Namphon Nongkee Pahuyuth

Namphon (nickname: Khaek; แขก) was born on May 19, 1969 in Tambon Jan Tuek, Amphoe Nong Ki, Buriram province. He practiced Muay Thai since childhood with the training and support of Pramote Hoymook, local physical education teacher who is the owner of Muay Thai gym "Nongkee Pahuyuth". He became successful and famous in Surin and Nakhon Ratchasima before going to fight in Bangkok where he become a Muay Thai superstar during 1988–91.[3]

He fought with many famous Muay Thai kickboxers at that time, such as Samart Payakaroon, Cherry S. Wanich, Saengtiennoi Sor. Rungrot, Petdum Look Borai, Panomtoanlek Sor. Sirinan, Neutharonee Tongraja, Superlek Sorn E-Sarn, Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, Samranthong Kiatbanchong, Pompetch Naratreekul, Orono Por Muang Ubon etc, and especially with Cherry S. Wanich who is considered his main rival, and Samart Payakaroon who he fought five times though he only beat him once.

He won three-weight championships of the Lumpinee Stadium including Light flyweight (108 lbs), Flyweight (112 lbs), and Featherweight (126 lbs). He often fought as the main event in the title "Suek Onesongchai" by Songchai Rattanasuban as promoter. His highest salary was 240,000–260,000 baht. Namphon was a favourite with Muay Thai fans due to his fighting style, and especially for his fierce weapon which was a knee strike, for which he was given the nickname "Decayed face Knees" because of his prowess at knees and because he often had bloody wounds after his fights, especially on his face or eyebrows. Throughout his career life it was recorded that he had been given 268 stitches and at one time as many 72 stitches.[3][1]

In 1990 he fought against Ramon Dekkers of the Netherlands twice. In the first bout, he was defeated by unanimous decision in Amsterdam, Netherlands but he won the second fight at Lumpinee Stadium, Bangkok.

In 1993, he suffered a car accident, when he was at the highest point in his career as a kickboxer. He retired at only 24 years old.[2]

After retirement, he opened a Mu kratha restaurant in the Nakhon Ratchasima for a while,[4] before it closed down. Later, he returned to live in his native, Buriram, living a simple life and trained the children to practice Muay Thai in his old gym from time to time.

In 2013, he became ill with pneumonitis from too much drinking and smoking for many years,[2] until his body became very thin. He died at Nang Rong Hospital at 5:00 pm on 19th September 2016, when he was 47 years old.[1][3]

Three different weights:

• Lumpinee Stadium Light flyweight (108 lbs)
• Lumpinee Stadium Flyweight (112 lbs)
• Lumpinee Stadium Featherweight (126 lbs)