Samart Prasarnmit

Samart started Muay Thai training at the Prasarnmit camp in the Nakhon Ratchasima province. He competed numerous times in the northeastern region of Thailand before reaching the Bangkok circuit in 1977.

Samart's breakout win happened in 1980 when he defeated renowned knee fighter Jocky Sitkanpai by knockout.[1] During the peak of his career between 1982 and 1983 Samart defeated many notable fighters of his era such as Somsong Kiathoranee, Seksan Sor.Theppitak, Kaopong Sitchuchai, Padejsuk Pitsanurachan, Khaosod Sitpraprom, Ruengsak Porntawee or Paennoi Sakornpithak.[2] He is purses reached over 100,000 baht during this period.[3]

One of Samart's most notable victory was against American kickboxer Don Wilson who at the time was riding a 25 fights win streak while holding the WKA and K.I.C.K world titles. They faced each other on December 2, 1983, at the Lumpinee Stadium. Wilson weighed in at 172 lbs and Samart at 148 lbs. Samart won the fight by decision after he knocked Wilson down twice.[4] Wilson claims he was asked to lose 8 pounds on the day of the bout by sitting in a sauna, leaving him dehydrated. Wilson had also negotiated for a 7-round fight, which the officials neglected to honor.[5]

Samart was also the last opponent of Muay Thai legend Samart Payakaroon in the bangkok stadiums before leaving for international boxing. They met on December 28, 1983, at a catchweight of 133 lbs for an event at the Rajadamnern Stadium organized by famous promotor Klaew Thanikhul.[6] Prasarnmit lost the fight by decision.[7]

After 1983 Samart fell out of form, losing most of his fights until he reitred in 1988. One of his losses came to the hands of Dutch champion Rob Kaman in Hong Kong on December 30, 1984.[8] After retiring from fighting Samart went back to live in his native province where he is very involved in the life of his village.

• Rajadamnern Stadium
  • 1982 Rajadamnern Stadium 140 lbs Champion