Sangtiennoi Sor.Rungroj

Real Name: Thiraphan Chinanad (ธีรพันธ์ ชินานัด)
Born: August 16, 1966
Died: May 16, 2021
Hometown: Pathum Thani, Thailand
Height: 175 cm
Stance: Southpaw
Style: Muay Bouk
Nickname: The Deadly Kisser (จอมจุมพิต)
Era: Late Golden Era to Transition Era

Sangtiennoi Sor.Rungroj was one of the notable pressure fighters of the late Golden Era and 1990s. A southpaw Muay Bouk fighter, he built his career around forward pressure, close-range fighting and a willingness to work in the clinch.

His nickname, The Deadly Kisser, reflected his preference for fighting at close range. Rather than staying on the outside and picking opponents apart, Sangtiennoi looked to close the distance and force exchanges with elbows, knees and clinch work.

He was an aggressive fighter, but his approach was not simply based on walking forward. He used physical pressure to disrupt an opponent's balance and rhythm, making it difficult for them to establish their own preferred range.

Sangtiennoi competed during a particularly strong period of Thai stadium Muay Thai and faced a number of well-known fighters from Thailand and overseas. His notable opponents included Ramon Dekkers, Dany Bill, Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth, Samkor Kiatmontep, Chamuakpetch Hapalang and Orono Por Muang Ubon.

His rivalry with Ramon Dekkers became part of the wider story of Thai fighters competing against the leading foreign fighters of the period. Their meetings represented the increasingly international nature of Muay Thai during the late 1980s and 1990s.

Sangtiennoi also collected major titles during his career. He won the WMC World 65 kg title in 1988, became Rajadamnern Stadium Super Featherweight champion in 1989 and later won the Lumpinee Stadium Lightweight title in 1997, making one successful defence.

His career record is difficult to establish precisely because records from the period are incomplete. Sources generally credit him with more than 200 wins, alongside more than 60 losses and multiple draws across stadium and international competition.

Outside the ring, Sangtiennoi became an important figure for the next generation of fighters. He trained and worked closely with Australian fighter John Wayne Parr, helping him develop his Muay Thai during his years competing in Thailand. His experience and knowledge also made him an important link between the Thai stadium scene and the growing international Muay Thai community.

Shoulder injuries eventually brought his competitive career to an end in 2000. He later opened a gym in Pathum Thani and continued working as a trainer, passing on the experience he had gained during his years competing at the highest level.

Sangtiennoi died on May 16, 2021, aged 54.

His career is remembered for his distinctive southpaw pressure style, his willingness to fight at close range and the quality of the opponents he faced. His later work as a trainer also gave him an influence beyond his own fighting career, particularly among the international fighters who came to Thailand to learn the sport.