Paruhatlek Sitchunthong

Chalee Kuntharee (; born September 2, 1961), known professionally as Paruhatlek Sitchunthong , is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter. He is a former five-time Lumpinee Stadium champion across three weight classes who was famous in the 1980s and 1990s. He holds the distinction of being the only fighter to have defeated the legendary Samart Payakaroon in Muay Thai rules by knockout.

Biography and career Paruhatlek Sitchunthong, the sixth of nine children (seven sons, two daughters), hailed from a family of Muay Thai fighters in Pathum Thani, approximately north of Bangkok. All of his brothers were fighters, with his older brother, Paruhat Loh-ngoen also achieving fame as a Muay Thai fighter. Paruhatlek began his Muay Thai training at the age of 9 in a space near his house, with his father serving as his trainer. Just a few months later, he had his first fight, for which he earned only 15 baht.A year later, Paruhatlek joined the Sichunthong gym, which was his family's business. Originally owned by his father, Kimchun Kuntharee, the gym continued to operate under the management of his mother, Luan Kuntharee, after his father's death.

Paruhatlek Sitchunthong faced Samart Payakaroon a total of four times. In their second encounter, he secured victory by knockout in the third round with punches. His older brother, Paruhat Loh-ngoen had also fought with Samart Payakaroon and was one of two opponents that Samart said he was the most afraid (the other being Mafuang Weerapol).

Paruhatlek Sitchunthong was a five-times Lumpinee Stadium champion across four weight categories, consist of pinweight (102 lb), mini flyweight (104 lb, two-times), junior flyweight (108 lb), and flyweight (112 lb). To win his first belt Paruhatlek needed three attempts before being successful. At the peak of his career, he was paid a maximum of 120,000 baht.

Paruhatlek was regarded as a small shape fighter, therefore he was often at a disadvantage against his opponents. He was a tough fighter who never backed down, pushing forward for the win with his heavy punches. Hence, he was given the fierce alias of "Raging bull of the Rangsit field", owing to his birthplace, Rangsit area. He also received another alias the "ring gentleman", during a fight against Fahlan Lukprabat he had his opponent on the verge of collapsing but chose to step back and let him lose by decision to avoid stripping him from his Rajadamnern Stadium belt.

He has been collecting the Muay Thai trunks he wore during his entire career, most of them are red trunks, because he often fought in the red corner.

Titles & honours Lumpinee Stadium 1981 Lumpinee Stadium Pinweight (102 lbs) Champion One successful title defense 1982 Lumpinee Stadium Pinweight (102 lbs) Champion One successful title defense 1983 Lumpinee Stadium Light Flyweight (108 lbs) Champion Four successful title defenses 1985 Lumpinee Stadium Light Flyweight (108 lbs) Champion 1988 Lumpinee Stadium Flyweight (112 lbs) Champion 1989 Lumpinee Stadium Fight of the Year (vs. Pongsiri Por Ruamrudee)

Fight record