Hippy Singmanee

Real Name: Pichet Chuthong (พิเชษฐ์ ชูทอง)
Born: August 14, 1967
Hometown: Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
Height: 160 cm
Stance: Orthodox
Style: Muay Femur
Gym: Singmanee Gym
Trainer: Kru Cherd Chuthong, his father
Era: Late Golden Era → Early Transition Era

Hippy Singmanee, known as "The Genius of the South," was one of the notable lighter-weight fighters of the late Golden Era. From southern Thailand, he developed a style that combined the technical qualities of a Muay Femur with considerable power for his weight.

The story behind his nickname is unusual. As a child, Hippy did not initially compete in Muay Thai and was involved mainly in performing the wai kru. He also allowed his hair to grow long and uncut, which led to him being given the nickname "Hippy". The name stayed with him throughout his career.

He eventually began fighting and developed through the southern circuit before moving into the Bangkok stadium scene. Based at Singmanee Gym and trained by his father, Kru Cherd Chuthong, Hippy became a regular competitor at Lumpinee and Rajadamnern.

Although technically a Muay Femur, Hippy was known for the power he carried at the lighter weights. His game included strong head kicks, elbows and single-shot attacks, while he was also comfortable fighting from the ropes and allowing opponents to come forward before responding.

That combination of technique and power made him particularly effective against other high-level lighter fighters, and he was capable of producing knockdowns and stoppages without abandoning his technical approach.

Hippy's strongest period came during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He became a multiple-time Lumpinee Stadium champion, winning titles at mini flyweight and light flyweight. He also faced a number of leading fighters of the period, including Karuhat Sor Supawan, Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth, Veeraphol Sahaprom and Saeksan Sitjomthong.

His documented record is listed at 161 wins, 34 losses and 28 draws from 223 fights, with 72 recorded knockouts. As with many fighters from the Golden Era, records can vary depending on which stadium, regional and international bouts are included.

Hippy remained active beyond his prime and continued fighting into the mid-1990s. His later career included more losses than during his peak years, but he remained competitive against experienced opposition and continued to fight until around 1996.

After retiring, Hippy remained involved in Muay Thai as a trainer, gym owner and promoter. He has worked as a trainer in Bangkok, operated gyms including Town in Town and Por Suwan, and became involved in promotion through Cherchu Thai in southern Thailand.

Muay Thai also remained a family profession. His son, Hippynoi Singmanee, followed him into the sport as a fighter and trainer.

Hippy Singmanee's career stands out because of the combination of technique and power he brought to the lighter divisions. He was able to use the movement and timing associated with Muay Femur while still possessing the ability to change a fight with his kicks and elbows.

For a fighter competing at around 105–108 lbs during one of Muay Thai's deepest periods, that combination made Hippy one of the more distinctive fighters of his generation.