THURSDAY, April 4th, 2013, AT 8:00 PM/ PST

Apidej Sit-Hirun Has Left Us...
RIP
September 1st, 1941 - April 4th, 2013

Sadly Apidej passed away after his biggest fight against cancer at 2:AM today.
"He was a legend and he was loved by all that know him"

Famous Muay Thai fighter and Trainer Apidej Sit-Hirun past away earlier today, Thursday, April 4, 2013 after his biggest fight against cancer.

Born Narong Yaenprateep in September 1941, in Samut Songkhram, Thailand, he was best known for his powerful kicks. In one fight, he broke both of Sompong Charoenmuang's arms, and forced the fighter to retire. He was considered the hardest kicker in Muay Thai history. Apidej simultaneously held no less than seven Muay Thai and boxing titles for a period during the 1960s.

Thereafter, he was acclaimed as a national hero and Muay Thai Fighter of the Century by HRH King Bhumibol Adulyadej. After his retirement, Apidej taught as an instructor at the Fairtex school outside Bangkok, Thailand alongside modern champions such as Yodsaenklai Fairtex and Kaew Fairtex.

Apidej had his first formal Muay Thai training with Suporn Wongsaroj and boxed under the name of Apidej Lookpornchai. After only a few bouts, the young boxer became widely known in his home regions, namely ThaChalorm, Mahachai, and Bang Nok Kwaek districts for his violent and powerful kicks. The aspiring Apidej later joined the Sit-Hirun Camp run by Kasem and A-ngoon lampinyo. Despite his flair, some still doubted his potential since he was often unexpectedly defeated. But after rigorous training and firm determination on his part, Apidej successfully polished his tactics and became one of the best known Muay Thai boxer to date.

Of all the Muay Thai boxers of a heavy division, Apidej was the boxer with the most kicks of the past 20 years. It can be said that there has never been a boxer to match his kick ever since.

The name Apidej Sit-Hirun captured the boxing fans' imagination when he impressively kicked his way to victory in the bout against Danchai Yontrakit who was down in the third round. Several other well-known boxers lined up to meet him, in order to be defeated, one after another. He outscored the famous Adul Srisothorn and his kicks almost ruined Sompong Charoenmuang's boxing career by breaking his arms.

As a matter of fact, Apidej defeated all the Muay Thai stars of that time. But his most persistent opponent was none other than Dejrit Itti-anuchit. They took turns winning and losing for as many as 11 times. The second most persistent could be Kongdej Lookbangplasoi who had four memorable matches with Apidej.

A highly exceptional boxer, Apidej was a good boxer in both Muay Thai and international boxing. At one time he held seven Welterweight titles of both Muay Thai and international boxing between 1961 to 1972 with an impressive record of 340 wins, 10 losses and 1 draw. This historic record has never been broken since.

On international level, Apidej's skills won him the championship of the Eastern Region, and, more yet, a world champion contender.

He won the Welterweight Championship of the Rajadamnern Stadium by outscoring Srisawat Sitsorpor. And he took over the Lumpini Stadium championship by defeating Dejrit Itti-anuchit by a technical knock-out. This victory simultaneously made him champion of the Professional Boxers Association of Thailand.

Feeling that he was getting too old to box, Apidej retired after he got married. Even then, he was coaxed back to the ring for a few more bouts with younger boxers. He was defeated, but everyone knew that it was only due to his age

Apidej's impressive kicks are firmly imprinted in the minds of his fans. For whenever one talks of the kick ace in Muay Thai, it is Apidej who will always be number one.

Apidej Sit-Hirun was the Master Trainer at Fairtex Muaythai Fitness in Bangplee, Samutprakarn. He was a trainer at Fairtex for over 30 years, since his retired age of mid 30's. He has trained and produced over 30 world and local champions with fighters from USA, Thailand, Japan, Australia and European countries.

• His Titles Includes:
  • Lumpinee Muaythai Champion
  • Lumpinee International Style Boxing Champion
  • Rajadamnern Muaythai Champion
  • Rajadamnern/Lumpinee Muaythai Champion
  • Rajadamnern/Lumpinee International Boxing Champion
  • Thailand Muaythai Champion
  • Far East International Style Boxing Champion.

He was also known as "The Man of 7 Titles" - "The Legendary Best Muaythai Kicker of the Century" and "The Best Muaythai Fighter of the Century". Titles awarded by the Authority King of Thailand. Apidej was the first and only legendary Muaythai fighter in Thailand to be recognized and showcased by the Thai National Museum for a "Life Time Achievement" and for making an impact to Thailand's sporting history. An Honorary bronze statue of Apidej is proudly displayed at the Huamark Indoor Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand.

Apidej's funeral ceremony will be held at
Wat Bangple Yai Klang Samutprakarn on Tuesday April 9th.

Vintage Apideh Sit-Hirun Footage

Known as the Hardest Kicker EVER!

Michael Chase Corley Padwork with Apidej Sit Hirun
Apidej Boxrec Boxing Record

Fairtex Muai Thai Camp Chandler Arizona, 1993

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