Suphachai "Saenchai" Saepong (born July 30, 1980), formerly known as Saenchai Sor. Kingstar (Thai: แสนชัย ส.คิงสตาร์), is a Thai kickboxer of Khon Isan descent. Saenchai won the Lumpinee Stadium title, which is widely considered the most prestigious title in Muay Thai, in four different weight divisions, while mostly fighting larger opponents. He is considered by many to be the best pound for pound Muay Thai fighter, and is regarded as one of the best fighters of all time.[3][4][5] Saenchai would often give up weight to find worthy opponents in Thailand, and from 2003 to 2014 only lost two times in Thailand when the weights were equal,[6][7] with all other losses happening when he was forced to have a weight disadvantage to make the fights more equal.
Since 2010 he has fought 88 times in 15 countries and is perhaps the most active international fighter. He is known for his excellent head movement, defensive footwork, unconventional kicks, and jumping attacks. His speed, athleticism, and the large variety in his unorthodox arsenal made him an exceptionally difficult opponent to prepare for. Incorporating Muay Boran style kicks and manoeuvres, he is known as a showman.[8] He retired from serious competition in Thailand in 2014 and now solely competes in showcase fights around the world against foreign, usually bigger opponents. Upon retiring from competition on the Thai circuit he was still able to make 130 pounds, with his final fight being forced to make 129 pounds.[9]
Since 2014, Saenchai has frequently competed at the Thai Fight promotion, a Thailand-based promotion. He has often been the headliner at more recent Thai Fight events and has won five King's Cup titles with the promotion at 67 kg and 70 kg. He holds the promotion's records for most titles with 5 and all-time wins with 52.[10]
Biography
Early career
Saenchai started learning Muay Thai when he was 8 years old. He decided to start learning Muay Thai in Jocky gym when his friend's elder brother received a prize after a bout. He debuted after training for only a week, and he won his first bout by decision receiving 30 Baht (≒$1).
He started fighting in Bangkok when he was 14 years old, then transferred to Kamsing gym owned by Somluck Kamsing. Kamsing paid 300,000 Baht as a transfer fee. This is the reason Saenchai's ring name was Saenchai Sor.Khamsing (แสนชัย ส.คำสิงห์).
In 1997 at age 16[11] Saenchai won the title of Lumpinee stadium championship at super flyweight. When he was 18, he won the title of Lumpinee stadium championship at bantamweight.
Turning to boxing
In 2002, Saenchai turned to boxing. He debuted as "Suphachai Saenpong" at featherweight. He fought against Rud 4K Kevkatchewon from Philippines to challenge for the vacant interim title of PABA on November 27, 2003, and he won the title by unanimous decision. In January 2004, he retained his PABA title against Rud.
In 2004, he decided to go back to Muay Thai again.
Discord with Khamsing
Saenchai visited Japan twice to fight and Khamsing agreed at those times, but Khamsing disagreed the third time. Although Khamsing tried to stop Saenchai from going to Japan, he went there with some Muay Thai fighters from another gym. Because of this incident, Khamsing broke off relations with Saenchai, and Saenchai moved to Kingstar gym. At this time, Khamsing received 300,000 Baht from Kingstar gym as a transfer fee.[12]
On July 3, 2006, Saenchai fought against Sang-Soo Lim from Korea in Japan. Saenchai was going to fight against Shinya Ishige but he was replaced two weeks earlier as he had been injured during training. Lim was 21 cm taller and 10 kg heavier than Saenchai but Saenchai knocked out Lim in 2R with a right hook.[13]
On July 3, 2009, Saenchai fought against two Muay Thai fighters in the single bout at Lumpinee stadium. During 1 to 3 round, he fought against Petchboonchu FA Group. Petchboonchu tried to attack aggressively at 1R, but Saenchai carried throughout his stamina-saving style and broke Petchboonchu's balance several times. During 4 to 5 round, Saenchai fought against Sagetdao Petpayathai. Saenchai controlled his critical distance with front-kicks and middle-kicks and he threw telling blows more than Sakeddaow did. The referee announced Saenchai's victory with unanimous decision after 5R.
On March 14, 2010, Saenchai fought against Tetsuya Yamato from Japan to challenge the vacant world lightweight title sanctioned by Muay Thai Association of America (MTAA) in Los Angeles. Saenchai knocked out Yamato with left high kick at 1R, and won the MTAA title.
On January 21, 2012, Saenchai fought at Yokkao Extreme 2012 in front of 12,000 attendees. He lost for the first time against a European in Muay Thai rules. The fight took place in Milan Italy against the foreign Thai boxer, Fabio Pinca. Saenchai had beaten Pinca years earlier. Despite the 12 kg weight difference, Saenchai put up a good fight. However, by the third round the size difference was starting to pay off for Pinca. He used his strength to tie Saenchai up and win a close but controversial decision. A headbutt by Pinca on Saenchai went unpunished as well as Saenchai's streak of 20 or more straight wins against foreign fighters was snapped.
He beat Pakorn Sakyothin by decision at Super Showdown 4 in Glasgow, Scotland on November 10, 2012,[17][18] and then took a points victory over Damian Alamos twelve days later at Best of Siam 2 in Paris, France.[19][20] Saenchai then defeated Liam Harrison for the third time at Muay Thai Warriors in Macau on December 9, 2012, taking a clear-cut unanimous decision.[21]
On March 9, 2013, Saenchai outpointed Houcine Bennoui at Siam Warriors in Cork, Ireland.[26][27]
He lost to 17-year-old phenom Yodwicha Por Boonsit on points at Lumpinee on May 10, 2013.[28][29] The pair were set to rematch on June 7, 2013, but a lingering neck injury forced Saenchai out of the bout.[30][31]
He debuted under Oriental kickboxing rules at Hoost Cup: Kings in Nagoya, Japan on June 16, 2013, and beat Yosuke Mizuochi by unanimous decision in a three-round fight.[32][33][34][35]
He beat Rafi Bohic by unanimous decision at Muay Thai Warriors: Dabble in Chiang Mai on June 28, 2013, in Chiang Mai, Thailand.[36][37]
Saenchai ran through a field of overmatched farangs to win the Toyota Vigo Marathon Tournament on July 24, 2013, in Phitsanulok.[38][39]
It was reported that he would fight Mickaël Piscitello at the WBC World Muay Thai Millennium Championship in Saint-Pierre, Réunion on September 7, 2013.[43] However, he denied ever being on the card.[44]
He fought Andrei Kulebin at Combat Renaissance in China on September 17, 2013.[45]
He beat Singdam Kiatmuu9 by decision at Yokkao 5 in Pattaya, Thailand on November 15, 2013.[46][47]
He lost an extension round decision to Kong Hong Xing at the K-1 World MAX 2013 World Championship Tournament Quarter Finals - Part 1 in Foshan, China on December 28, 2013.[48][49]
2014
He lost to Petchboonchu FA Group on points at the last ever show held at the old Lumpinee Stadium on February 7, 2014.
Saenchai defeated Victor Nagbe by decision in a -65 kg match at Yokkao 7 in Pattaya, Thailand on February 19, 2014.[50][51][52]
He was scheduled for a March 8, 2014, meeting with Irishman Stephen Hodgers at Origins IV at Welterweight (-64.00 kg/141 lb) in Perth, Western Australia. Saenchai was unable to compete, however, as he did not meet certain criteria demanded by the Western Australia Combat Sports Commission and was replaced by Komkit Chanawong.[53]
Saenchai beat Nong-O on points in a three-rounder at the grand opening of the new Lumpinee Stadium on February 28, 2014.[54]
Saenchai defeated Shota Sato via unanimous decision at Hoost Cup: Legend in Nagoya, Japan on March 23, 2014.[55][56]
He beat Kamen Picken via UD at Combat Banchamek in Surin, Thailand on April 14, 2014.[57]
He defeated Bertrand Lambert via decision at Muay Thai in Macau on June 6, 2014.[58]
He will rematch Yetkin Özkul in a fight for the WMC World Lightweight (-61.2 kg/135 lb) Championship at Monte Carlo Fighting Masters 2014 in Monte Carlo, Monaco on June 14, 2014.[59]
On September 24, 2014, Saenchai P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym made his debut on the Thai Fight stage, defeating the strong Scotsman Craig Dickson (Sumalee) under Kard Chuek rules (with rope bindings taking the place of gloves).
2017
Saenchai defeated Shan Cangelosi of Italy by decision in the main event at THAI FIGHT Turin on May 27, 2017, in Turin, Italy.[60]
Saenchai took a unanimous decision against Spanish Jonathan Fabian at Yokkao 26 on September 11, 2017, in Hong Kong.[61]
Saenchai defeated Juan Salmeron by decision on September 30, 2017, at Thai Fight Barcelona.[62][63]
Saenchai fought and defeated American Arthur Sorsor by decision at KHMER - THAI FIGHT on November 25, 2017, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.[64]
2018
Saenchai went the entirety of 2018 undefeated in Muay Thai competition. He spent the whole year fighting in the THAI FIGHT circuit, going a perfect 9–0.
On January 27, 2018, he defeated Henrique Muller of Brazil by KO in the 3rd round at THAI FIGHT Bangkok 2017 to win the 2017 THAI FIGHT 67 kg King's Cup title, his second THAI FIGHT championship.[65]
Saenchai then stopped Iran's Ramin Moazzami by 1st-round KO on March 24, 2018, at THAI FIGHT Mueang Khon 2018.[66]
On April 21, 2018, he defeated Italy's Luca Roma THAI FIGHT Italy 2018 by unanimous decision.[67]
On May 12, 2018, he defeated another Italian, Andrea Serra, by unanimous decision at THAI FIGHT Samui 2018.
On July 7, 2018, Saenchai defeated Amir Naseri of Iran at THAI FIGHT Hat Yai 2018.[68]
On August 25, 2018, he defeated Russia's Nikita Surovezhkin by unanimous decision at THAI FIGHT Rayong 2018.[69]
On October 27, 2018, Saenchai took a unanimous decision victory over Isaac Santos of Brazil at THAI FIGHT Chiang Rai 2018.[70]
On November 24, 2018, he defeated Sif El Islam Djebaili by 1st-round KO at THAI FIGHT Saraburi 2018.[71]
To close out the year, Saenchai faced Jamal Madani for the 2018 THAI FIGHT 67 kg title at THAI FIGHT Nakhon Ratchasima 2018 on December 22, 2018. After three rounds, Saenchai was awarded the unanimous decision victory and was crowned the 2018 THAI FIGHT 67 kg King's Cup Champion, claiming his third consecutive promotional title.[72]
2019
Saenchai began the year fighting at Yokkao 36 in Italy on January 26, 2019, where he defeated Cristian Faustino by unanimous decision.[73]
He returned to the THAI FIGHT stage in time for the first event of the year, where he faced Firdavs Boynazarov at THAI FIGHT Phuket 2019. Saenchai went on to defeat Boynazarov by unanimous decision.[74]
On March 8, 2019, Saenchai headed out for the UAE to compete at Fight Night Dubai to battle Valerii Abramenko of Ukraine, whom he defeated by unanimous decision.[75]
Saenchai returned to THAI FIGHT once again on March 30, 2019. At THAI FIGHT Mueang Khon 2019, he knocked out Javad Bigdeli of Iran in the 2nd round after a series of knees to the body.[76]
On June 29, 2019, he defeated Argentina's Cristian Pastore by unanimous decision at THAI FIGHT Betong 2019.
On August 24, 2019, Saenchai defeated Cem Deniz of Australia by unanimous decision at THAI FIGHT Kham Chanod 2019 in Udon Thani.
In September, 2019, Saenchai went on a Muay Thai seminar tour in the US with Spencer Brown, Yodchai and Kru Jack. They visited 20 gyms in 20 different cities over a 3-week period.[77][78]
On October 26, 2019, Saenchai delivered a 1st-round knockout victory over Batjargal Sundui of Mongolia at THAI FIGHT Bangsaen 2019.[79]
Saenchai was entered into the 2019 THAI FIGHT 70 kg King's Cup Tournament prior to THAI FIGHT Mae Sot 2019.[80] On November 23, 2019, Saenchai defeated Alejandro Amicucci of Argentina via 1st-round KO in the THAI FIGHT 70 kg King's Cup Tournament Semi Finals at THAI FIGHT Mae Sot 2019, advancing to the Tournament Final.[81]
On December 21, 2019, he would face Tophik Abdullaev of Georgia in THAI FIGHT 70 kg King's Cup Tournament Final at the THAI FIGHT finale of 2019: THAI FIGHT: Thai Fest in Patong. The fight would see a quick finish as Saenchai landed a knee in the clinch during the 1st round, claiming the KO victory. As a result, he would be crowned the 2019 THAI FIGHT 70 kg King's Cup Tournament Champion, his second title with THAI FIGHT.[82]
2020
At YOKKAO 45 & 46, Saenchai fought Shan Cangelosi for the YOKKAO Diamond Welterweight title. He won the fight by a unanimous decision.[83]
After an eight month break, as no events were held during the COVID-19 pandemic, Saenchai returned at the Thai Fight: New Normal event against Rodrigo Freitas. He won the fight by decision.[84] At Thai Fight Begins, he fought Esmail Ganji in the event headliner,[85] winning the fight by decision.[86]
Saenchai fought twice in November 2020. At Thai Fight Korat 2020, he fought Danilo Reis,[87] and won by decision.[88] Three weeks later, he scored a second-round knockout of Gabriel dos Santos.[89]
2021
Saenchai's first fight of 2021 came on April 3, at Thai Fight Nan, against Seth Grande. Saenchai won a dominant unanimous decision.[90]
Seanchai faced Omar Elouers at THAI FIGHT Khao Aor on December 19, 2021. He won the fight by a first-round knockout.[91]
2022
On August 2, 2022, it was announced that Saenchai had signed a multi-fight contract with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and is expected to debut in his native Thailand in late 2022.[92] However, in October 2022 it was announced that Saenchai would face fellow Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek in a bare-knuckle muay thai bout in a BKFC event in March 2023.[93]
2023
In mid-February 2023, it was announced that due to legal implications regarding the use of the name muay thai in marketing material, the bout was indefinitely postponed and effectively canceled.[94] In June 2023, BKFC Asia CEO Nick Chapman announced that the fight with Saenchai was on again, this time promoted as a Special Rules Bare Knuckle Thai Fight and taking place at BKFC Asia 5 on November 5, 2023.[95]
Titles and accomplishments
Muay Thai
YOKKAO
2020 YOKKAO Diamond Welterweight Champion
THAI FIGHT
2022 THAI FIGHT 70 kg King's Cup Champion
2019 THAI FIGHT 70 kg King's Cup Champion
2018 THAI FIGHT 67 kg King's Cup Champion
2017 THAI FIGHT 67 kg King's Cup Champion
2016 THAI FIGHT Kard Chuek 70 kg King's Cup Champion
Most championships in Thai Fight (5)
Most wins in Thai Fight (52)
52–0 record
Phoenix Fighting Championship
2017 Phoenix Fighting Championship 63.5 kg Champion
Toyota Marathon
2014 Toyota Marathon Runner-up
2013 Toyota Vigo Marathon Tournament
Muay Thai Warriors
2012 Muay Thai Warriors Welterweight (65 kg) champion
In Muay Thai, professional boxers rarely perform under their birth name: After entering a training camp, they adopt the name of the camp as their last name, while (usually but not necessarily) keeping their first name.[99] Throughout the career, they may change a training camp or a sponsor, changing their last name correspondingly. Saenchai used following 4 names as a professional fighter.[100]
^Fullcom.Y.K., ed. (January 3, 2008). Muay Thai ni kanshitewa konohonga saikouhou! (The Best Book of Muay Thai!). Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan: Touhou shuppan (Touhou Publishing.Corp). ISBN978-4-8094-0649-2.
