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Saensak Muangsurin is currently the heaviest Muay Thai fighter in the world, and holds the record of being the world’s heaviest boxer. He won the world title in only his third professional fight, and is arguably the heaviest boxer ever.
Listed below are a few other notable heavyweights in Thai boxing.
Anuwat Kaewsamrit
Anuwat Kaewsamrat was known as the “Iron Hands of Siam” and was the best Muay Mat in Thailand for the 2000s. He has fought legends in the sport including Liam Harrison, Singdam Kiatmoo9, and Pongsongkram. His record is impressive and he holds several notable KO victories. In addition, Anuwat has won 12 elite championship belts, including the Rajadamnern Stadium champion title.
The pound for pound fighter Harrison will fight Anuwat on July 19. The two will fight in Manchester, UK at the Manchester Evening News Arena. Harrison is England’s best pound-for-pound fighter but he was beaten by Anuwat in Jamaica last year. Bovy Sor Udomsorn is another exciting Thai fighter.
Both sports have a unique set of strengths. Boxers will benefit from an aggressive style and a charging mindset. Kicks cover more distance and boxers will need to be prepared to counter kicks. Anuwat has an explosive left hook and knocked out many opponents with it. While boxing and Muay Thai are very different, both sport is a thrilling combination of strength and speed.
Liam Harrison fought Anuwat in 2008 and lost. The bout cost him his W.M.C world title. The two then fought in London in March 2010 and Harrison won by unanimous decision. However, both fighters are capable of putting up a fierce fight. The UK is a hotbed for women’s Muay Thai and produced many hall-of-fam fighters.
As one of the most successful and accomplished Muay Thai fighters, Anuwat Kaewsamrat is one to watch. His style is unique and he fought under the Onesongchai Promotion in Bangkok. He also fought at Lumpini and Rajadamnern stadiums. Moreover, he has fought many legends in the sport. In addition to winning the prestigious Lumpini Super Bantamweight title in 1998, Anuwat Kaewsamrit competed in the Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand (ABP), under His Majesty the King’s patronage. Furthermore, he represented the Royal Thai Police in the Kings Cup Boxing tournament.
In 2016, Anuwat Kaewsamrat won the Lumpinee and Rajadamnern titles. Then, he turned his attention to international kickboxing and MMA and ended his 12-fight streak. While fighting in the sport, he was undefeated for 12 consecutive fights and won nine of them by knockout, including all of his fights in the first three rounds. Moreover, he also knocked out fellow Thai fighter Sangmanee in 2020 with a left hook in round one.
Samart Payakaroon
As one of the largest men in the world, Samart Payakaroon is often referred to as the Muhammad Ali of Muay Thai. Born in Bangkok, Samart started training at an early age under the tutelage of his father, Kongtoranee Payakaroon. He began competing in boxing at the age of seven and won four Lumpinee belts. His fame came from his use of the side teep kick, which was his go-to attack and defence. He is now considered the greatest fighter in Muay Thai history.
During his career, Samart Payakaroon has released three albums and appeared in several action films. He also has attempted modeling. In addition to his impressive boxing skills, Samart also has many other talents. In his Muay Thai career, Samart has an overall record of 150 wins, 19 losses and two draws. The heaviest Thai fighter of all time was also a model, who was famous for wearing a thong to look like a lion.
After losing his brother Satoru, Samart is referred to as the Muhammad Ali of Muay Thai. His southpaw stance has gained him respect and admiration for life. He knocked out Lupe Pintor to win the WBC junior featherweight title, but lost his second defense and subsequently retired. Despite his heaviness, Samart is still one of the best fighters in the world.
Dieselnoi began the fight using his clinch defense against Samart, and quickly established his tools in the first two rounds. As the fight progressed, Samart’s outside footwork became increasingly difficult, requiring him to work constantly to evade Dieselnoi’s knees. However, Dieselnoi remained a formidable opponent. Dieselnoi has an impressive record and has become the heaviest Thai fighter.
Although the heaviest Thai fighter in history, his meteoric rise to fame was brief. He won two Lumpinee titles before moving to America. He was undefeated from 1998 to 2005. His popularity waned when he left Thailand and moved to America. He found a new coach, Ganyao Fairtex, at the Fairtex gym in San Francisco. While he was training in the U.S., he became a world-class fighter who fought in a series of high-profile fights.
Veeraphol Sahaprom
Former Muay Thai star Veeraphol Sahaprom turned professional in boxing and has won two WBC bantamweight titles. He has the viper-like jab and the ability to land punches from all angles. In his second reign, Veeraphol defended his WBC belt 14 times, only two fighters have defended the title more. Sahaprom was born in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. His birth name is Teerapol Samranklang.
Veeraphol Sahaprom fought in Thailand in 1996, when he fought for the first time. His weight caused many people to question his stance. Moreover, he has won numerous championships. The Sports Authority of Thailand and Sportswriters Association of Thailand voted him as the Fighter of the Year in 2003. Upon retirement, he continued training at the Por Pramuk camp.
While Veeraphol Sahaprom is one of the most accomplished Thai fighters of all time, his greatest achievement was defeating the legendary Saensak in the 1970s. Saensak won the Lumpinee title in the most difficult weight class of all, and he took on the best Nak Muay of his time, Khaosai Galaxy. Saensak was a four-time winner and was awarded Sports Writers Fighter of the Year. He is also the only fighter to have won the World Muay Thai title twice.
In Muay Thai, the use of various limbs is vital, and the use of elbows and fists alongside shins is a key to success. The fighters Samart Payakaroon, Veeraphol Sahaprom, Khaosai Galaxy, and Somluck Khamsing are just a few of the legends who have successfully transitioned from kickboxing to boxing.
Tongchai
If we put aside the heaviest Muay Thai wrestlers, we will have a much better idea of how heavy the heaviest fighters are. Tongchai, whose name is pronounced tong-chai, was born in Cambodia in 1961. His weight is around 165 kilograms. This weight category is also known as “super heavyweight.” However, there are other categories that have heavier fighters as well.
Saranon Glompan, born in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, is known as the heaviest Muay Thai fight in history. His father was a boxer, so it was natural that he would be the heaviest Muay Thai fighter. Thongchai spent six years at Sit Tong Sak before moving to the Lethwei tournament. His nickname is Khun Kao Palang Maa, meaning “The Man With Horse Knee Power” because of his powerful knees.
Tongchai is one of the most popular heavyweights in Muay Thai, having won three Contender Asia tournaments. His odd nickname, “The Boxing Computer,” describes his uncanny ability to strike. He is also incredibly skilled, constantly looking for openings in his opponent’s guard. His strikes are so powerful that it is nearly impossible to block them.
Tongchai used his height to his advantage and is renowned for his killer knees. While many fighters would refuse to fight him, he started fighting in 1990 and is now one of the longest serving Thai fighters with 226 wins and 23 losses. While Tongchai has a heavy bag and is considered one of the strongest Muay Thai fighters of all time, there are still other heavyweight fighters who do not get the chance to fight him.
Many consider Thongchai the best Muay Thai fighter of all time. His technical skills far surpass those of his rivals and he is regarded as the Muhammad Ali of Muay Thai. It is unlikely that he will ever be beaten. But the question is, how does he compare with Groenhart? Let’s take a look. If you’re interested in learning more about Muay Thai, check out the website below!