Coban Lookchaomaesaitong

Coban was born as Banlu Anwiset in Phutthaisong, Buriram, Thailand, near the Cambodian border to a farmers' family of seven. One day while attending a local temple fair, he noticed that fighters were making what looked like easy money with their exhibitions. Seeing this as an opportunity to help his family, he resolved to become the best fighter in Thailand, and dreamed about fighting in Lumpinee stadium someday.

At 11, he started to train muay thai. With no money or resources, he made his own equipment by stuffing rice hulls and sawdust into canvas rice bags. Mimicking the moves of local fighters, he practiced daily after attending school and completing his farming chores. That same year he entered his first fight at a local temple, which resulted in a draw. The little money he earned went towards his family and education. Thus, his career was born.

It was at this time that Banlu acquired his fight name, "Coban," from a teacher of his who said that he looked like the actor Charles Bronson while riding on his Buffalo. At a later point in his career, American fans dubbed him Coban "The Cruncher." While in Thailand, he was dubbed "Fist of Mor lam" because he often dances on the ring with a Mor lam rhythm after a victory.[3]

In 1978, while training at the recreational center, a ringside doctor named Sam Rhung Jong Gon noticed him. He was so impressed with Coban’s determination that he became his official sponsor and mentor. When Coban was 13, Doctor Gon sent him to a Muay Thai camp called Lookchamaesaitong where he trained for the next 9 years. By the age of 15, he had already fought more than 35 fights. At 19, Coban had won his first World Championship at Lumpinee stadium.

In 1990, Camp Lookchamaesaitong closed. To honor the camp, Coban adopted Lookchamaesaitong as his "fighting last name."

Coban fought more than 270 fights in his 23-year career. His last fight was against former student Danny Steele at the Warrior’s Cup in California in September 2000. Despite not having fought in 3 years, Coban won the match.

In 2010, Camp Lookchaomaesaitong in Buriram, Thailand, re-opened. Camp owner, Mr. Nipon Chotison (Renowned and well-respected in the world of Muay Thai) and his son-in-law, Namkabuan Ratchapuekcafe (retired fighter) decided to re-open the original site after being closed for almost 20 years. Coban has also joined the team, and their mission is to preserve the ancient and authentic art and lifestyle of Muay Thai.

The toughest fights of his career were against Ramon Dekkers. He fought him a total of four times, resulting in two wins and two losses. The Coban vs. Dekkers fights have been rated as the best by any standards, by Muay Thai fans worldwide.[4][5]