Pudpadnoi Worawut

Ponn Ommklin, known professionally as Pudpadnoi Worawut is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter. He is a former three-division Lumpinee Stadium champion, as well as the 1975 Fighter of the Year, who was famous in the 1970s. Nicknamed "The Golden Leg", he is often regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the history of Muay Thai.

Biography and career

Ponn Ommklin started Muay Thai at the age of 14 in his native province of Khon Kaen, following the steps of his older brother. His parents wouldn't let him pursue Muay Thai full time before graduating high school which he did in 1969. During that period Pudpanoi competed in Isan over 60 times and went undefeated. At the age of 18 he went to Bangkok on the advice of a fighter from the Worawut camp. On this occasion Pudpadnoi used his famous ring name for the first time as he won his debut in Rajadamnern Stadium by high kick knockout. During his first two years of competition in Bangkok Pudpadnoi won 17 of 19 fights. He was a very versatile southpaw with powerful kicks earning him the nickname "The Golden Leg".
Pudpadnoi was one of the most dominant fighter in Muay Thai between 1970 and 1976, winning three Lumpinee Stadium titles. He holds victories over some of the most notable fighters of his era such as Fahsai Taweechai, Bundit Singprakarn, Vicharnnoi Porntawee, Huasai Sitiboonlert, Narongnoi Kiatbandit, Neth Saknarong, Wichit Lukbangplasoi, Sirimongkol Luksiripat and Apidej Sit-Hirun.
Pudpadnoi's domination was such that at the peak of his career he was matched with opponents outweighing him by more than 10 lbs. His purses went as high as 120,000 baht. Pudpadnoi retired for the first time in 1976 when he went to live in Los Angeles, following the death of his father he returned to Thailand and made a comeback in the stadiums but with little success and retired again in 1979.
In 1980 Pudapdanoi went to live in France as a trainer, he owned a gym in Paris. His most famous French student was Guillaume Kerner. In 2003 Pupadnoi went to teach in Sweden and later in the Philippines before coming back to Thailand where he still teaches and occasionally works as a referee.

Titles and accomplishments

Lumpinee Stadium
* 1971 Lumpinee Stadium Flyweight (112 lbs) Champion
* 1971 Lumpinee Stadium Super Bantamweight (122 lbs) Champion
* 1973 Lumpinee Stadium Super Featherweight (130 lbs) Champion
Rajadamnern Stadium
* 1969 Rajadamnern Stadium 108 lbs Tournament Winner

Awards

1975 King's Fighter of the Year
1975 Prime Minister Award
1984 Rajadamnern Stadium Hall of Fame
2014 Siam Kela Hall of Fame

Muay Thai record

See more

List of Muay Thai practitioners