Namphon Nongkeepahuyuth

Namphon (nickname: Khaek; แขก) was born on 19 May 1969 in Tambon Jan Tuek, Nong Ki District, Buriram Province. He practiced Muay Thai as a child with a training and supporting from Pramote Hoymook, a local physical education teacher who owns a Muay Thai gym "Nongkeepahuyuth". He became successful and famous in Surin and Nakhon Ratchasima before going to fight in Bangkok where he become a Muay Thai superstar from 1988–1991.[3]

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

He won championships of Lumpinee Stadium at Junior 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 purse was 240,000–260,000 baht. Namphon was a favourite with Muay Thai fans due to his fighting style, and especially for his fiercest weapon, a knee strike, for which he was given the nickname "Decayed face knee striker" 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 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, while still at the high point of his fighting career. He retired two years later at 26 years old.[2]

After retirement, he opened a short-lived mu kratha restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima.[4] Later, he returned to live in his native Buriram, living a simple life and training children in muay Thai in his old gym.

In 2013, he became ill with pneumonitis from too much drinking and smoking for many years, until his body became very thin.[2] He died at Nang Rong Hospital at 17:00 on 19 September 2016, when he was 47 years old.[1][3]

• Lumpinee Stadium
  • 1986 Lumpinee Stadium 108 lbs Champion
  • 1987 Lumpinee Stadium 108 lbs Champion
  • 1989 Lumpinee Stadium 126 lbs Champion (defended twice)