Real Name: Ponn Ommklin (ผ่อน ออมกลิ่น)
Born: June 25, 1951
Hometown: Khon Kaen, Thailand
Height: 172 cm
Stance: Southpaw
Primary Style: Muay Femur
Gym: Worawut Gym
Nickname: The Golden Leg (หมูแข้งทอง)
Era: Pre-Golden → Early Golden Era (late 1960s – late 1970s)

Career Record

Muay Thai (stadium era – incomplete but well documented)

  • Wins: 135

  • Losses: 15

  • Draws: Few (exact number varies by source)

  • Total Fights: ~150

Pudpadnoi’s record is considered one of the most efficient and dominant of any stadium champion. His reputation rests not on volume, but on era dominance, weight jumping, and elite opposition.

Profile

Pudpadnoi Worawut is widely regarded as the greatest kicker in Muay Thai history.

Long before the Golden Era reached its peak, Pudpadnoi set the technical standard. His southpaw left kick was so precise, powerful, and repeatable that it earned him a nickname that still carries weight today — “The Golden Leg.”

Unlike many legends who relied on aggression or physical intimidation, Pudpadnoi controlled fights with distance, balance, and inevitability. Opponents knew exactly what was coming. Very few could stop it.

Fighting Style

Pudpadnoi was a pure Muay Femur, but his approach was unusually economical even by technician standards.

Defining traits:

  • Legendary left round kick (body and arms)

  • Exceptional timing and spacing

  • Minimal combinations — maximum effect

  • Calm, unhurried pace

  • Elite ring IQ

His left kick was not thrown for spectacle. It was thrown to systematically dismantle posture, balance, and scoring potential. Over five rounds, opponents were stripped of weapons, rhythm, and confidence.

At his peak, Pudpadnoi regularly fought — and beat — opponents 10–12 lbs heavier, an almost unheard-of practice today.

Rise to Dominance (1969–1975)

After going undefeated in over 60 bouts in Isaan, Pudpadnoi moved to Bangkok at 18. He announced himself immediately, winning his Rajadamnern debut by high-kick knockout.

Within two years, he was a stadium champion.

Major titles:

Lumpinee Stadium Champion (3 divisions)

  • Flyweight (112 lbs)

  • Super Bantamweight (122 lbs)

  • Super Featherweight (130 lbs)

Rajadamnern Stadium

  • 1969 – 108 lbs Tournament Winner

By the mid-1970s, Pudpadnoi was regarded as untouchable. His dominance earned him the sport’s highest individual honours.

Awards & Recognition

  • 1975 King’s Fighter of the Year

  • 1975 Prime Minister Award

  • Rajadamnern Stadium Hall of Fame (1984)

  • Siam Kela Muay Thai Hall of Fame (2014)

These awards place Pudpadnoi in the absolute top tier of Muay Thai history — a level reached by very few fighters.

Notable Victories

Pudpadnoi defeated many of the strongest fighters of his generation, including:

  • Apidej Sit-Hirun

  • Vicharnnoi Porntawee

  • Narongnoi Kiatbandit

  • Bundit Singprakarn

  • Fahsai Taweechai

  • Huasai Sitiboonlert

He also routinely accepted handicap bouts, defeating much larger opponents for massive side bets — a testament to his confidence and technical superiority.

Decline and Retirement

Pudpadnoi first retired in 1976 at the height of his powers, later making a brief comeback after personal circumstances drew him back to Thailand. The second run was less successful, and he retired definitively in 1979.

Unlike many fighters, his legacy was never diminished by prolonged decline.

Life After Fighting

After retirement, Pudpadnoi became an internationally respected trainer.

  • Lived and coached in Los Angeles

  • Ran a gym in Paris

  • Taught in France, Sweden, the Philippines

  • Returned to Thailand as a trainer and occasional referee

His influence spread globally long before Muay Thai became mainstream.

Legacy

Pudpadnoi Worawut is remembered as:

  • The greatest left kicker in Muay Thai history

  • A pioneer of technical, southpaw dominance

  • A fighter who defeated larger men with precision, not force

He didn’t overwhelm opponents.
He removed their options.