Pudpadnoi Worawut

Real Name: Ponn Ommklin (ผ่อน ออมกลิ่น)
Born: June 25, 1951
Hometown: Khon Kaen, Thailand
Height: 172 cm
Stance: Southpaw
Style: Muay Femur
Gym: Worawut Gym
Nickname: The Golden Leg (หมูแข้งทอง)
Era: Pre-Golden to Early Golden Era

Pudpadnoi Worawut is regarded as one of the finest kickers in Muay Thai history. A southpaw technician known for his balance, timing and control of distance, he built his reputation around a left round kick that became one of the defining weapons of his generation.

Born in Khon Kaen, Pudpadnoi built an extensive record fighting in Isaan before moving to Bangkok at the age of 18. He made an immediate impression at Rajadamnern Stadium, winning his debut by high-kick knockout. His rise continued quickly, and within a few years he had established himself among the leading fighters of the Bangkok stadium circuit.

Pudpadnoi was a classic Muay Femur fighter. Rather than relying on constant aggression, he controlled opponents through positioning and timing. His left kick could be used repeatedly to the body and arms, gradually affecting an opponent's balance, posture and ability to attack.

His style was economical. He did not need long combinations to score. He was comfortable maintaining distance, waiting for an opening and returning with the left kick. That consistency became one of his greatest strengths.

One of the more remarkable aspects of Pudpadnoi's career was his willingness to compete against larger opponents. He regularly accepted fights above his natural weight and was known for taking handicap bouts against heavier fighters, sometimes with substantial side bets involved.

During his peak years, Pudpadnoi collected major stadium honours. He became a Lumpinee Stadium champion across three divisions, winning titles at 112, 122 and 130 pounds. He also won a 108-pound tournament at Rajadamnern in 1969.

His opposition included many of the leading fighters of the period, with notable victories over names such as Apidej Sit-Hirun, Vicharnnoi Porntawee, Narongnoi Kiatbandit, Bundit Singprakarn, Fahsai Taweechai and Huasai Sitiboonlert.

Pudpadnoi's achievements were recognised beyond his stadium titles. In 1975 he received both the King's Fighter of the Year award and the Prime Minister Award. He was later inducted into the Rajadamnern Stadium Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Siam Kela Muay Thai Hall of Fame in 2014.

He first retired in 1976, later returning for a short comeback before retiring permanently in 1979. His career record is commonly listed at around 150 fights, with approximately 135 wins and 15 losses, although historical records from the period are not completely consistent.

After fighting, Pudpadnoi continued his involvement in Muay Thai as a trainer. He spent periods coaching internationally, including in Los Angeles and Paris, and taught in countries including France, Sweden and the Philippines. He also returned to Thailand, where he continued working in the sport as a trainer and occasional referee.

Pudpadnoi's reputation ultimately rests on the quality and consistency of his technique. His left kick, control of distance and ability to compete against larger opponents made him one of the standout technicians of the pre-Golden and early Golden Era. For generations of Muay Thai fans and fighters, The Golden Leg remains one of the sport's most recognisable examples of technical kicking.