yodkangwan, who had already established himself as a respected figure in the sport. As Yodsanklai witnessed his brother’s matches and observed the intensity and skill displayed in each fight, his admiration grew, and he yearned to follow in his footsteps.
At the tender age of eight, Yodsanklai embarked on his own path as a Muay Thai practitioner. Guided by the influence of his brother and fueled by a passion for the sport, he dedicated himself to training diligently. He honed his techniques, developed his strength, and immersed himself in the rich traditions and disciplines that defined the art of Muay Thai.
Yodsanklai’s commitment and hard work paid off when he had his inaugural fight at a temple fair in his hometown of Ban Na Dee. Although a humble beginning, this fight marked the first step in his promising career. Despite his young age, Yodsanklai showcased his natural talent and determination, earning a fight fee of 20 baht, a testament to his budding potential.
Like so many Nak Muay, Yodsanklai Fairtex began his combat sports career to help provide for his family. For an eight-year-old, Muay Thai was a good way to bring income for his family. Fighters such as Stamp Fairtex and Rodtang Jitmuangnon, among many others, all claim to have begun in Muay Thai just to help their family.
In multiple interviews, Yodsanklai explained:
“I took up Muay Thai when I was eight because of my brother and poverty … I first started because I enjoyed watching my brother fight, but also because where I am from is a very poor part of Thailand and I wanted to help my family … When I was young, I fought a lot with my brother. There was a boxing camp near my house owned by a teacher in the school. The teacher who owned the boxing camp saw me fighting with my brother. He saw our potential as boxers, so he trained us at his camp.”
During his formative years, Yodsanklai adhered to a rigorous training schedule that often got in the way of his education. Yodsanklai’s training regimen commenced early in the morning when he and his brother would wake up at the break of dawn, at 5 a.m., to embark on their daily jog. Upon completing their jog, they would return home to prepare for school, aiming to be there by 9 a.m.
Despite their best intentions, Yodsanklai humorously admitted that being punctual for school was a challenge they often faced. Their ardent commitment to training sometimes caused them to be late, as their dedication to Muay Thai occasionally took precedence over timeliness.
Once classes concluded, Yodsanklai swiftly made his way back to the gym, eagerly resuming his training. The second part of his daily routine encompassed five hours of intensive sparring, drilling various techniques, and focusing particularly on perfecting his left kick. Yodsanklai Faritex remained committed to his training until as late as 9 p.m.
Yodsanklai’s World Titles in Combat Sports
Yodsanklai Faritex has collected some incredible world titles during his lengthy career in combat sports. Between Muay Thai and kickboxing he has earned notable titles such as:
- 2001 Lumpinee Stadium Flyweight World Champion
- 2003 Toyota Marathon Tournament Winner
- 2005 Lumpinee Stadium Welterweight World Champion
- WBC Muay Thai World Super Welterweight Champion (2005-2009)
- 2008 World Muay Thai Council Middleweight Champion
- 2012 World Muay Thai Council Middleweight Champion
- 2014 & 2013 Lion Fight Middleweight Kickboxing World Championship
What Makes Yodsanklai Fairtex Notable in Muay Thai History?
Yodsanklai Fairtex holds significant importance in the history of Muay Thai due to his exceptional skills, remarkable achievements, and contributions to the sport. He’s fought some incredible Muay Thai strikers and held some incredibly notable world titles during his nearly 30-year-long career.
Yodsanklai’s dominance and success in the sport have solidified his place among the all-time greats of Muay Thai. Throughout his career, he has amassed an impressive record of victories against top-ranked opponents, both in Thailand and on the international stage.
Internationally, Yodsanklai Fairtex earned acclaim due to winning the reality how The Contender Asia. Discussing his newly found global fame and success, Yodsanklai said:
“It’s like the sky and rock-bottom. I never thought I’d be top-ranked in the world. When I was young, I was just another country boy playing around. I didn’t know how my life would turn out to be. I really had no idea. I have to thank heaven for where I am today. I am world-famous and I have a good family. My financial situation is better. I want to thank Muay Thai for giving me this good life.”
This iconic Nak Muay had an unforgettable match against Australian Muay Thai legend John Wayne Parr. Speaking in an interview, John Wayne Parr recalled how much facing Yodsanklai Fairtex meant for him. The Australian striker said:
“One of my greatest fights is a fight that I lost. And that was to Yodsanklai in the finals of The Contender Asia. He knocked me down in round 1. At the time, my father was dying of cancer. All I could think about was just making sure I get up. Because it was going to be the last time that he sees me fight. So I really wanted to make him proud.”
“Yodsanklai knocked me down again in round 2 … I came back strong in round three, round four. Yodsanklai, we had a tough battle in the fifth round … I didn’t win the fight. But to this day I’m so proud that I finished my fight and made it as exciting as I could.”
“The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai Fairtex
Yodsanklai is known for his technical innovations within the sport which earned him the name “The Boxing Computer.” He has developed and refined his own unique fighting style, characterized by his explosive punches, devastating kicks, and dynamic combinations.
Yodsanklai Fairtex is widely celebrated for his exceptional fighting style, which has earned him a reputation as one of the most formidable and devastating fighters in modern Muay Thai. Central to his fighting prowess is his renowned round kick, which is regarded as one of the most powerful and impactful in the sport.
Yodsanklai’s nickname “The Boxing Computer” not only reflects his incredible punching skills but also serves as an acknowledgment of his flawless technique. His ability to execute precise strikes with remarkable accuracy is a testament to his years of dedicated training and unwavering focus.
What sets Yodsanklai Fairtex apart is his ability to seamlessly integrate these techniques, transitioning between them effortlessly to create a dynamic and unpredictable offensive onslaught. Most notably, his dangerous roundhouse kicks are what set him apart.
Furthermore, Yodsanklai’s fighting style is rooted in discipline, focus, and a profound understanding of the technical aspects of Muay Thai. He possesses a remarkable ring intelligence that allows him to analyze his opponent’s weaknesses and exploit them with precision and efficiency.
Yodsanklai Fairtex’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of fighters, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Muay Thai. His ability to conquer Muay Thai titles worldwide and defeat renowned opponents showcases his exceptional talent and unwavering drive. Yodsanklai Fairtex’s contributions to Muay Thai and his remarkable skills have solidified his status as one of the highest-skilled Muay Thai strikers in history.
