Kongtoranee Payakaroon

Payakaroon (nickname: Chart; ชาติ) started his career from Muay Thai at the age of 11 before the brother, Samart. The brothers have the same trainer was Yodtong "Kru Tui" Senanan. Later, he became famous in the Amphoe Bang Lamung, eastern Thailand. In 1977, when he was 17 he came to Bangkok for as fighter under the famous promoter, Songchai Rattanasuban along with Samart, and since then, he has become a famous and favorite Muay Thai fighter. Before that, he had experienced about 100 fights. He fought with many famous fighters, such as Bangkhlanoi Sor.Thanikul, Samransak Muangsurin, Chamuakpetch Hapalang, Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai or Petdam Lookborai. His maximum remuneration was 120,000 baht in fight against Samingnoom Sithiboonthum at Rajadamnern Stadium. He won five different weight championships of the Lumpinee Stadium during 1978–84.[2]

Payakaroon debuted on April 2, 1985, by defeating fellow-countryman Payao Poontarat, a former WBC Super flyweight champion. He made a total of nine wins before challenge Gilberto Román, WBC Super flyweight holder on December 19, 1986, at Indoor Stadium Huamark in the event organized by Gen Sunthorn Kongsompong.[3] He was unanimously defeated with a very traumatized face.[4][2]

He continued to fight three more times until he was ranked #1 of WBA Junior bantamweight. On January 28, 1988, he challenge with fellow Thai Khaosai Galaxy, a title holder at Lumpinee Stadium.[2] In fact, he was well acquainted with Galaxy, because he was a sparring partner before.

In the battle, Payakaroon wore blue trunks with gold stripe and gold boots, used hit-and-run tactics through 12 round and although he was able knock down Galaxy in the fifth round. After the bout, he shouted confidently that he would definitely win including his fans and his manager too. But when the results are announced he was defeated. His manager, Songchai Rattanasuban churned out anger and shouted this fight were cheated.[5][6]

He was later contacted by Ratanasuban to challenge for IBF Junior bantamweight championship with Indonesian title holder Ellyas Pical (former rival of Galaxy who had lost by knockout in the 14th round to Galaxy in 1987) at Pical's native, he declined because he expected to be paid less than he should have.

After failing to challenge the world championship twice, Payakaroon returned to Muay Thai again until retired in 1990, after retirement he went on to become a Muay Thai trainer in Japan for two years.[2]

Later, he was an assistant trainer for Yodtong's Muay Thai gym (Sityodtong Gym, Bangkok). In addition, he also went to train Muay Thai in Baku, Azerbaijan as well.

Currently, he was the transfer of Muay Thai gym from his brother, Samart Payakaroon after Samart divorced his wife.[7]

• List of boxing families

• Boxing record for Kongtoranee Payakaroon from BoxRec (registration required)