Raktae Muangsurin

Boontham Thoykrathoke (born February 8, 1960), known professionally as Raktae Muangsurin , is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter. He is a former Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight Champion who was famous during the 1970s and 1980s.

He trained at the Muangsurin gym, a camp that produced many elite pressure fighters such as Saensak Muangsurin and Samransak Muangsurin.

Biography and career

Raktae started training Muay Thai at the age of 14 under Somwang Uttamaphan. During this time, he adopted the ring name of Sianbo Sunkila Ladyai (which translates to "Sianbo Ladyai Sports Center" as they were his sponsor). The Ladyai Sports Center also served as the venue of his first Muay Thai fight when he was 15. He fought in Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, and Mara Sarakham, incurring 30 fights until he was considered a top fighter.

Raktae was one of the most recognizable fighters of the 1980s on the Bangkok circuit with his pressuring punching style which means that he is called a "Muay Mat" in Thai. In particular, his powerful right hand that earned him surprise KO victories resulted in the nickname "Ay Mat Narok Taek" which translates to "The Exploding Hell Puncher". His preferred techniques were punching, elbow usage, and knee fighting.