Saenklai Sit Kru Od

Sachart Krailart (; July 7, 1973 – December 15, 2019), known professionally as Saenklai SitKruOd , was a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter. He was a two-time Lumpinee Stadium Bantamweight Champion who was famous in the 1990s. Nicknamed the "Top Boxer of Bua Yai", he was known especially for his technical ability and is often regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the history of Muay Thai.

There are numerous anglicizations of Saenklai's name, including but not limited to: Sanklai Sitkru-Ott, Saengrai Sitkruodd, or Saengrai Sit Kru Aod.

Biography

Early life

Sachart Krailart was born on July 7, 1973 in Bua Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima province. He was the 4th child of his family with 6 siblings. His personal nickname was Moo. He was inspired to take up Muay Thai at the age of 11 after watching his older half-brother Kangwannoi Or.Sribualoi fight out of the Sit Kru Od gym located in their hometown of Bua Yai. Under the tutelage of Poompichai "Kru Od" Rattanavisid, he had his first fight after three months of training under the ring name of Klaisen Netsongkram. Fighting between 66 and 77 lbs (30–35 kg), he rapidly became a recognized talent in Isan, the northeastern region of Thailand where he faced future champions such as Robert Kaennorasing and Samson Isaan. He then ran out of opponents in Isan.

In 1988, around 4 years into his Muay Thai career, he started fighting in the metropolitan Bangkok area. At first, he fought in Samrong Stadium until he reached the 100 lbs (45.36 kg) weight division. He then began fighting primarily in Lumpinee Stadium under the Petchyindee promotion. After he made his successful Lumpinee debut against Rattanachai Sitrattanachai, his later performances were inconsistent. He then adopted the ring name of Saenklai Sit Kru Od (translates to "Saenklai, student of trainer Od") and quickly rose to the top of the competitive landscape, becoming a popular fighter in the Lumpinee Stadium. The stadium's officials incorrectly printed his ring name as "Saenkrai" (แสนไกร) for a year. Kangwannoi was also described to be an intelligent fighter with a strong mind. Saenklai and Kangwannoi were 2 of the 4 fighters that first made the Sit Kru Od gym famous in Thailand. They both won the Lumpinee Bantamweight title. Saenklai was nicknamed by Thai audiences as Yodmuay Bua Yai (Muay Thai Master from Bua Yai) and Jomyuth Pliewayo (The Active Footwork Fighter).

Saenklai retired after being knocked out by Jaoweha Looktapfah on October 12, 1997. His victories against Veeraphol Sahaprom, Silapathai Jockygym, Taweesaklek Ploysakda, and Anantasak Panyuthaphum were considered his best fights. He had a missed fight against Kaensak Sor.Ploenjit. Saenklai cited Veeraphol to be the most difficult opponent he ever faced. He would go on to run a family business in his hometown of Bua Yai. He trained some Muay Thai fighters when he was able to.

Titles and accomplishments

Lumpinee Stadium 1991 Lumpinee Stadium Bantamweight (118 lbs) Champion 1993 Lumpinee Stadium Bantamweight (118 lbs) Champion Six successful title defenses

World Muay Thai Council 1995 WMTC World Super Bantamweight Champion One successful title defense

Muay Thai record