Bangkhlanoi Sor.Thanikul

Rak Saiyon (; 23 September 1962 – 18 May 2024), known professionally as Bangkhlanoi Sor.Thanikul , was a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter. He was a three-division Lumpinee Stadium champion who was famous during the 1970s and 1980s.

Biography and career

Rak Saiyon was born in the Rayong Province and grew up in the Bang Khla District from the Chachoengsao Province. He started Muay Thai training at the Lukklongtan camp and fought in Chachoengsao until he was big enough to fight in Bangkok where he was scouted by the Songchai promotion in 1978. From then he was training at the Sor.Thanikul camp owned by famous promotor Klaew Thanikhul.

Bangkhlanoi became a top fighter in the smaller weight classes, beating notable champion Samransak Muangsurin and the famous Payakaroon brothers Kongtoranee Payakaroon and Samart Payakaroon. He captured the 102 lbs Lumpinee Stadium title in 1979 and the 108 lbs title in 1981.

Bangkhlanoi defeated hard puncher Mafuang Weerapol on 24 August 1982 for the Lumpinee Stadium 118 lbs title. They rematched on 24 December 1982 at Rajadamnern Stadium. Bangkhlanoi won by decision and received the "Best Fighter Award" from the hands of Princess Maha Chakri Sririndhorn.

Bangkhlanoi became less dominant in the second half of the 1980s. He had a trilogy memorable for its violence against the southpaw Paiboon Fairtex in 1986. Bangkhlanoi retired in 1988. He died at the age of 61 on May 18, 2024.

Titles and accomplishments

Lumpinee Stadium 1979 Lumpinee Stadium Pinweight (102 lbs) Champion 1981 Lumpinee Stadium Light Flyweight (108 lbs) Champion 1982 Lumpinee Stadium Bantamweight (118 lbs) Champion

Awards 1982 H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Best Fighter

Fight record