Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong

Jaroen Chumane (Thai: เจริญ ชูมณี; born June 11, 1968), known professionally as Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong (Thai: เจริญทอง เกียรติบ้านช่อง), is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter and amateur boxer. He is a former three-time Lumpinee Stadium champion across two divisions who was famous during the 1980s and 1990s.

Jaroen Chumane (nicknamed: Ped; เป็ด; lit: "Duck") was born on June 11th, 1968 in the village of Thung Yai in the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat in southern Thailand. He was the seventh of nine children including Chalamthong Kiatbanchong (older brother) and Samranthong Kiatbanchong (younger brother) who also grew up to be notable fighters.^[3][4]

He'd be introduced to Muay Thai by his older brother at 12 years old and win his first fight shortly after to earn 100 baht. Later when he grew up, he came to Bangkok to study at the secondary level at Wimutayaram Pittayakorn School in the Bang Phlat neighbourhood. He became a fighter at the camp "Kiatbanchong" which is owned by Chuchok "Mai Muangkhon" Chukaewruang, a fellow southerner.

He regularly fought at Lumpinee Stadium under the famous promoter Songchai Rattanasuban's stable where he'd win a title once at Super Flyweight and twice at Featherweight. He faced many elite fighters of his era including Samart Payakaroon, Chamuekpet Hapalang, Panomtuanlek Hapalang, Wangchannoi Sor.Palangchai, Samransak Muangsurin, Saencherng Pinsinchai, Langsuan Panyuthaphum, Cherry Sor.Wanich, Paruhatlek Sitchunthong, Therdkiat Sitthepitak, Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth, Manasak Sor.Ploenchit, Chanchai Sor.Tamarangsri, Petchdam Lukborai, Namphon Nongkeepahuyuth, Superlek Sorn E-Sarn, and the Dutch legendary Ramon Dekkers. He earned a career-high purse of 250,000 baht in his fight with Saencheng Pinsinchai which made him one of the highest paid fighters of his era.^[4]

In 1989, he reached his career's peak. He faced Samart Payakaroon, his favorite senior fighter, who had recently returned to Muay Thai after losing his WBCSuper bantamweight world title. In the fight to prove who the real top fighters was of the era. As a result, he was knocked out by a right hook in the first round but still that was the fight he was most proud of.^[4][5]

In addition, he also competed in amateur boxing match achieving a gold medal at the XXVI Thailand National Games in Surat Thani and a bronze medal in the King's Cup. He also joined the national team to compete in the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, China.^[4]

After retiremimg, he is a trainer and owns his own Muay Thai gym in the name "Jaroenthong Muay Thai School" in Wang Thonglang District, Bangkok.^[4][2]

In 2013, he returned to Muay Thai again at age 44, he competed in the 2013 Toyota Marathon Tournament in Kanchanaburi province. He won two times before losing to a young Iranian fighter Vahid Shahbazi in the finals.^[1]

Besides his fighting career, with a good-looking man and famous. He has been photographed in various magazines, including television dramas and movies. In 2010, he co-starred in the historical film Yamada: The Samurai of Ayothaya with many fellow fighters such as Saenchai Sor. Kingstar, Buakaw Por. Pramuk, Anuwat Kaewsamrit, Yodsanklai Fairtex and Somjit Jongjohor.^[6][7]

• Jaroenthong Muay Thai School Official Facebook(in Thai)