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{{short description|Thai boxer}}
{{short description|Thai boxer}}
{{Infobox martial artist
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Kaensak
| name = Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit
| image =
| image =
| image_size =
| image_size =
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| native_name =
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| native_name_lang =
| other_names =<i>Yod Muaythai Song Por.Sor.</i> (ยอดมวยไทย 2 พ.ศ.) "The Two-Time Fighter of the Year"
| other_names =
| residence =
| residence =
| nationality =
| nationality =Thai
| height = {{height|m=1.70}}
| height = {{height|m=1.70}}
| weight = {{Convert|53|kg|lb st|abbr=on}}
| weight =
| weight_class ={{Convert|112|lb|kg st|abbr=on}} <br> {{Convert|115|lb|kg st|abbr=on}} <br>{{Convert|122|lb|kg st|abbr=on}} <br> {{Convert|135|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
| weight_class =
| reach =
| reach =
| reach_in =
| reach_in =
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| reach_footnote =
| reach_footnote =
| martial_art = [[Muay Thai]]
| martial_art = [[Muay Thai]]
| style =
| style =<i>Muay Femur</i> (มวยฝีมือ)
| stance = Orthodox
| stance = Orthodox
| fighting_out_of = [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]]
| fighting_out_of = [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]]
| team = Sor.Ploenjit
| team = Sor.Ploenjit
| teacher =
| teacher =
| trainer = Gimyu Laerkchai
| trainer = Gimyu Lerkchai
| rank =
| rank =
| wrestling =
| wrestling =
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| box_draw =
| box_draw =
| box_nc =
| box_nc =
| kickbox_win =
| kickbox_win =208
| kickbox_kowin =
| kickbox_kowin =
| kickbox_loss =
| kickbox_loss =40
| kickbox_koloss =
| kickbox_koloss =
| kickbox_draw =
| kickbox_draw =2
| kickbox_nc =
| kickbox_nc =
| mma_kowin =
| mma_kowin =
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}}
}}


'''Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit''' ({{lang-th|แก่นศักดิ์ ส.เพลินจิต}}) is a Thai former Muay Thai fighter and professional boxer. Lumpinee and [[Rajadamnern Stadium|Rajadamnern stadium]] champion, [[Muay Thai Fighter of the Year Awards|Fighter of the Year]] in 1989 and 1990, he was one of the most popular fighters of his generation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-09-05 |title=GOLDEN ERA GREATS: KAENSAK SOR PLOENJIT |url=https://revgearsports.com/kaensak-sor-ploenjit/ |access-date=2022-03-11 |website=Revgear Community |language=en-US}}</ref>
'''Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit''' ({{lang-th|แก่นศักดิ์ ส.เพลินจิต}}) is a [[Thai people|Thai]] former [[Muay Thai]] fighter and professional [[Boxing|boxer]]. He was one of the few fighters who held [[Lumpinee Boxing Stadium|Lumpinee]] and [[Rajadamnern Stadium|Rajadamnern]] titles in the same weight class at the same time, as well as being the first person to earn the highly prestigious [[Muay Thai Fighter of the Year Awards|Fighter of the Year]] for 2 consecutive years. Kaensak was highest-paid fighter of the Muay Thai golden era as well as being one of the most famous.


==Biography & career==
==Biography & career==


=== Early career ===
Kaensak started training in Muay Thai at 9 years old with his father and had his first fight at 10. He joined the Taputhai camp in his native province of Samut Prakan then moved to the [[Sor.Ploenjit]] gym at 15 years old in order to start his Bangkok fighting career.
Kaensak was born into a family 7, consisting of his parents and 4 brothers. Although Kaensak was disinterested in [[Muay Thai]], his father forced him to become a fighter like all of his brothers. His father, an ex-Muay Thai fighter, trained Kaensak and his siblings. He adopted the ring name of "Kaensak Taputhai" and had his first fight at the Samrong Stadium. Despite winning the fight for a purse of 200 [[Thai baht|baht]], Kaensak was not happy with fighting, even wearing shorts that were embroidered with the phrase "ผมถูกบังคับ" ("I was forced").<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=<!--Not stated--> |url=https://8limbsus.com/muay-thai-forum/topic/1516-the-123-book-the-all-time-greatest-muay-thai-fighters-of-thailand/ |title=123 All-Time Greatest Muay Thai Fighters of Thailand |date= |publisher=Yod Muay Muang Siam |year=2014 |isbn= |location= |page=190 |language=Thai}}</ref>


Kaensak's father continued to force him to fight around 50 times out of the Taputhai gym until he became a "rising star." He was initially a ''Muay Khao'' fighter (knee fighter) at this time. In 1981, his father wanted him to join a better Muay Thai gym, hence Kaensak was sent to the prestigious [[Sor Ploenchit|Sor.Ploenjit gym]] which was owned by [[Thai people|Thai]] millionaire [[Sathien Sathiensut|Sathien Sathiansut]]. At 15-years-old, Kaensak would begin training under the famous Gimyu Lerkchai, a top trainer of the various Sor.Ploenjit fighters as well as [[Lakhin Wassandasit]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trefeu |first=Serge |date=2020-12-23 |title=LAKHIN WASSANTASIT (Career 1990-2000) |url=https://www.siamfightmag.com/en/lakhin-wassantasit-2/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=SIAM FIGHT MAG |language=en-GB}}</ref> Kaensak would fight dozens of times in various venues until he won the Littleweight championship (80 lbs) at the Karunniwet Stadium in [[Chonburi province]].<ref name=":0" />
In 1989 Kaensak won the 112 lbs belt from both Lumpinee and Rajadamnern stadium and ended the year with a 9-0-1 record for which he was given the most prestigious title in Muay Thai The Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year award. Kaensak's dominance continued in 1990 and he won the Fighter of the Year award for a second time, becoming the first Nak Muay to win it two years in a row.
At the peak of his popularity Kaensak had purses reaching 380,000 baht making him the highest paid fighter of his era in Muay Thai. He defeated legendary fighters such as [[Karuhat Sor.Supawan]], Chatchai Paiseetong, Langsuan Phayutaphum or Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee.


=== Fighting style ===
⚫
Kaensak retired from the Bangkok Stadiums circuit in 1997 with a record of 200+ wins, 40 defeats and 2 draws. In 2000 Kaensak moved to the United States where he became a Muay Thai instructor and judge. He came out of retirement multiple times fighting at a higher weight class against foreign champions [[Fabio Pinca]] and [[Tetsuya Yamato]]. He taught at AMA Fight Club in New Jersey, and now teaches at his own studio, Kaensak Muay Thai, which opened in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.siamfightmag.com/en/fightcardresultat-all/58-a-la-une-en/1277-the-fights-of-anthology-of-golden-age-of-muay-thai-chapter-i|title=THE FIGHTS OF ANTHOLOGY OF GOLDEN AGE OF MUAY THAI (CHAPTER I)|website=www.siamfightmag.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njsmartialartshof.com/kaensak-sor-ploenjit|title=Kaensak Sor Ploenjit|website=new-jersey-state}}</ref>
After training at the Sor.Ploenjit gym, Kaensak became well-rounded and explosive ''Muay Femur'' fighter meaning that he was a [[rope-a-dope]] fighter with fast and powerful defense. Muay Thai fighter and journalist [[Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu]], who has trained with dozens of elite golden era fighters including Kaensak, notes that his style was unusual compared to most other fighters of his time. He excelled at punching and kicking and was adamant about having an immediate response to every one of his opponent's techniques. He would find or force openings for him to reliably land strong kicks to the body, as well as being able to throw powerful punches. The foundation of Kaensak's style was to turn protective techniques into offensive attacks. The amount of skill he had in combination with his unusual style led to him being praised by various golden era fighters, with Kaensak repeatedly appearing in the lists of top 5 Muay Thai fighters by renowned golden era proponents.<ref>{{Cite web |last=von Duuglas-Ittu |first=Sylvie |date=September 29, 2017 |title=#24 Kaensak Sor. Ploenjit - Explosive Defense |url=https://www.patreon.com/posts/kaensak-sor-55-14603221 |website=[[Patreon]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=von Duuglas-Ittu |first=Sylvie |last2=Yuchumphol |first2=Suvit |last3=Sorndee |first3=Thanakorn |display-authors=2 |title=Top 5 Greatest Muay Thai Fighters As Picked By Legends & Great Fighters - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFIbj6VvBW01vuwRWvGpag6XzeYHi45lM |website=[[Youtube]] |language=Thai}}</ref>


Owing to his fluency with knee fighting that he honed before transferring to the Sor.Ploenjit gym, he did not lose to ''Muay Khao'' fighters (knee fighters) by using a wide variety of both inside and outside techniques to prevent clinches and to cancel knee strikes. Most notably, Kaensak's trilogy against "The Vampire's Knees" [[Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee]] wherein Kaensak shut down and controlled the tall knee fighter<ref name=":2">{{Citation |title=แก่นศักดิ์ ส.เพลินจิต ปะทะ ลำน้ำมูล ส.สุมาลี |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paDscwB34tI |work=[[Songchai Rattanasuban|Onesongchai Promotion]] |year=1993 |trans-title=Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit vs Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee |access-date=2023-12-19 |publisher=[[Channel 5 (Thailand)]] |language=Thai}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=แก่นศักดิ์ ส.เพลินจิต ปะทะ ลำน้ำมูล ส.สุมาลี 3 |date=1993 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3RsYVm5WJQ |work=[[Songchai Rattanasuban|Onesongchai Promotion]] |trans-title=Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit vs Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee 3 |access-date=2023-12-19 |publisher=[[Channel 7 (Thailand)]] |language=Thai}}</ref> were considered top-of-the-line matchups. In addition, Kaensak scored a draw and a victory against "The Heartless Knee Striker" [[Langsuan Panyuthaphum]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Trefeu |first=Serge |date=2014-02-16 |title=KAENSAK SOR PLOENCHIT |url=https://www.siamfightmag.com/kaensak-sor-ploenchit/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=SIAM FIGHT MAG |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
In professional boxing, he had only two fights, one win and one loss between 1996 and 1997.

=== Elite career in Bangkok ===
In 1989 Kaensak would enter the peak of his career by earning the both [[Lumpinee Boxing Stadium|Lumpinee]] and [[Rajadamnern Stadium|Rajadamnern]] stadium at the same time within the same weight class, becoming one of the handful of fighters who were able to do so. He ended the year with a 9-0-1 record for which he was given the most prestigious and respected title in Muay Thai: [[Fighter of the Year (Muay Thai)|The Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year]]. Kaensak's peak continued into 1990 and he won the Fighter of the Year award for a second time, becoming the first ''nak muay'' (Muay Thai fighter) in history to win it for 2 consecutive years. In 1991, Kaensak would receive a purse of 380,000 [[Thai baht|baht]], making him the highest paid athlete of the golden era of Muay Thai.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Citation |title=แก่นศักดิ์ ส.เพลินจิต VS ทวีศักดิ์เล็ก พลอยศักดา 2 |date=1991 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxMAiw6pM-U |work=Yod Muay Ek |trans-title=Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit VS Taweesaklek Ploysakda 2 |access-date=2023-12-19 |publisher=[[Channel 7 (Thailand)]] |language=Thai}}</ref> In comparison, the usual purse of elite fighters was 100,000 baht and it was rare for one to earn 200,000 baht or higher.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Horn |first=Robert |date=July 14, 1997 |title=MARTIAL MADNESS KICKBOXING IN THAILAND IS A TRADITIONAL ART, BUT IN ITS EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN, IT IS ALSO A DISTURBING ONE |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1997/07/14/martial-madness-kickboxing-in-thailand-is-a-traditional-art-but-in-its-exploitation-of-children-it-is-also-a-disturbing-one |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=Sports Illustrated Vault {{!}} SI.com |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Rattanasuban |first=Songchai |title=สำราญศักดิ์ เมืองสุรินทร์ VS โคบาล ลูกเจ้าแม่ไทรทอง |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTIm3LlR27Q |work=สุดยอดมวยไทย วันทรงชัย [The Best of Onesongchai Promotion] |volume=14 |trans-title=Samransak Muangsurin VS Coban Lookchaomaesaitong |access-date=2023-12-19 |language=Thai}}</ref> Not even [[Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trefeu |first=Serge |date=2017-04-03 |title=NAMSAKNOI YUDTHAGARNGAMTORN |url=https://www.siamfightmag.com/en/namsaknoi-yudthagarngamtorn-2/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=SIAM FIGHT MAG |language=en-GB}}</ref> or [[Nungubon Sitlerchai]] could reach purses exceeding 200,000 baht.

As for his final fight of 1990, he was matched up against "The Sadist" Taweesaklek Ploysakda in Rajadamnern Stadium. Both fighters presented their usual styles, using powerful stikes of wide variety as Taweesaklek was a ''Muay Bouk'' (well-rounded pressure fighter) and Kaensak was an explosive ''Muay Femur''. Kaensak was knocked down by a [[Cross (boxing)|right cross]] in the 2nd round, prompting him to become aggressive and to use powerful low kicks; at the time Kaensak would also be known to be one of the strongest low-kickers in the [[Thailand|Thai]] circuit. In the 3rd round, both fighters would use powerful low kicks against each other while Kaensak was pressing forward with punches. Taweesaklek was worn down by the low kicks and got knocked down by Kaensak's [[boxing]] in the 4th. Kaensak would win the fight by a large margin. This fight was Kaensak's favorite memory from his fighting career, in addition several newspapers and TV stations including [[Thairath]] and [[Channel 7 (Thailand)|Channel 7]] would label this fight as the 1990 Most Brutal Fight of the Year.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Citation |title=แก่นศักดิ์ ส.เพลินจิต VS ทวีศักดิ์เล็ก พลอยศักดา |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d4E_FPFhHk |work=ศึกยอดมวยไทย ศึกวันทรงชัย [The Best Of Onesongchai Promotion] |volume=3 |trans-title=Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit VS Taweesaklek Ploysakda |access-date=2023-12-19 |language=Thai}}</ref>

Kaensak and "The Earth-Shattering Left Kick" [[Singdam Or.Ukrit]] were matched up in 1993, the most significant year of Singdam's career. In the 2nd round, Kaensak knocked down Singdam with a [[Hook (boxing)|right hook]], and less than 20 seconds later Singdam knocked down Kaensak with a left hook and landed a right hook as Kaensak fell. Kaensak would fight hard for the rest of the fight but so did Singdam. Singdam ultimately won on points and achieved one of two most significant wins of his career.<ref>{{Citation |title=แก่นศักดิ์ ส.เพลินจิต vs สิงห์ดำ อ.อุกฤษณ์ |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pESxKWp7VrE |work=Yod Muay Ek |year=1993 |trans-title=Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit vs Singdam Or.Ukrit |access-date=2023-12-19 |publisher=[[Channel 7 (Thailand)]] |language=Thai}}</ref> Both fighters would be awarded the 1993 Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fight of the Year.

Afterward, Kaensak would go on to continue fighting elite competition such as "The Top Master" [[Karuhat Sor.Supawan]], [[Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee]], and "Samart 2" [[Chatchai Paiseetong]]. Kaensak was noted for his excellent defensive performance against Lamnamoon's clinches and knees and was also able to defeat the highly skilled Chatchai while he was still in his prime. Kaensak also secured victories against [[Nungubon Sitlerchai]] and Hansuk Prasanthinpanomrung. In professional boxing, he had only two fights, one win and one loss between 1996 and 1997.<ref name=":3" />

Kaensak's nickname ''Yod Muaythai Song Por.Sor.'' (ยอดมวยไทย 2 พ.ศ.)<ref name=":2" /> translates to "The Two-Time Fighter of the Year," a nickname that would also go to [[Anuwat Kaewsamrit]] who is the second Muay Thai fighter in history to win the [[Fighter of the Year (Muay Thai)|Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year]] for 2 consecutive years. Kaensak's victory against [[Langsuan Panyuthaphum|Langsuan Panyuthamphum]] as well as both of his fights against Taweesaklek Ploysakda were considered his best fights. Kaensak was matched up against [[Saenklai Sit Kru Od]] but they did not fight.<ref name=":3" />

=== Retirement and later years ===
⚫
After after losing to one of [[Superbon Singha Mawynn|Superbon Banchamek]]'s predecessors Baiphet Loogjaomaesaiwaree, Kaensak retired from competition within [[Thailand]] in 1997. In 2000 Kaensak moved to the United States where he became a Muay Thai instructor and judge. He came out of retirement multiple times fighting at a higher weight class against foreign champions [[Fabio Pinca]] and [[Tetsuya Yamato]]. He taught at AMA Fight Club in New Jersey, and now teaches at his own gym called the Kaensak Muaythai Gym which opened in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.siamfightmag.com/en/fightcardresultat-all/58-a-la-une-en/1277-the-fights-of-anthology-of-golden-age-of-muay-thai-chapter-i|title=THE FIGHTS OF ANTHOLOGY OF GOLDEN AGE OF MUAY THAI (CHAPTER I)|website=www.siamfightmag.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit |url=https://www.kaensakmuaythaigym.com/kaensak |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=www.kaensakmuaythaigym.com}}</ref>

Kaensak cited [[Poot Lorlek]], [[Vicharnnoi Porntawee]], [[Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn|Dieselnoi Chor. Thanasukarn]], [[Samart Payakaroon]], and [[Chamuekpet Hapalang]] as his top 5 greatest Muay Thai fighters.<ref name=":1" />


==Titles & honours==
==Titles & honours==
*'''[[Lumpinee Stadium]]'''
*'''[[Lumpinee Stadium]]'''
** 1989 Lumpinee Stadium 112 lbs Champion
** 1989 Lumpinee Stadium 112 lbs Champion<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kaensak page from 123 all time greatest muay thai fighters book|url=https://8limbsus.com/muay-thai-forum/uploads/monthly_2020_05/998620462_85-KaensakSorPloenjit.jpg.6fcbc80e98f99392508baa4f5a140f12.jpg|website=www.8limbsus.com}}</ref>
** 1989 Lumpinee Stadium Fighter of the Year<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/kaensakmuaythai/photos/a.712817485497660/909189665860440/?type=3|title=Kaensak Sor Ploenjit|website=www.facebook.com}}</ref>
** 1989 Lumpinee Stadium Fighter of the Year<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/kaensakmuaythai/photos/a.712817485497660/909189665860440/?type=3|title=Kaensak Sor Ploenjit|website=www.facebook.com}}</ref>
*'''[[Rajadamnern Stadium]]'''
*'''[[Rajadamnern Stadium]]'''
Line 109: Line 126:
** 2007 IKKC World 140 lbs Champion
** 2007 IKKC World 140 lbs Champion
*'''Awards'''
*'''Awards'''
** 1989 Sports Writers Association of Thailand [[Muay Thai Fighter of the Year Awards|Fighter of the Year]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.siamfightmag.com/fr/muaythai-fr/interviews-fr/boxeursthailandais-fr/827-kaensak-sor-ploenchit|title=KAENSAK SOR PLOENCHIT|website=www.siamfightmag.com}}</ref>
** 1989 Sports Writers Association of Thailand [[Muay Thai Fighter of the Year Awards|Fighter of the Year]]
** 1990 Sports Writers Association of Thailand [[Muay Thai Fighter of the Year Awards|Fighter of the Year]]
** 1990 Sports Writers Association of Thailand [[Muay Thai Fighter of the Year Awards|Fighter of the Year]]
** 1993 Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fight of the Year <small>(vs [[Singdam Or.Ukrit]])</small>
** 1993 Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fight of the Year <small>(vs [[Singdam Or.Ukrit]] on July 13, 1993)</small>


==Fight record==
==Fight record==
Line 234: Line 251:
| 1988-03-15 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|THA}} [[Karuhat Sor.Supawan]] || [[Lumpinee Stadium]] || [[Bangkok, Thailand]] || Decision || 5 || 3:00
| 1988-03-15 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|THA}} [[Karuhat Sor.Supawan]] || [[Lumpinee Stadium]] || [[Bangkok, Thailand]] || Decision || 5 || 3:00
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 1986- || Win||align=left|{{flagicon|THA}} Fahsatan Lukprabath || || [[Bangkok, Thailand]] || Decision || 5 || 3:00
| 1986- || Win||align=left|{{flagicon|THA}} Fahsatan Lukprabath || [[Rajadamnern Stadium]] || [[Bangkok, Thailand]] || Decision || 5 || 3:00
|-
|-
! style=background:white colspan=9 |{{small| Kanesak's first fight at a Bangkok Stadium.}}
! style=background:white colspan=9 |{{small| Kanesak's first fight at a Bangkok Stadium.}}

Revision as of 12:40, 19 December 2023

Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit
BornPongsak Cheawchan
(1970-04-08) April 8, 1970 (age 54)
Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province, Thailand
Other namesYod Muaythai Song Por.Sor. (ยอดมวยไทย 2 พ.ศ.) "The Two-Time Fighter of the Year"
NationalityThai
Height1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Division112 lb (51 kg; 8.0 st)
115 lb (52 kg; 8.2 st)
122 lb (55 kg; 8.7 st)
135 lb (61 kg; 9.6 st)
StyleMuay Thai
Muay Femur (มวยฝีมือ)
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofBangkok, Thailand
TeamSor.Ploenjit
TrainerGimyu Lerkchai
Years active1980–2009
Kickboxing record
Total250
Wins208
Losses40
Draws2
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec

Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit (Template:Lang-th) is a Thai former Muay Thai fighter and professional boxer. He was one of the few fighters who held Lumpinee and Rajadamnern titles in the same weight class at the same time, as well as being the first person to earn the highly prestigious Fighter of the Year for 2 consecutive years. Kaensak was highest-paid fighter of the Muay Thai golden era as well as being one of the most famous.

Biography & career

Early career

Kaensak was born into a family 7, consisting of his parents and 4 brothers. Although Kaensak was disinterested in Muay Thai, his father forced him to become a fighter like all of his brothers. His father, an ex-Muay Thai fighter, trained Kaensak and his siblings. He adopted the ring name of "Kaensak Taputhai" and had his first fight at the Samrong Stadium. Despite winning the fight for a purse of 200 baht, Kaensak was not happy with fighting, even wearing shorts that were embroidered with the phrase "ผมถูกบังคับ" ("I was forced").[1]

Kaensak's father continued to force him to fight around 50 times out of the Taputhai gym until he became a "rising star." He was initially a Muay Khao fighter (knee fighter) at this time. In 1981, his father wanted him to join a better Muay Thai gym, hence Kaensak was sent to the prestigious Sor.Ploenjit gym which was owned by Thai millionaire Sathien Sathiansut. At 15-years-old, Kaensak would begin training under the famous Gimyu Lerkchai, a top trainer of the various Sor.Ploenjit fighters as well as Lakhin Wassandasit.[2] Kaensak would fight dozens of times in various venues until he won the Littleweight championship (80 lbs) at the Karunniwet Stadium in Chonburi province.[1]

Fighting style

After training at the Sor.Ploenjit gym, Kaensak became well-rounded and explosive Muay Femur fighter meaning that he was a rope-a-dope fighter with fast and powerful defense. Muay Thai fighter and journalist Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu, who has trained with dozens of elite golden era fighters including Kaensak, notes that his style was unusual compared to most other fighters of his time. He excelled at punching and kicking and was adamant about having an immediate response to every one of his opponent's techniques. He would find or force openings for him to reliably land strong kicks to the body, as well as being able to throw powerful punches. The foundation of Kaensak's style was to turn protective techniques into offensive attacks. The amount of skill he had in combination with his unusual style led to him being praised by various golden era fighters, with Kaensak repeatedly appearing in the lists of top 5 Muay Thai fighters by renowned golden era proponents.[3][4]

Owing to his fluency with knee fighting that he honed before transferring to the Sor.Ploenjit gym, he did not lose to Muay Khao fighters (knee fighters) by using a wide variety of both inside and outside techniques to prevent clinches and to cancel knee strikes. Most notably, Kaensak's trilogy against "The Vampire's Knees" Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee wherein Kaensak shut down and controlled the tall knee fighter[5][6] were considered top-of-the-line matchups. In addition, Kaensak scored a draw and a victory against "The Heartless Knee Striker" Langsuan Panyuthaphum.[7]

Elite career in Bangkok

In 1989 Kaensak would enter the peak of his career by earning the both Lumpinee and Rajadamnern stadium at the same time within the same weight class, becoming one of the handful of fighters who were able to do so. He ended the year with a 9-0-1 record for which he was given the most prestigious and respected title in Muay Thai: The Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year. Kaensak's peak continued into 1990 and he won the Fighter of the Year award for a second time, becoming the first nak muay (Muay Thai fighter) in history to win it for 2 consecutive years. In 1991, Kaensak would receive a purse of 380,000 baht, making him the highest paid athlete of the golden era of Muay Thai.[7][8] In comparison, the usual purse of elite fighters was 100,000 baht and it was rare for one to earn 200,000 baht or higher.[9][10] Not even Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn[11] or Nungubon Sitlerchai could reach purses exceeding 200,000 baht.

As for his final fight of 1990, he was matched up against "The Sadist" Taweesaklek Ploysakda in Rajadamnern Stadium. Both fighters presented their usual styles, using powerful stikes of wide variety as Taweesaklek was a Muay Bouk (well-rounded pressure fighter) and Kaensak was an explosive Muay Femur. Kaensak was knocked down by a right cross in the 2nd round, prompting him to become aggressive and to use powerful low kicks; at the time Kaensak would also be known to be one of the strongest low-kickers in the Thai circuit. In the 3rd round, both fighters would use powerful low kicks against each other while Kaensak was pressing forward with punches. Taweesaklek was worn down by the low kicks and got knocked down by Kaensak's boxing in the 4th. Kaensak would win the fight by a large margin. This fight was Kaensak's favorite memory from his fighting career, in addition several newspapers and TV stations including Thairath and Channel 7 would label this fight as the 1990 Most Brutal Fight of the Year.[7][8][12]

Kaensak and "The Earth-Shattering Left Kick" Singdam Or.Ukrit were matched up in 1993, the most significant year of Singdam's career. In the 2nd round, Kaensak knocked down Singdam with a right hook, and less than 20 seconds later Singdam knocked down Kaensak with a left hook and landed a right hook as Kaensak fell. Kaensak would fight hard for the rest of the fight but so did Singdam. Singdam ultimately won on points and achieved one of two most significant wins of his career.[13] Both fighters would be awarded the 1993 Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fight of the Year.

Afterward, Kaensak would go on to continue fighting elite competition such as "The Top Master" Karuhat Sor.Supawan, Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee, and "Samart 2" Chatchai Paiseetong. Kaensak was noted for his excellent defensive performance against Lamnamoon's clinches and knees and was also able to defeat the highly skilled Chatchai while he was still in his prime. Kaensak also secured victories against Nungubon Sitlerchai and Hansuk Prasanthinpanomrung. In professional boxing, he had only two fights, one win and one loss between 1996 and 1997.[7]

Kaensak's nickname Yod Muaythai Song Por.Sor. (ยอดมวยไทย 2 พ.ศ.)[5] translates to "The Two-Time Fighter of the Year," a nickname that would also go to Anuwat Kaewsamrit who is the second Muay Thai fighter in history to win the Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year for 2 consecutive years. Kaensak's victory against Langsuan Panyuthamphum as well as both of his fights against Taweesaklek Ploysakda were considered his best fights. Kaensak was matched up against Saenklai Sit Kru Od but they did not fight.[7]

Retirement and later years

After after losing to one of Superbon Banchamek's predecessors Baiphet Loogjaomaesaiwaree, Kaensak retired from competition within Thailand in 1997. In 2000 Kaensak moved to the United States where he became a Muay Thai instructor and judge. He came out of retirement multiple times fighting at a higher weight class against foreign champions Fabio Pinca and Tetsuya Yamato. He taught at AMA Fight Club in New Jersey, and now teaches at his own gym called the Kaensak Muaythai Gym which opened in 2020.[14][15]

Kaensak cited Poot Lorlek, Vicharnnoi Porntawee, Dieselnoi Chor. Thanasukarn, Samart Payakaroon, and Chamuekpet Hapalang as his top 5 greatest Muay Thai fighters.[4]

Titles & honours

  • Lumpinee Stadium
    • 1989 Lumpinee Stadium 112 lbs Champion
    • 1989 Lumpinee Stadium Fighter of the Year[16]
  • Rajadamnern Stadium
    • 1989 Rajadamnern Stadium 112 lbs Champion
  • World Council of Kickboxing
    • 2006 WCK World 140 lbs Champion
  • International Karate Kickboxing Council
    • 2007 IKKC World 140 lbs Champion
  • Awards

Fight record

Muay Thai Record (Incomplete)
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2009-07-19 Loss Japan Tetsuya Yamato Ultimate Warriors Anaheim, United States KO (Left body shot) 5 2:59
For the WMC International Lightweight title.
2008-07-19 Loss France Fabio Pinca WCK: Full Rules Muay Thai, Pechanga Resort Casino Temecula, CA Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
2007-09-08 Loss France Fabio Pinca WBC Muay Thai Presents: World Championship Muay Thai Gardena, CA Decision (Split) 5 3:00
For the W.B.C. Muay Thai International Lightweight title.
2007-04-05 Win France Pascal Benmati Highland, California, United States KO (Elbow) 2
2007-02- Win Canada Raul Llopis New York, United States Decision 5 3:00
2000- Win Romania Andrea California, United States
1996-10-18 Loss Thailand Baiphet Loogjaomaesaiwaree Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1995-12-08 Loss Thailand Prabsuek Sitsantat Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1995-09-18 Loss Thailand Muangfahlek Kiatwichian Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1995-08-25 Win Thailand Nungubon Sitlerchai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1995-06-09 Loss Thailand Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1995- Loss Thailand Cheangnern Sitputthapim Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1995-03-13 Loss Thailand Cheangnern Sitputthapim Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994-10-28 Loss Thailand Silapathai Jockygym Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994-10-17 Win Thailand Hansuk Prasathinpanomrung Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994-09-27 Win Thailand Hansuk Prasathinpanomrung Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994-08-22 Loss Thailand Karuhat Sor.Supawan Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994-05-31 Loss Thailand Hansuk Prasathinpanomrung Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994-03-25 Loss Thailand Nungubon Sitlerchai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994-02-15 Loss Thailand Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994-01-28 Win Thailand Chatchai Paiseetong[17] Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994-01-07 Win Thailand Nungubon Sitlerchai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993-12-07 Win Thailand Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993-10-16 Draw Thailand Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993-09-17 Win Thailand Nungubon Sitlerchai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993-07-13 Loss Thailand Singdam Or.Ukrit Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993-06-08 Win Thailand Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993-04-06 Loss Thailand Karuhat Sor.Supawan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993-01-08 Win Thailand Jaroensap Kiatbanchong Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1992-12-04 Loss Thailand Jaroensap Kiatbanchong Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
For the Lumpinee Stadium 115 lbs title.
1992-10-27 Win Thailand Vicharn Sitchuchon Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1992-07-27 Win Thailand Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1991-03-19 Win Thailand Taweesaklek Ploysakda Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-12-26 Win Thailand Taweesaklek Ploysakda Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-10-22 Draw Thailand Veeraphol Sahaprom Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-08-30 Win Thailand Santos Devy Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-08-06 Win Thailand Eakapol Chuwattana Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-04-26 Win Thailand Suwitlek Lookbangplasoi Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-03-21 Loss Thailand Santos Devy Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-10-27 Win Thailand Peemai Or.Yuttanakorn Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-09-26 Win Thailand Langsuan Panyuthaphum Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-09-05 Draw Thailand Langsuan Panyuthaphum Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
For the Lumpinee Stadium 115 lbs title.
1989-07-25 Win Thailand Karuhat Sor.Supawan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-06-05 Win Thailand Dennuea Denmolee Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Wins the Rajadamnern Stadium 112 lbs title.
1989-05-02 Win Thailand Paruhatlek Sitchunthong Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Wins Lumpinee Stadium 112 lbs title.
1989-02-21 Win Thailand Seesot Sahaganosot Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-01-31 Win Thailand Seksan Sitjomtong Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-01-07 Win Thailand Panpetch Muangsurin Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1988-11-25 Loss Thailand Phetchan Sor Bodin Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1988-08-30 Win Thailand Thammachart Meungphatalung Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1988-07-26 Loss Thailand Phanpetch Muangsurin Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1988-03-15 Loss Thailand Karuhat Sor.Supawan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1986- Win Thailand Fahsatan Lukprabath Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Kanesak's first fight at a Bangkok Stadium.
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

References

  1. ^ a b 123 All-Time Greatest Muay Thai Fighters of Thailand (in Thai). Yod Muay Muang Siam. 2014. p. 190.
  2. ^ Trefeu, Serge (2020-12-23). "LAKHIN WASSANTASIT (Career 1990-2000)". SIAM FIGHT MAG. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  3. ^ von Duuglas-Ittu, Sylvie (September 29, 2017). "#24 Kaensak Sor. Ploenjit - Explosive Defense". Patreon.
  4. ^ a b von Duuglas-Ittu, Sylvie; Yuchumphol, Suvit; et al. "Top 5 Greatest Muay Thai Fighters As Picked By Legends & Great Fighters - YouTube". Youtube (in Thai).
  5. ^ a b "แก่นศักดิ์ ส.เพลินจิต ปะทะ ลำน้ำมูล ส.สุมาลี" [Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit vs Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee], Onesongchai Promotion (in Thai), Channel 5 (Thailand), 1993, retrieved 2023-12-19
  6. ^ "แก่นศักดิ์ ส.เพลินจิต ปะทะ ลำน้ำมูล ส.สุมาลี 3" [Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit vs Lamnamoon Sor.Sumalee 3], Onesongchai Promotion (in Thai), Channel 7 (Thailand), 1993, retrieved 2023-12-19
  7. ^ a b c d e Trefeu, Serge (2014-02-16). "KAENSAK SOR PLOENCHIT". SIAM FIGHT MAG (in French). Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  8. ^ a b "แก่นศักดิ์ ส.เพลินจิต VS ทวีศักดิ์เล็ก พลอยศักดา 2" [Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit VS Taweesaklek Ploysakda 2], Yod Muay Ek (in Thai), Channel 7 (Thailand), 1991, retrieved 2023-12-19
  9. ^ 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 2023-12-19.
  10. ^ Rattanasuban, Songchai, "สำราญศักดิ์ เมืองสุรินทร์ VS โคบาล ลูกเจ้าแม่ไทรทอง" [Samransak Muangsurin VS Coban Lookchaomaesaitong], สุดยอดมวยไทย วันทรงชัย [The Best of Onesongchai Promotion] (in Thai), vol. 14, retrieved 2023-12-19
  11. ^ Trefeu, Serge (2017-04-03). "NAMSAKNOI YUDTHAGARNGAMTORN". SIAM FIGHT MAG. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  12. ^ "แก่นศักดิ์ ส.เพลินจิต VS ทวีศักดิ์เล็ก พลอยศักดา" [Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit VS Taweesaklek Ploysakda], ศึกยอดมวยไทย ศึกวันทรงชัย [The Best Of Onesongchai Promotion] (in Thai), vol. 3, retrieved 2023-12-19
  13. ^ "แก่นศักดิ์ ส.เพลินจิต vs สิงห์ดำ อ.อุกฤษณ์" [Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit vs Singdam Or.Ukrit], Yod Muay Ek (in Thai), Channel 7 (Thailand), 1993, retrieved 2023-12-19
  14. ^ "THE FIGHTS OF ANTHOLOGY OF GOLDEN AGE OF MUAY THAI (CHAPTER I)". www.siamfightmag.com.
  15. ^ "About Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit". www.kaensakmuaythaigym.com. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  16. ^ "Kaensak Sor Ploenjit". www.facebook.com.
  17. ^ "Kaensak Sor Ploenjit". www.facebook.com.
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