Boonlai Sor.Thanikul (Thai: บุญหลาย ส ธนิกุล; born: November 11, 1970 in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand), also anglicized as Boonlay Sor.Thanikun, is a former Thai Muay Thai fighter. He is respected as one of the most skilled fighters of the Muay Thai golden era who fought a wide variety of opponents.
| Boonlai Sor.Thanikul | |
|---|---|
| Born | Chaichan Ramoon November 16, 1970 Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand |
| Other names | "The Iron Twin" Wangyu Sor.Ploenchit (1984-1986) |
| Nationality | Thai |
| Height | 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) |
| Division | 115 lb (52 kg; 8.2 st) 122 lb (55 kg; 8.7 st) 126 lb (57 kg; 9.0 st) |
| Style | Muay Thai Muay Femur |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting out of | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Team | Sor.Ploenchit (1984-1986) Sor.Thanikul (1986-) |
| Trainer | Phairaj Lawiraj (Pueng Sor.Thanikul) |
| Occupation | Muay Thai trainer |
| Notable relatives | Boonlong Sor.Thanikul (twin brother) |
He won 2 Lumpinee Stadium titles against "The Wonder Boy" Karuhat Sor.Supawan and "Mr. Merciless Knee" Langsuan Panyuthaphum and defended them both against Oley Kiatoneway.[1]
Biography and career edit
Early life edit
Boonlai and his twin brother Boonlong were born into a poor family of 5. At the age of 10, the twins started training Muay Thai at home with their father and later at the small Sitmabon gym in their native Chachoengsao Province. Boonlai would fight around 50 times for the Sitmabon camp. At 14-years-old, the twins were found by a talent scout from Bangkok and were transferred to the Sor.Ploenchit gym with Boonlai was adopting the ring name "Wangyu Sor.Ploenchit." After 2 years of fighting out of the millionaire-owned elite gym, the twins were given to the mafia-owned Sor.Thanikul gym in 1986 to clear a gambling debt. The twins would adopt the ring names Boonlai and Boonlong Sor.Thanikul and made the rest of their careers fighting out of their new gym.[1][2]
Despite the fact that the Sor.Thanikul gym was owned by notorious mafia godfather Klaew Thanikul, who was responsible for murder, drug trade, human trafficking, etc., Thanikul treated his gym's fighters well and gave them large sums of money.[3][4] The Sor.Thanikul gym was unusually large and had top-of-the-line training equipment. Like the other fighters in the gym, the twins trained everyday under headman Pueng Sor.Thanikul[5] in what was considered one of the best Muay Thai gyms in Thailand which produced a total of around 20 champions in the Lumpinee and Rajadamnern stadiums.[6]
Elite career edit
Boonlai and Boonlung would go on to be the most famous fighters in the Sor.Thanikul gym's history. He was fighting for the Onesongchai promotion. In 1989, he would defeat an elite fighter who the Thai audiences considered a superstar at the time, Karuhat Sor.Supawan. On the same card, Boonlung defeated the renowned pressure fighter Pongsiri "Rambo" Sor. Ruamrudee. Boonlai would face "The Top Master" Karuhat a total of 4 times with Boonlai defeating him in 3 bouts.[1] Karuhat would later cite Boonlai as his most difficult opponent, admitting Boonlai's technicality and height as the reasons why.[7] Oley Kiatoneway cited his first bout against Boonlai as his most painful fight, as Oley was winning on points until Boonlai darted forward with a right cross and knocked down Oley with a series of punches.[8] Oley suffered from a headache for the rest of the fight and had to be hospitalized afterward.[9] Boonlai won the fight to successfully defend his 115 lbs Lumpinee title that he won for defeating "The Heartless Knee Striker" Langsuan Panyuthaphum.
One of the most skilled rope-a-dope Muay Femur of the golden era, Boonlai excelled in all attacks, particularly in counter-striking, as can be seen in his fights. At the peak of his career Boonlai received purses as high as 200,000 baht. For context, the usual purse for yodmuay (top fighters) during the golden era was 100,000 baht,[10] and it was rare for a fighter's purse to reach 200,000 baht or higher.[11] Boonlai beat an unusually wide variety fighters of his era such as Langsuan Panyuthaphum, Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth, Jongsanan Fairtex, Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai, Jaroensap Kiatbanchong, and Somrak Khamsing.[12] Boonlai stated that his victory against "The Ring Genius" Namkabuan was his favorite memory in his fighting career as he was the most significant fighter of Boonlai's weight class at the time. Boonlai recalls both Somrak and Namkabuan as the most difficult opponents he has ever faced.[2][13]
Boonlai's final matchup was against Silapathai Jockeygym. After it was observed that Boonlai was not performing to the best of his ability, Silapathai threw a question mark kick at Boonlai's head followed it with a series of punches, causing Boonlai to receive a 10-count. Suspicion grew as Boonlai fell after receiving weak punches, and an investigation concluded that Boonlai faked the KO to intentionally lose the fight. Boonlai was supposedly banned from competition afterward.[14] Despite this, Boonlai is still a respected fighter decades later, praised for his skills and wide variety of opponents he defeated.[13][15]
Boonlai is one of the few Muay Thai fighters who can be said to have "fought everyone" as in he was matched up against an unusually wide array of elite opponents during his prime. Other fighters who have "fought everyone" include Vicharnnoi Porntawee, Nungubon Sitlerchai, and Singdam Or.Ukrit.
Later years edit
After his Muay Thai career, Boonlai became a trainer in various camps in Bangkok as well as opening his own gym called Sor.Korpilap in 2010. His twin brother Boonlong passed away from a car accident.[2]
Titles and honours edit
- Lumpinee Stadium
- 1990 Lumpinee Stadium 115 lbs Champion (defended once)
- 1992 Lumpinee Stadium 122 lbs Champion (defended once)
Fight record edit
| 300 Wins, 95 Losses, 5 Draws | ||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994-09-28 | Loss |  Silapathai Jockygym |
Rajadamnern Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | KO (High kick + punches) | 2 | ||
| 1994-08-08 | Win | Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee |
Rajadamnern Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | KO (Punches) | 3 | ||
| 1994-05-27 | Loss | Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1994-04-29 | Win | Chatchai Paiseetong |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1994-03-25 | Win | Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | KO (Uppercut + left hook) | 2 | ||
| 1994-02-13 | Loss | Karuhat Sor.Supawan |
Chachoengsao, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | ||
| For the Lumpinee Stadium 122 lbs title. | ||||||||
| 1994-01-07 | Win | Pompetch Naratreekul |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1993-10-22 | Loss | Rittichai Lookchaomaesaithong |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | KO (Right high kick) | 2 | ||
| 1993-08-31 | Loss | Chatchai Paiseetong |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Loses Lumpinee Stadium 122 lbs title. | ||||||||
| 1993-08-06 | Loss | Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1993-07-11 | Loss | Oley Kiatoneway |
OneSongchai | Nakhon Sawan, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1993-05-07 | Win | Karuhat Sor.Supawan |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1993-04-06 | Win | Jaroensap Kiatbanchong |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1993-02-15 | Draw | Superlek Sorn E-Sarn |
Rajadamnern Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1992-12-30 | Win | Chamuekpet Hapalang |
Rajadamnern Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1992-11-20 | Loss | Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1992-10-13 | Win | Oley Kiatoneway |
OneSongchai, Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Defends Lumpinee Stadium 122 lbs title.[16] | ||||||||
| 1992-09-11 | Loss | Nuathoranee Thongracha |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1992-07-21 | Win | Nungubon Sitlerchai |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1992-06-30 | Win | Oley Kiatoneway |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1992-05-29 | Win | Jongsanan Fairtex |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1992-04-24 | Loss | Nuathroanee Thongracha |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1992-03-10 | Win | Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1992-01-31 | Win | Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Wins Lumpinee Stadium 122 lbs title. | ||||||||
| 1991-12-27 | Win | Superlek Sorn E-Sarn |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1991-11-26 | Win | Tanooin Chor Chuchat |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1991-10-25 | Loss | Cherry Sor Wanich |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1991-09-24 | Win | Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1991-09-03 | Draw | Jongsanan Fairtex |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1991-07-30 | Loss | Jirasak Keatsamanwit |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1991-06-28 | Win | Samranthong Kiatbanchong |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1991-06-11 | Loss | Pimaranlek Sitaran |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1991-05-17 | Draw | Pimaranlek Sitaran |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1991-04-07 | Win | Wanghin Por Chaiwat |
Central Boxing Stadium | Samut Songkhram, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1991-03-22 | Win | Samranthong Kiatbanchong |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1991-01-20 | Loss | Panomrung Sit Sor Wor Por |
Pantip Plaza Boxing Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1990-12-26 | Win | Grandprixnoi Muangchaiyaphum |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1990-11-27 | Win | Karuhat Sor.Supawan |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1990-10-26 | Loss | Pimaranlek Sitaran |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1990-09-19 | Win | Boonam Chor Waikul |
Rajadamnern Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1990-08-07 | Win | Pimaranlek Sitaran |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1990-06-08 | Loss | Oley Kiatoneway |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Loses Lumpinee Stadium 115 lbs title. | ||||||||
| 1990-05-15 | Loss | Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1990-04-24 | Win | Oley Kiatoneway |
OneSongchai, Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Defends Lumpinee Stadium 115 lbs title.[17] | ||||||||
| 1990-03-02 | Loss | Kangwannoi Or Seebualoi |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1990-02-06 | Win | Kangwannoi Or Seebualoi |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1990-01-19 | Win | Langsuan Panyuthaphum |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Wins Lumpinee Stadium 115 lbs title. | ||||||||
| 1989-12-08 | Draw | Grandprixnnoi Muangchaiyapoom |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1989-11-07 | Win | Noppadet Sor Rewadee |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1989-10-20 | Win | Panphet Muangsurin |
Rajadamnern Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1989-08-28 | Win | Karuhat Sor.Supawan |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1989-07-25 | Win | Seesot Sahakanohsot |
Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 1988- | Win | Daoden Sor.Sukkasem |
Rajadamnern Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest Notes | ||||||||
References edit
- ^ a b c Trefeu, Serge (2020-11-16). "BOONLAY SOR THANIKUL (Career 1980-1990)". SIAM FIGHT MAG. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ a b c Trefeu, Serge (2015-05-10). "BOONLAY SOR THANIKUL". SIAM FIGHT MAG. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ Yindeeman's Talk | EP.18 Part 1 l เบื้องหลังที่ไม่มีใครรู้ของ 'แคล้ว ธนิกุล' (ENG CC) (in Thai), January 14, 2022, retrieved 2023-12-18
- ^ Reynolds, Alexander (2017-04-22). "The Rise and Fall of Klaew Thanikul: The Mafia Godfather of Muay Thai". Vice. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "ค่าย ส. ธนิกุล" [Sor.Thanikul Gym], Yod Muay Ek (in Thai), retrieved 2023-12-18
- ^ Trefeu, Serge (2014-09-22). "SOR THANIKUL GYM". SIAM FIGHT MAG. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ Trefeu, Serge (2014-02-08). "KARUHAT SOR SUPAWAN". SIAM FIGHT MAG. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "บุญหลาย ส.ธนิกุล VS โอเล่ห์ เกียรติวันเวย์" [Boonlai Sor.Thanikul vs Oley Kiatoneway], ศึกยอดมวยไทย ศึกวันทรงชัย [The Best of Onesongchai Promotion] (in Thai), vol. 21, retrieved 2023-12-18
- ^ เรื่องเล่าจากยอดมวยไทยในอดีต "โอเล่ห์ เกียรติวันเวย์" กับปัจจุบันหน้าที่ในค่าย "พรัญชัย" (in Thai), Muaysod.com, August 10, 2023, retrieved 2023-12-18
- ^ Horn, Robert (July 14, 1997). "MARTIAL MADNESS KICKBOXING IN THAILAND IS A TRADITIONAL ART, BUT IN ITS EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN, IT IS ALSO A DISTURBING ONE". Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.com. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ Rattanasuban, Songchai, "สำราญศักดิ์ เมืองสุรินทร์ VS โคบาล ลูกเจ้าแม่ไทรทอง" [Samransak Muangsurin VS Coban Lookchaomaesaitong], สุดยอดมวยไทย วันทรงชัย [The Best of Onesongchai Promotion] (in Thai), vol. 14, retrieved 2023-12-18
- ^ "The fights of Anthology of Golde Era Muay Tai Chapter I". siamfightmag.com.
- ^ a b von Duuglas-Ittu, Sylvie (March 4, 2019). "#57 Boonlai Sor. Thanikul - Kicking Excellence (66 min)". Patreon.
- ^ "Silapathai Jockygym vs Boonlai Sor Thanikul", Yod Muay Ek (in Thai), Channel 7 (Thailand), 1994, retrieved 2023-12-18
- ^ "Golden Era Muay Thai Fighters: Boonlai Sor Thanikul | Ushup". 2023-08-16. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "บุญหลาย ส.ธนิกุล ชนะคะแนน โอเล่ห์ เกียรติวันเวย์ 13 ต.ค. 2535". facebook.com.
- ^ "บุญหลาย ส.ธนิกุล อัดแข้งขวาเนื้อๆเข้าลำตัว โอเล่ห์ เกียรติวันเวย์ ครบห้ายกบุญหลายชนะคะแนนขาดลอย นแชมป์รุ่นจูเนียร์แบนตั้มเวทลุมพินีไว้ได้/ศึกวันทรงชัยอังคารที่24เม.ย.2533". facebook.com.