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Veeraphol Sahaprom
Thai Muay Thai fighter and professional boxer From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Theeraphol Samranklang (Thai: ธีระพล สำราญกลาง; born November 16, 1968), known professionally as Veeraphol Sahaprom [1] (Thai: วีระพล สหพรหม) or mononymously as Veeraphol, is a Thai retired professional Muay Thai fighter and professional boxer. A three-division Rajadamnern Stadium champion as well as a WBC and WBA bantamweight champion in boxing, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters of all time and also one of the greatest western-style boxers from Thailand. Nicknamed "The Stoic Tiger" or "Deathmask", he was known for never changing his expression when throwing punches. [1] He is also known for his precise jab.
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Early life and Muay Thai
Veeraphol Sahaprom was born in Amphoe Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Ratchasima province, but was raised in Amphoe Kaeng Khoi, Saraburi province, Thailand. He began training in Muay Thai from a young age, initially learning from his brother who trained him quite strictly. Veeraphol made his debut in Bangkok in 1985.
Between 1990 and 1994, he gained recognition as a prominent Muay Thai fighter under the Chucharoen "Ung-mor" Raveearamwong stable. During his career in Muay Thai, he faced many notable fighters such as Santos Devy, Silapathai Jockygym, Langsuan Panyuthaphum, Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang, Duangsompong Por Pongsawang, Burklerk Pinsinchai, and ever lost-won with Saenmuangnoi Lukchaopormahesak (Samson Dutch Boy Gym) two times. His highest purse reached 220,000 baht in a fight against Baeber Narupai. Veeraphol won championships at Rajadamnern Stadium in three different weight classes, showcasing his versatility and skill. His final Muay Thai bout was against Saenklai Sit Kru Od at Lumpinee Stadium.[2]
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Boxing career
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Veeraphol began his professional boxing career in 1994 under the management and promotion of Suchart Pisitwuttinan of Nakornluang Promotion. In his debut fight, he won the WBC International Super Flyweight Title. Remarkably, he challenged for a world title in only his fourth professional fight, defeating fellow Thai titleholder Daorung Chuvatana. At that time, Veeraphol was recognized as one of the boxers who became a world champion in the fewest number of fights, second only to Saensak Muangsurin in the 1970s.
However, Veeraphol lost his first title defense to former WBC Super Flyweight Champion Nana Konadu at Kanchanaburi Stadium, losing the title after just four months.
Three years after losing the WBA world title, Veeraphol earned his second shot at a world title against WBC Bantamweight Champion Joichiro Tatsuyoshi on December 29, 1998. The bout took place in Osaka, Japan, where Veeraphol won by technical knockout in the sixth round, becoming a two-time world champion. He faced Tatsuyoshi again in August 1999 and knocked him out in the seventh round to successfully defend his title for the second time.
Between 1996 and 2005, Veeraphol defended his title 14 times while also winning numerous non-title fights. During his reign, he fought Japanese boxer Toshiaki Nishioka four times, retaining his title in every encounter. Veeraphol eventually lost the WBC Bantamweight Title to Hozumi Hasegawa in a 12-round unanimous decision, ending a reign that lasted over six years.
After losing his title to Hasegawa, Veeraphol fought five non-title bouts, winning all, with four of those wins by knockout. On March 25, 2006, he challenged Hasegawa once again in Kobe to avenge his loss. However, Veeraphol was knocked down by a right hook in the ninth round and was unable to recover. This marked the second knockout loss of his career and was his eighth fight in Japan.
Retirement
Veeraphol announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 39 following a loss to Vusi Malinga in a world title eliminator on June 12 in Bangkok, Thailand. However, he made a comeback less than a year later on March 20, 2009, when he knocked out Yudi Arema.
After retiring, Veeraphol opened a Thai food restaurant in Chaiyaphum province, his wife's hometown. Sometimes, he even takes time to cook the food himself.[3] He also works as a trainer at the Dabransarakarm gym in Maha Sarakham province.[4]
At the end of 2017, Veeraphol returned to competition again, this time in Muay Thai style. He faced his old rival Samson Dutch Boy Gym in a special bout at Lumpinee Stadium. Despite a strong effort, the 49-year-old Sahaprom lost by decision in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd.[5]
In 2023, Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu contacted Veeraphol and filmed an extensive session with him for her Muay Thai Library project.
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Titles and accomplishments
Muay Thai
- Rajadamnern Stadium
- 1987 Rajadamnern Stadium Light Flyweight (108 lbs) Champion
- 1988 Rajadamnern Stadium Flyweight (112 lbs) Champion
- 1993 Rajadamnern Stadium Super Flyweight (115 lbs) Champion
- Two successful title defenses
- 1993 Rajadamnern Stadium Fighter of the Year
Boxing
- World Boxing Council
- 1994 WBC International Super Flyweight (115 lbs) Champion
- One successful title defenses
- 1998 WBC World Bantamweight (118 lbs) Champion
- Fourteen successful title defenses
- 1994 WBC International Super Flyweight (115 lbs) Champion
Muay Thai record
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Professional boxing record
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See also
References
External links
Wikiwand - on
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