When we discuss sports, we generally think of cricket, football, and even consider boxing, but there are many sports that deserve mention and recognition for their extraordinary representation and the techniques they involve. One such sport that remains low-key and largely out of the limelight is Muay Thai Kickboxing.
While many are still unaware of the existence of this sport, there have been players who have contributed largely to the sport and have tried to put it under the international radar, and one name that needs a mandatory mention is of Saenchai. Earlier, the champion of Thailand’s famous Lumpinee Stadium, he brought a lot of fame to Muay Thai Kickboxing because of his unparalleled ability of understanding opponents’ game and defeating them with his quick moves. We will know more of him, his life, career and net worth.
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Early Life
Saenchai was born on 30th July in Kosum Phisai, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand and was named Suphachai Saepong. He was raised in a family where hard work and manual labour were followed, and from a very young age, he had developed an interest in Muay Thai. When he was about 7 to 8 years old, he was encouraged by his father to pursue Muay Thai and prepared for training in a formal gym. The exact details of his siblings are not mentioned anywhere, but he might have an older brother also involved in Muay Thai.
There are no details about his formal or any sort of education mentioned anywhere, and most of his life’s information revolves around his training and fighting.
Evolution of Career
Saenchai’s official career began during 1987-1988 when he was about 7 to 8 years old, and he started training at a formal gym. In 1988, he participated in his first official fight and earned 30 baht. During the late 1980s and 1990s, he regularly fought in local Isaan rings and gained a reputation for his exceptional fighting skills, balance, and timing.
In 1994, he moved to Bangkok and joined Jocky Gym, and during his time at the gym from 1994 to 1996, he transformed from a provincial winner to a stadium fighter by regularly competing at both Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium, often fighting older and experienced fighters. In 1996, he transferred to Khamsing Gym, which was run by a gold medallist, Somluck Kamsing.
Here, he adopted his ring name Saenchai, and during 1997 to 2004, he conquered the Bangkok elite Muay Thai arena and gained huge fame for his cartwheel kicks, off balancing footwork, and his signature “Saenchai Shuffle.” He even won multiple Lumpinee Stadium titles by participating in different weight classes like Super Bantamweight, Featherweight Divisions, and Super Flyweight during 1997 to 2002.
In 1999, he received one of the prestigious honours in sports with the “Sports Writers Association Fighter of the Year.” From 2003 to 2006, he continued participating in elite stadium belts and, in parallel, participated in the Thailand National Muay Thai Team, where his performances won him huge acclaim.
In 2005, he bagged another Lumpinee Title, and from 2004 to 2007, he accepted weight-disadvantage fights, as his opponents were unable to face him. In 2009, Saenchai got another Lumpinee Championship, becoming one of the rare fighters to win the titles in four different divisions and establishing himself as the “Defining Muay Thai Fighter” of his generation.
In 2010, he signed with Yokkao, an international Muay Thai brand and from 2011 to 2014, he travelled a lot and participated in international fighting with countries like the USA, China, Italy, Ireland, and Japan, which made Muay Thai famous on international platforms. He also began participating in kickboxing rules and won notable attacks against high-profile international fighters.
In 2012, he won the Toyota Marathon Tournament and dominated different boxing arenas in 2015, he sort of semi-retired from the Thai Stadium and focussed on global super fights, and became an international Muay Thai Ambassador. From 2015-2020, he became more active in the global Muay Thai arena and participated in a lot of competitions. In 2018, he founded Saenchai Muay Thai Gym to offer training to Thai and international fighters.
By 2020, he made history by winning 350 professional wins and by 2023, he continued fighting and performing internationally. At present, he has started appearing in celebrity exhibitions for being a global Muay Thai icon and also continued with his coaching and events.
Shot to Fame
Though he was already dominating Thailand by winning plenty of Muay Thai Lumpinee Titles, his true fame came when he won the “Sports Writers Association Fighter of the Year Award” in 1999. Another breakthrough came when he signed with Yokkao, an international Muay Thai brand and faced international fighters from the USA, China, Italy, Ireland, and Japan.
Relationships
Based on the available information, Saenchai has been married twice and has children, but the exact details are not shared anywhere.
Major Sources of Income and Net Worth
Saenchai’s net worth is from $1 million to $3 million, which he has earned by fighting from an early age and competing in Lumpinee championships several times and winning them all. He earned handsomely when he signed with Yokkao and participated in international Muay Thai fighting and facing several international fighters. He also earns from his own established Saenchai Muay Thai Gym.
