Dejrit Ithianuchit

Dejrit Ithianuchit
BornThongplew Srinop
October 17, 1940
Bang Nam Priao, Chachoengsao, Thailand
DiedMarch 2, 2023 (aged 83)
Native nameทองปลิว ศรีนพ
Other namesDejrit Yontharakit (เดชฤทธิ์ ยนตรกิจ)
Dejrit Ithrabut (เดชฤทธิ์ อินทรบุตร)
Dejrit Sriayutthaya
Dejrit Na Bangkok
NicknameBreezing Diamond Heart
(ปลิวใจเพชร)
Height174 cm (5 ft 9 in)
DivisionFeatherweight
Lightweight
Welterweight
StyleMuay Thai
(Muay Mat)
StanceOrthodox
TeamYontharakit Gym (1959-1963)
Ithianuchit Gym (1963-1971)
Na Bangkok Gym (1971-1974)
TrainerSudjai Amornrit
Jumpol Sri Ayutthaya
Years activec. 1958-1974
Boxing record from BoxRec

Thongplew Srinop (Thai: ทองปลิว ศรีนพ; October 17, 1940 – March 2, 2023), known professionally as Dejrit Ithianuchit (Thai: เดชฤทธิ์ อิทธิอนุชิต), was a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter.[1] He was a three-division Lumpinee Stadium champion who was famous during the 1960s and 1970s.

Biography and career

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Early years

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Born in Chachoengsao province, Thailand, Dejrit moved to Bangkok when he was 7 years old. He started training soon after under boxing coach Chumpol Sri Ayutthaya. He won his first amateur boxing bout, but his mother urged him to stop out of concern for his future and urged him to complete his education first.[2]

Dejrit did not box again for a decade until he graduated from Indrachai Technical College, earning a vocational certificate as an engineer.[2]

Career

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After several months of not being able to find a job, Dejrit turned to his old boxing coach and took on the name Dejrit Sriayutthaya. He had his first fight, a knockout win at Rajadamnern Stadium in 1958. Mr. Chumpol tried to get Dejrit boxing fights but few fighters were willing to compete under boxing rules.[2]

In 1959, Dejrit left his boxing coach and joined the renowned Yontarakit Gym owned by Tankee and his son Chaiyut Yontharakit in Chachoengsao province, training alongside fighters such as Somdej, Kiewwan,[3] Saipetch, and Danchai Yontharakit.[4][5] At Yontharakit Gym, Dejrit was able to win the Rajadamnern Stadium Featherweight (126 lbs) title by knocking out Rerngsak Sor.Lukpitak in 1961, a division which he quickly outgrew. The following year, Dejrit defeated Adisak Kwangmeechai for the Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight (135 lbs) title.

In 1963, following the death of Yontharakit Gym owner Tankee, Dejrit moved to Thawee Chomchalao's Ithianuchit gym under the promoter Thiamboon Inthabutra, where he would become a top fighter alongside future OPBF Champion Suleman Ithianuchit. In the following years he would fight Adul Srisothon, Rawee Dechachai, Huasai Sittiboonlert, Sompong Jaroenmuang, former campmate Danchai Ploenjit, Kongdej Lukbangplasoi, Wicharn Sor.Pinjisak, etc. But nothing compared to his infamous rivalry against Apidej Sit-Hirun, The King's Fighter of the Century.[6] Dejrit defeated Apidej four times, but Apidej came out on top with seven wins, one of which was under Western boxing rules.[2]

On May 8, 1963, His Majesty Rama IX personally gave Dejrit the "Royal Cup" for defeating Rakkiat Kiatmuangyop at Lumpinee Stadium. He was the second recipient of the award as the previous was given to his former campmate Namsak Yontharakit in 1961 for defeating Adul Srisothon.[7][8]

In 1966, he defeated Suponchai Jaroenmuang for the vacant Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) title which he then defended against Apidej Sit-Hirun. He lost the title to Apidej in a rematch in January 1968, but later took it back in November of the same year. It was his fourth and last major title that he would win.[2]

In 1971, he transferred to Na Bangkok Gym owned by Narong Kittikachorn while serving in the military, but as he had entered his 30s, his physical condition declined and he could no longer fight at the high level he once did.

At his peak, Dejrit received a purse of ฿80,000 Thai baht, the highest purse in the history of Muay Thai as of 1967. At the end of his career, he was able to buy himself a Mercedes car.[9]

In 2011, Dejrit and his former campmate Kiewwan Yontharakit were inducted into the Siam Kela Hall of Fame for their accomplishments in the sport. At the ceremony, he expressed his happiness and gratitude towards the selection committee for not having forgotten him.[10]

Personal life and retirement

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At 34 years of age, Dejrit retired from the sport as his body could no longer carry the damage from his pressure-fighting style. He continued to serve in the Thai Armed Forces, holding the rank of Lieutenant. After retiring from the military, he lived with his wife Nittaya and their five children. Dejrit formed an unsuccessful band and would occasionally sing at the Elizabeth Hotel in Bangkok.[2]

In January 2019, Dejrit was reported missing by his son as he had checked out of Phramongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok without informing his family. His son implored the community to look out for Dejrit as he had memory issues. He was later found and brought back home.[11]

On March 2, 2023, he passed away peacefully in his home in Phaya Thai at 82 years old.[12]

The week after, on March 7, 2023, he received a state funeral and cremation ceremony in Bangkok, attended by his relatives, several former politicians, the Thai Prime Minister's Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, the Director of Rangsit Boxing Stadium, and many of his peers and campmates such as Pudpadnoi Worawut, Padejsuk Pitsanurachan, Thongbai Jaroenmuang, and Rawee Dechachai.[1]

Championships and awards

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Rajadamnern Stadium

Awards

  • 1963 "Royal Cup"[7]
  • 2011 Siam Kela Hall of Famer (Muay Thai)

Muay Thai record

[edit]
Muay Thai Record (Incomplete)[13][14]
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
1974 Loss Thailand Mo Sor.Lukpitak Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1973-02-16 Loss Thailand Chuchai Lukbanjama Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 2
For the Royal Thai Armed Forces Welterweight (147 lbs) title.
1972 Loss Thailand Yodsing Sor.Phayathai Bangkok, Thailand
1972-05-21 Loss Thailand Songkiat Kiatpracharat Channel 7 Stadium Bangkok, Thailand
1972 Loss Thailand Chuchai Lukbanjama Royal Thai Armed Forces Muay Thai Championship Bangkok, Thailand
1971 Loss Thailand Prabsuk Sirikorn Bangkok, Thailand
1971 Win Thailand Chakkrit Bangkok, Thailand KO
1970 Loss Thailand Yodthong Saitsuk Bangkok, Thailand
1970- Loss Thailand Huasai Sittiboonlert Bangkok, Thailand KO (Kick)
1970-05-29 Loss Thailand Apidej Sit-Hirun Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1970-03-20 Win Thailand Huasai Sittiboonlert Chartchai Chionoi vs Efren Torres, Huamark Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1970 Loss Thailand Taek Rawee Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand
1969-11-21 Loss Thailand Kongdej Lukbangplasoi Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1969-09- Win Thailand Phananan Lukbanjama Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand
1969-07-04 Win Thailand Narong Pitsarunachan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand TKO (Elbow) 4
1969 Win Thailand Sompong Jaroenmuang Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1969-04-08 Loss Thailand Kongdej Lukbangplasoi Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1968-11-10 Win Thailand Apidej Sit-Hirun Charusathian Stadium, Chionoi vs Villacampo Bangkok, Thailand KO 1 0:40
Wins the Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) title.
1968 Win Thailand Sukkasem Fahlaeb Bangkok, Thailand
1968-08-21 Loss Thailand Apidej Sit-Hirun Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1968-01-15 Loss Thailand Apidej Sit-Hirun Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO (Right cross) 3
Loses the Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) title.
1967-09-27 Win Thailand Apidej Sit-Hirun Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO (Punches) 3
Apidej is stripped of his Ceremonial Thailand and Lumpinee Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) title for being knocked out.
1967-08 Win Thailand Danchai Ploenjit Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO (Right cross) 1
1967-07-26 Win Thailand Danchai Ploenjit Huamark Stadium, Chionoi vs Pantip Kaewsuriya Bangkok, Thailand KO (Left cross) 1
Both fighters earned a record purse of ฿80,000 Thai baht.
1967-07-03 Win Thailand Detthai Rachadet Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand TKO (Punches) 2
1967-06-07 Win Thailand Suponchai Jaroenmuang Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand TKO (Low kicks) 2
1967 Win Thailand Prakaikaew Luk Sor.Kor. Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand TKO 4
1967-04-03 Win Thailand Apidej Sit-Hirun Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand TKO 3
1967-03-06 Win Thailand Sompong Jaroenmuang Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1966-05-12 Loss Thailand Supachai Jaroenmuang Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
For the vacant Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) title.
1966-10-17 Win Thailand Adul Srisothon Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand TKO 5
1966 Win Thailand Rawee Dechachai Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1966 Win Thailand Somkiat Kiatmuangyom Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1966 Win Thailand Wichan Sor.Pinjinsak Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1965-12-07 Win Thailand Payap Sakulsuk Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 4
1965-10- Win Thailand Weeradej Sor.Lukpitak Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO (Body kick) 3
1965-09-28 Loss Thailand Sompong Jaroenmuang Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1965-08-12 Draw Thailand Sompong Jaroenmuang Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1965-03-31 Win Thailand Prakaikaew Luk Sor.Kor. Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 1
1965-02-17 Win Thailand Payap Sakulsuk Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO (Punches) 1
1964-11-03 Loss Thailand Apidej Sit-Hirun Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
For the Ceremonial Thailand Welterweight (147 lbs) title.
1964-08-04 Loss Thailand Apidej Sit-Hirun Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand TKO (Doctor stoppage) 2
For the Lumpinee Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) title and the inaugural Ceremonial Thailand Welterweight (147 lbs) title. Apidej receives the Yodmuaythai trophy.
1964-03 Win Thailand Somkiat Kiatmuangyom Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand
1964-02-13 Win Thailand Apidej Sit-Hirun Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1963-11-14 Win Thailand Sornchai Malayut Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1963-10-03 Win Thailand Sompong Jaroenmuang Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO (High kick) 4
1963-09-05 Win Thailand Wichan Sor.Pinjisak Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Defends the Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight (135 lbs) title.
1963-06-06 Loss Thailand Apidej Sit-Hirun Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1963-05-08 Loss Thailand Rakkiat Kiatmuangyop Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Dejrit receives the Royal Cup.
1962-03-15 Loss Thailand Wichan Sor.Pinjisak Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO (Elbow) 3
1963-02-28 Win Thailand Adisak Kwangmeechai Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 2
Wins the vacant Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight (135 lbs) title.
1963-01-08 Win Thailand Rawee Dechachai Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1962-12-06 Loss Thailand Adul Srisothon Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
For the Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight (135 lbs) title.
1962 Win Thailand Weeradej Sor.Lukpitak Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand
1962 Win Thailand Weeradej Sor.Lukpitak Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand
1962-09-18 Win Thailand Khunsuknoi Sor.Bangkholaem Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1962 Win Thailand Khunsuknoi Sor.Bangkholaem Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand
1961 Win Thailand Wichan Sor.Pinjisak Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1961 Loss Thailand Wichan Sor.Pinjisak Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand
1961-06-13 Loss Thailand Pichai Ratchawat Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 3
1961 Win Thailand Rerngsak Sor.Lukpitak Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 3
Wins the vacant Rajadamnern Stadium Featherweight (126 lbs) title.
1961-02-14 Loss Thailand Chainoi Singworanat Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1960-09-13 Win Thailand Namchai Klongphajon Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 4
1960 Win Thailand Pongsak Lerdkamon Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO
1960 Win Thailand Pongkaew Bangyikan Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand
1960 Loss Thailand Sompong Jaroenmuang Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1959 Win Thailand Pichai Ratchawat Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1959 Win Thailand Pichai Ratchawat Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1959 Loss Thailand Pichai Ratchawat Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 3
1958 Win Thailand Narongsak Wongthewet Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 3
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

References

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  1. ^ a b "ร่วมส่งวิญาณ "เดชฤทธ์" สู่สรวงสรรค์". 2023-03-08. Archived from the original on 2024-05-23.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Dejrit Ithianuchit profile from "123 Greatest Thai Boxers of the Past"". Archived from the original on 2023-12-19.
  3. ^ "เขียวหวาน - หนามเตย ชวนรำลึกบรมครู เตี่ย ตันกี้ เจ้าสำนัก ยนตรกิจ 14 กันยา ศกนี้... อ่านข่าวต้นฉบับได้ที่". Khaosod. 2019-08-15. Archived from the original on 2024-05-24. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  4. ^ "Interview and profile of Saipet Yontharakit".
  5. ^ "ข่าว ข่าวบันเทิง ข่าวดารา ข่าวการเมือง ข่าว ทันเหตุการณ์". kapook.com (in Thai). 2007-04-23. Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  6. ^ "Worlds best Kicker". 2008-09-23. Archived from the original on 2008-09-23. Retrieved 2024-05-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  7. ^ a b "มวยไทย สมัยกรุงรัตนโกสินทร์ รัชกาลที่ 8 พ.ศ. 2477-2489". www.siamsporttalk.com (in Thai). Archived from the original on 2024-05-24. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  8. ^ "พระมหากรุณาธิคุณในหลวง รัชกาลที่ 9 กับวงการมวย". เนชั่นทีวี (in Thai). 2016-10-18. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
  9. ^ "Dejrit's incomplete record 1961-1973". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
  10. ^ "Dejrit Ithianuchit inducted into the Muay Thai Hall of Fame". 2011-04-24. Archived from the original on 2023-11-25.
  11. ^ "อดีตนักมวยไทยชื่อดังหายตัวจาก รพ.พระมงกุฎ – ลูกชายประกาศตามหาตัว... อ่านข่าวต้นฉบับได้ที่". 2019-01-18. Archived from the original on 2019-02-03.
  12. ^ "ร่วมส่งวิญาณ "เดชฤทธ์" สู่สรวงสรรค์". muaythai2000.com. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Dejrit record from 1965-1967". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
  14. ^ "Dejrit's incomplete record 1961-1973". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-05-25.