Apidej Sit-Hirun

Narong Yaenprateep, known professionally as Apidej Sit-Hirun, was a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter and boxer. He was a two-time Lumpinee Stadium Welterweight Champion and two-time Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight Champion who was famous in the 1960s and 1970s. Nicknamed the "Kicker from Bang Nok Khwaek", he is often regarded as one of the greatest fighters and one of the hardest kickers in Muay Thai history.

Biography and career

Early years

Born in Samut Songkhram, Thailand, Apidej started Muay Thai in his hometown at the age of 8. After 3 months of training he had his first fight in Ratchaburi competing under the name Apidej Lukpornchai, he earned 30 baht.

Career

In 1957 he became Apidej Sit-Hirun, he was best known for his powerful kicks. In one fight, he broke both of Sompong Charoenmuang's arms, and forced the fighter to retire. He is considered the hardest kicker in muay Thai history. Apidej simultaneously held no less than seven muay Thai and boxing titles for a period during the 1960s. Thereafter, he was acclaimed as a national hero and Muay Thai Fighter of the Century by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. After his retirement, Apidej taught as an instructor at the Fairtex school outside Bangkok, Thailand alongside modern champions such as Yodsanklai Fairtex and Kaew Fairtex.

Death

Apidej died of lung cancer at the age of 72 on April 4, 2013, at Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok.

Championships and accomplishments

Muay Thai

Lumpinee Stadium
* 1964 Lumpinee Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) Champion
* 1967 Lumpinee Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) Champion Rajadamnern Stadium
* 1962 Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) Champion
* 1968 Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) ChampionThailand
* 1964 Thailand Welterweight (147 lbs) Champion

Boxing

Rajadamnern Stadium
* 1964 Thailand Welterweight (147 lbs) Champion
Lumpinee Stadium
* 1964 Thailand Welterweight (147 lbs) Champion
Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation
* 1965 OPBF Welterweight (147 lbs) Champion

Muay Thai record