Moe Kyoe

Moe Kyoe (; IPA: ) (born November 6, 1947) is a retired Burmese lethwei fighter and first class flag champion, known for his endurance and speed. He was a key figure in changing the match format and kickstart in the national champions era. After his career as a Burmese boxer he entered monkhood in 1998.

Early life Moe Kyoe was born on November 6, 1947, son of U Ngwe Thaung and Daw Ngwe Yin. In a family with seven siblings, he was the fifth after three sisters and one brother. His father, uncle and three of his brothers were or became boxers as well. As a child he followed his brother around to local pagoda festivals and monks funerals to join the kids matches. He grew up on the west side of the Thanlyin river in Hpa-an but due to the Karen conflict his family was forced to relocate across the Mon State border where they settled near Bin Hlaing along the state border, not far from Thaton. His father who had stayed behind was later killed. Thaton was a hotbed and great stomping ground for many traditional boxers in the area and Moe Kyoe's love for the sport only grew stronger. and hailed as a promising new star.

In the 70's he became a leading and pivotal figure in the sport, winning first class flags against some of the strongest opposition available. His battles with one of the most famous boxers in the person of Tha Mann Kyar are remembered by many. After a few years of illegal work importing bicycle tires, car tires and cloth he came back and had one of his last fights against Shwe War Tun, a future long-time national champion and son of the equally imposing Phyu Gyi.

A high fighting spirit was the most important. It was a desire. A desire to win, that's all. — Moe Kyoe (MLC, Nov. 2020)

Lethwei record