Lumpinee Boxing Stadium
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A Muay Thai ring of the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in 2005
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Location | Rama IV Road (— 8 February 2014), Ram Intra Road (11 February 2014 —) ![]() |
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Owner | Royal Thai Army MGen Teera Kraiparnon, Stadium Manager |
Capacity | 9,500 |
Field size | 3007.5 m2 |
Opened | December 8, 1956 |
Tenants | |
Songchai Promotions Annual King's Cup |
Lumpinee Boxing Stadium (Thai: สนามเวทีมวยลุมพินี) is an indoor sporting arena located in Bangkok, Thailand. Opened more than a decade later than Rajadamnern Stadium, the Lumpinee is run by Royal Thai Army on behalf of Thai Government. It has become the symbol of modern Muay Thai. Only Rajadamnern Stadium rivals the prestige of holding the title of "Muay Thai Champion of Lumpinee". The ranking system and championship titles are held from mini flyweight (105 lb) up to super welterweight (154 lb).[1]
Muay thai contests are held on every Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The fights usually start around 6:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from 200 to 2,000 baht.[1]
Last event in its original site on Rama IV Road near Lumphini Park was held on February 8, 2014.[2] The stadium moved to its new home on Ram Intra Road which can hold up to 8,000 spectators.[3] The new stadium held the first fight on February 11, 2014 and was officially opened on February 28, 2014.[4]
History
General Prapas Jarusatien was the driving force behind the construction of the Lumpinee Stadium, a second national stadium built in Thailand after Rajadamnern. Lumpinee opened its doors on 8 December 1956. The stadium is operated by Thailand’s Army Welfare Department of the Royal Thai Army, all proceeds from the fights go towards supporting the various departments of the Thai Army.[5]
Currently there are eleven promoters presented with the responsibility of bringing fighters to fight in the stadium. The rules are the same as in Rajadamnern with the boxers having to weigh more than 100 lb (45.4 kg), be aged over 15 years and the weight difference between the boxers is not allowed to be more than a 5 lb (2.3 kg). Women are not allowed to fight in the stadium or enter the ring.[6]
One of the most famous Lumpinee Champions was Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn who reigned without defeat in the early 1980s, holding the Lightweight Title for 4 years, he was eventually forced to retire because of simply running out of opponents.[7]
Notable champions
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- Samart Payakaroon
- Sak Kaoponlek
- Ramon Dekkers
- Rob Kaman
- Yodsanklai Fairtex
- Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn
- Buakaw Por. Pramuk
- Anuwat Kaewsamrit
- Saenchai Sor Kingstar
- Peter Smit
- Coban Lookchaomaesaitong
- Ivan Hippolyte
- Dany Bill
- John Wayne Parr
- Saiyok Pumpanmuang
- Jomhod Kiatadisak
- Orono Wor Petchpun
- Matee Jedeepitak
- only 3 athletes of 'farang' (Nak Muay Farang) or 'non Thais' descent have been awarded the most prestigious belts in Muay Thai, which is Lumpinee champions: the first winner was French-Algerian fighter Morad Sari, French fighter Damien Alamos who is the only farang to conquer the prestigious belt twice. Ramon Dekkers was a super star in Lumpinee but never won the Lumpinee belt. Stéphane Nikiéma also came close to being the second lumpinee champion, but was stopped due to corrupt officials.
Accidents
Though there are not as many accidents as widely report, a noted accident did occur at Lumpinee Stadium at January 27, 2012. In this incident, LH Jimmy (AKA Left Hook Jimmy) [born: VIPUL R. Bamane (Indian)] was struck in the back of the head with roundhouse kick which caused a concussion and resulting in a coma that lasted approximately 6 weeks. Later on paralyzing him for 4 months. The injury ended LH Jimmy's career as a Professional MMA fighter. After recovering, Jimmy was not medically-cleared to fight for more than 2 years. Trainer Dennis Romatz commented "He was good Kid. Starlet, very talented, very aggressive, and most of all very humorous kid. If that accident didn't have happened, couple more years and he would be traveling the world. It is very unfortunate that it happened, but we all here the staff and friends wish him good in his future." Records state that Jimmy was only 13 training sessions from his official debut as a kickboxer.
Gambling
Lumpinee is one of the few places in Thailand where gambling is permitted and it takes place at the second level. The betting is done by hand-signals, as in a stock exchange trading floor. The security service at Lumpinee is managed by armed military police officers. Foreigners usually occupy the expensive ringside seats, while gamblers and aficionados prefer the second or third ring of seats upstairs.
References
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External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. |
- Pages with broken file links
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- Indoor arenas in Thailand
- Kickboxing in Thailand
- Muay Thai organizations
- Sports venues in Bangkok
- Boxing venues in Thailand
- Pathum Wan District
- Sports venues completed in 1956
- 1956 establishments in Thailand