Combat sports are an ever-changing landscape of fighters, with new names popping up constantly. All fighters have heart, and all fighters have talent, yet of all the fighters who have stepped up over the years, there are some who stick in our minds, who changed the way we think about the sports we love, and who are truly inspirational to today’s generation of martial artists.
In this series we wanted to take a moment to appreciate some of the true legends of fighting, looking at some of the most inspirational, most influential, and the most fearsome fighters out there. You can find the whole of the series here. Give us a shout in the comments section at the end of this article to let us know which fighter is an inspiration for you.
So who is Saenchai?
Quite possibly the most famous muay thai fighter on the planet, Saenchai is known for his incredible technique and timing, picking his opponents apart, by taking advantage of their weaknesses and habits, after ‘downloading’ their style during the first round. He’s an excellent example of the Muay Femur style, and a source of inspiration for many aspiring fighters.
The Living Legend
Saenchai started training at eight years old, and had his first fight a week later. He got paid $1 for the bout. From 14 he fought in the stadiums in Bangkok, and would go on to win the prestigious Lumpini title in four weight classes – often giving up weight to find suitable opponents. Since retiring from serious competition in Thailand in 2014 Saenchai has fought against a number of big names in Western Muay Thai. At 39 years old Saenchai is old for a Muay Thai fighter, but his evasive style has given his career longevity, and he continues to inspire new generations of Thai boxers through regular worldwide seminars.