| News : Yodwicha Poised for a Comeback? Muay Thai Legend Finds New Fire in His Protg’s Victory |
Yodwicha Poised for a Comeback? Muay Thai Legend Finds New Fire in His Protg’s Victory
Muaymanmeme 2025.07.05. 10:52
After a long hiatus, legendary Muay Thai fighter Yodwicha S. Sanunfarm made a return to Lumpinee Stadium — not as a fighter, but as a coach. Inspired by his student’s victory, he now sees a 70% chance of stepping back into the ring himself.
“I was burnt out back then. I wanted to rest my body for six months. I started coaching in the meantime — hoping that if the fire returned, I might fight again. It’s like working in the same office every day — eventually you get bored. But now, I’d say there’s a 70% chance I’ll return.”
– said Yodwicha S. Sanunfarm, one of Muay Thai’s iconic figures, who 15 years ago shared the "Fighter of the Year" award with fan-favorite Saengmanee.
This time, he appeared in Lumpinee Stadium (Ram Intra, Bangkok) on July 4, 2025, not to fight, but to corner his 19-year-old American-Israeli student, Ahwat Gordon, who headlined the ONE Lumpinee 115 event.
Ahwat delivered an impressive performance, defeating veteran Seksan Fairtex via unanimous decision in the 135-pound flyweight division, under traditional Muay Thai rules.
Yodwicha, known by the fearsome nickname “The Grim Knee Reaper,” shared his thoughts post-fight:
“We had to change tactics mid-fight. Based on previous footage, we expected the opponent to come in throwing punches, but instead he clinched and used knees, which caught us off guard in the early rounds. But once Ahwat adjusted, he countered well with kicks and deserved the win.”
Naturally, the media quickly pressed Yodwicha on his own future plans, as his return to the stadium where he made his name didn’t go unnoticed.
“At the time I stepped away, I was truly tired of the sport. Fight after fight, it became a routine. I needed rest. Now I’m 29, turning 30 soon. After seeing my student win like this — fighting the way we planned — it really gave me motivation again. If I return, I’d fight around 68 to 70 kilograms. Ideally, I’d like to compete at 68 kg.”
He also commented on how the atmosphere at Lumpinee has changed over the years:
“Back in the day, the crowd would only cheer after a strong knee landed. Now they roar at any clean punch or kick. It’s a completely different energy — more exciting in a way.”
Finally, he added:
“My student won. He followed our plan, and that made me proud. It brought back the joy. That’s why I think maybe it’s time for me to step back in, too. Right now, I’d say there’s a 70 percent chance.”
MuayThaiStand
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