It’s no secret – one of the hardest things for a champion thai boxer to do is hang up his or her gloves. For most Muay Thai champions, it’s twice as hard. There’s simply nothing like being in a muay thai ring – the feeling of euphoria when you win, excitement and fast pace of the sport, coupled with the wildly enthusiastic spectators and of course the financial rewards the reason why many kids in Thailand are drawn to Muay Thai at the start of their career.
The feeling of make retirement a tough call for most muay thai champions. But as the popular adage goes “every good thing must come to an end”; and after careers than start as early as six years old by time most Muay Thai fighters in Thailand approach their late 20s and fighting their way to the top, their bodies have clocked up huge mileage from years of gruelling muay thai training sessions and the wear and tear of hundreds of professional muay thai fights from retirement is inevitable.
For these muay thai champions, leaving the game completely wasn’t an option. Many having started fighting since a very young age and have very few opportunities because of little experience in any other areas of work. Hard labour, working in a market, security guards or taxi driving jobs are amongst the choices for the unskilled and sad place to former champions to finish after reaching the pinnacle in their sport.
Traditionally many former muay thai fighters have chosen to finish off their careers and remain in the Muay Thai camps where they have spent most of their careers starting striving to be the become the best Muay Thai trainers in Thailand.
Aside from training the next generation of Muay Thai fighters from Thailand with the global popularity of fight sports growing Thailand has become the mecca for Muay Thai training camps catering for Muay Thai enthusiasts from around the work. Some travel to Thailand to get fit or learn more about the sport that started in their own country and others are looking to improve their level and fight in Thailand.
With the growth of Muay Thai camps in Phuket and Bangkok catering to foreign guests there has been more opportunities for former champions to work sharing their Muay Thai skills. As Muay Thai has become more popular globally there has been more opportunities for the best Muay Thai trainers to travel abroad and share their skills. Some camps don’t permit their trainers to travel abroad and others such as Sitsongpeenong encourage them. Aside from the financial rewards, the trainers return with improved language skills and a better understanding of other cultures.
Sitsongpeenong Phuket is the gym that has the biggest collection of former champions teaching in the gym with Sitsongpeenong Bangkok housing the biggest collection of current champions from the heavier weight divisions fighting in Thailand and overseas.
A former fighter, trainer and promoter from Australia Tim Fisher set out to find the best muay thai trainers in Thailand and create the best Muay Thai gym in Phuket. Some of the gems he uncovered are the following:
Hansuk
This skilled fighter took the muay thai scene by storm and feared by many with his clever skills and powerful punching. Known for his impressive boxing skills, and his unmatched quick wit, Hansuk was a knockout artist feared by many. He was the star of numerous thrilling and compelling fights for boxing fans; seamlessly winning almost every belt in Muay Thai. Having competed for years at the top level in Muay Thai Hansuk also competed in western boxing. It’s no surprise that nowadays he’s a sort after Muay Thai coach regularly travelling around the world coaching and teaching seminars.
Hansuk sure had an outstanding career in the ring winning both WBC and WMC World Muay Thai titles, the highly regarded Lumphine Stadium belt in two weight divisions. One of the few boxers to also win the Rajadernman stadium belt as well as Lumphine Stadium and two times winning the Channel 7 belt. Having won every championship in Muay Thai and running short of opponents Hansuk also fought in professional boxing. The outstanding fighter is now spending his well-deserved retirement as a trainer for Sitsongpeenong Phuket, sharing his talent with aspiring Muay Thai champions.
Penthai
Currently married with a young family, Penthai Singpatong retired in 2015 at the top of his game. He had already amassed an impressive set of awards and achievements as: a 2-time Lumphine Champion (Highest award in Muay Thai), the Muay Thai Champion of Thailand, and two times Channel 7 stadium champion.
Penthai is known for his exciting fight style that combines powerful punches and low kicks with some slick Muay thai sweeps and elbows. He is praised for dominating his opponents with his swift hard-hitting performance in the ring as well as being a huge crowd favorite. You can witness his skills for yourself by checking out his highlights on YouTube. If you are looking for the best Muay Thai training camp in Phuket then its worth searching for the little wizard Penthai.
Since retiring in 2015 Penthai has made the Sitsongpeenong camp in Surin beach in Phuket his home. As a trainer Penthai has visited China, Australia, Brazil and Peru having trained the Peru national team in preparation for their world championships.
Sayannoi
Sayannoi Kiatprabat, nicknamed “Ghee”, brings a unique combination of expertise and experience to Sitsongpeenong Gym. At age 29, this former Champion of Thailand and 2-time Lumpinee Champion, is now helping others to adopt his incredible swift striking skills that led him to claim those titles. To add to his achievements, his incredible strong kicks and extremely versatility also led him to become a WMC World Champion.
a complete fighter with all the weapons. He was known for his thrilling skill set in fights against other Muay Thai legends of the time; such as Saenchai, Bovy, Anuwat Kaewsamrit, Nong B, and Thongchai Sor Silachai. Beating all but Saenchai.
Sayannoi has his baddest-fighter-in-the-ring image and his passion for fighting to share with others willing to learn Muay Thai.
Other Muay Thai champions frequenting Sitsongpeenong Phuket are Kaolanlek, Yodvisanu Fairtex and Pettawee Sor Kittichai all former champions working both overseas and also under the same roof at one of the best muay thai gyms in Phuket.
The crowd may have stopped cheering along for these Muay Thai champions but they remain a part of fight, sharing their talent with aspiring champions. Don’t hesitate to come meet them at Sitsongpeenong Gym. You’re guaranteed to receive the Best muay thai training in Phuket.