Hippy Singmanee

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Hippy Singmanee
BornPichet Chuthong
(1967-08-14) August 14, 1967 (age 56)
Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand
Native nameฮิปปี้ สิงห์มณี
Other names"The Genius of the South"
"The South's Finest Fighter"
NationalityThailand Thai
Height1.60 m (5 ft 3 in)
Division105 lb (48 kg; 7.5 st)
108 lb (49 kg; 7.7 st)
StyleMuay Thai
Muay Femur (มวยฝีมือ)
StanceOrthodox
TeamSingmanee
Kickboxing record
Total223
Wins161
By knockout72
Losses34
Draws28
Other information
OccupationMuay Thai trainer
Fight promoter
Children8 children including Hippynoi Singmanee
Notable relativesKompayak Singmanee (younger brother)
Thungsong Singmanee (older brother)

Pichet Chutong (Thai: พิเชษฐ์ ชูทอง; 14 August 1967), known under the ring name of Hippy Singmanee (Thai: ฮิปปี้ สิงห์มณี) is a Thai former Muay Thai fighter. He was a three-time Lumpinee Stadium champion in the lighter weight classes shortly before and during the Muay Thai golden era. He is often heralded by other elite fighters as one of the greatest fighters in Muay Thai history, praised for defeating opponents from higher weight classes as well as combining power with technique in his fighting style.

Biography & career[edit]

Early career[edit]

Hippy was born into a poor family in Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat province on August 14, 1967. Initially, he did not compete in Muay Thai matches and only performed the Wai kru pre-fight ceremonies. He would let his hair grow and only cut it when it became too long, hence people started calling him "hippie." It would later become his ring name (although it is more often anglicized as "Hippy"). At 10-years-old he began his Muay Thai training in his father's camp, the famous Singmanee gym, alongside his brothers Thungsong and Kompayak. Hippy had his first fight several months later, knocking out his opponent in the 3rd round. As a child, Hippy would become a star fighter in the Muay Thai circuit of southern Thailand, winning multiple regional titles.[1][2][3]

Before fighting in Bangkok, Hippy encountered various skilled opponents in popular southern fighting venues including the Rangsit and Samrong stadiums. At 15-years-old, Hippy made his Bangkok debut by fighting Chatchai Sasakul in 1982. As Hippy had a highly successful run beforehand, he believed that Sasakul was an easy matchup. Sasakul's movement in the ring made it difficult for Hippy to fight him, resulting a draw, although Hippy believed that Sasakul should have won. After Hippy adjusted his fighting style to beat him in the rematch, as well as beating "The Angel Twins" Boonlong and Boonlai Sor.Thanikul, the Thai audiences took notice to Hippy's skill. Around this time he would be picked up by the famous Onesongchai promotion.[3]

Fighting style[edit]

Hippy was a powerful Muay Femur or rope-a-dope fighter who specialized in head kicks and elbows. While most Muay Femur fighters prefer to strike in order to control their opponents, Hippy also preferred to hurt his opponents as much as he could, utilizing a uncommon kicking style to generate more power[4] and using elbows that often cut his opponent's faces. Hippy's favorite technique was head kicking which he used to earn KO victories[5] or knockdowns. He employed the use of head movement to dodge punches as well as kicks.

Most of the non-powerful strikes Hippy threw served as intimidation so he could pressure forward, a tactic that Hippy also excelled at on top of being a Muay Femur. Near the end of a round, when fighters begin to tire, Hippy would take advantage of his opponent's exhaustion by using more head kicks to try to KO his opponent or resort to knee exchanges in clinches. Similar to Saenklai Sit Kru Od, while Hippy was a rope-a-dope fighter he would also brawl with his opponents as needed.[4]

Elite career[edit]

Hippy earned the prestigious Lumpinee Stadium Mini Flyweight title (104 lbs, later changed to 105 lbs)[1] in 1986 and successfully defended it against "The Top Master" Karuhat Sor.Supawan. In a 2023 interview, Hippy admitted that at around this time his fame and success grew to the point that he became overconfident with himself, stopped training frequently, and began underestimating his opponents. Because of this Hippy would suffer his first two KO losses back-to-back against Langsuan Panyuthaphum and Maewpa Sun Miskawan, causing him to be stripped of his 105 lbs title. Hippy reclaimed the title via elbow KO in the widely anticipated fight card featuring the boxing match between Khaosai Galaxy and Kongthoranee Payakaroon in 1988, perpetuating his popularity. He would be labeled by the Muay Siam magazine as "The South's Finest Fighter" and "The Genius of the South."[3][2]

Hippy's prime lasted from 1987 to 1992. During this time he was considered the greatest fighter in the 105-108 lbs divisions, going so far as to win the Lumpinee Junior Flyweight title (108 lbs) against Karuhat Sor.Supawan and defending it against "The Ring Genius" Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth. For winning a fight against his most difficult opponent "The Death Mask" Veerapol Sahaprom, Hippy received 120,000 baht, the highest purse of his career which was also in the range of purses that were given to yodmuay (top fighters) at the time.[6] In 1989, French-Algerian fighter Jaïd Seddak fought Hippy for the 53 kg Muay Thai World title. Although Hippy won, the two became friends afterward. Hippy's younger brother Kompayak Singmanee also became a notable stadium champion and the two became famous in Thailand as Muay Thai fighters.[1][5]

Hippy admitted that he started declining as his physical condition began to worsen after his prime.[1] Despite this, he was still able to secure victories against elite fighters Chaiyai Sitkaruhat and Sot Luknongyangtoi, among others. Hippy had his final Muay Thai fight against Laemsing Por.Nitiwat wherein he lost by decision. He was matched up against Burklerk Pinsinchai but they did not fight. Hippy's successful championship fights against Karuhat Sor.Supawan and Saeksan Sitjomthong are considered to be the best fights in his career.[2] He would be remembered for being a highly successful fighter in his rise to fame before and during the golden era of Muay Thai as well for his ability to defeat larger opponents who often were from weight classes above his own. His admirers often pointed out his ability to combine power with technique in his fighting style.[7]

Retirement and later years[edit]

After retirement Hippy became a trainer in the Bangkok where he now owns the Town in Town Muay Thai gym AKA the Por.Suwan gym. He also works as a Muay Thai promoter for the Cherchu Thai (เชิดชูไทย) organization in his native province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. He is married and has 8 children.[2] One of his sons, Hippynoi Singmanee, is also a Muay Femur and is a trainer at the Gladiator Muay Thai gym in Australia.[8] His ring name, Hippynoi, translates to "little Hippy."

Hippy cited Poot Lorlek, Vicharnnoi Porntawee, Samart Payakaroon, Kongthoranee Payakaroon, and Nokweed Davy as his top 5 greatest Muay Thai fighters.[7] Hippy believes Chatchai Sasakul to be the most skilled fighter he has ever faced, additionally claiming him to be more skilled than Somrak Khamsing after taking into account their achievements in boxing.[3]

Titles & honours[edit]

  • Lumpinee Stadium
    • 1986 Lumpinee Stadium 105 lbs Champion (defended once)
    • 1988 Lumpinee Stadium 105 lbs Champion
    • 1988 Lumpinee Stadium 108 lbs Champion (defended once)

Fight record (incomplete)[edit]

Muay Thai Record (incomplete)
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
1996-09-06 Loss Thailand Teelek Por Samranchai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1995- Win Thailand Kaolan Kaopichit Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 2
1995- Win Thailand Singnum Nongkeepahuyuth Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 2
1995- Loss Thailand Saenchai Jirakriengkrai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1995- Loss Thailand Saenkeng Sor.Weerakul Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1995-04-24 Win Thailand Singsamphan Kiatsingnoi Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 2
1995-04-04 Win Thailand Chanrit Tor.Sunan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO (Elbow) 5
1995- Win Thailand Denkaosen Kaowichit Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1995- Loss Thailand Sakpaitoon Dejrat Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1995-01-03 Win Thailand Saenchai Jirakriengkrai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand TKO (Doctor stopapge) 2
1994- Win Thailand Denkaosen Kaowichit Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994- Loss Thailand Chaichana Dettawee Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994- Win Thailand Saenkhom Sakphanu Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994-08-26 Win Thailand Sot Luknongyangtoi Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994 Win Thailand Sakpaitoon Dejrat Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994- Win Thailand Sot Luknongyangtoi Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994- Loss Thailand Saenkhom Sakphanu Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994- Loss Thailand Kongka Nor.Nakpathom Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1994- Loss Thailand Yodsiam Sor.Prantalay Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993-12-24 Loss Thailand Sitthichai Phetbangprang Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993- Loss Thailand Sitthichai Phetbangprang Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993- Win Thailand Khumsub Phetmuangkon Chaiyaphum, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993- Loss Thailand Katanyu Sitesso Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993- Win Thailand Kongsak Sor Theptong Chonburi, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993-07-24 Loss Thailand Netnarin Fairtex Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993-06-19 Loss Thailand Singtong Kiatchatchai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993- Win Thailand Phet Narumon Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993- Win Thailand Chaiyai Sitkaruhat Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993- Loss Thailand Pleongphaya Sitkrurot Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993- Loss Thailand Phichitsak Saksaengmanee Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993- Win Thailand Chaiyai Sitkaruhat Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993- Loss Thailand Keng Lorsawat Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1993- Loss Thailand Saenkeng Sor.Weerakul Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1992-10-17 Loss Thailand Hansuk Prasathinpanomrung Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1992-06-20 Loss Thailand Nongnarong Luksang Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1992-04-05 Win Thailand Kunasin Sor.Jongkit Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1992-03-18 Loss Thailand Singsamphan Kiatsingnoi Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1991-08-06 Win Thailand Methanoi Maliwan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1991-04-20 Win Thailand Sornsuknoi Sakwichian Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1991-03-16 Win Thailand Pornprasit Sitsiyontua Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1991-02-23 Win Thailand Pornprasit Sitsiyontua Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-11-20 Loss Thailand Khanuphet Johnnygym Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 1
1990-11-02 Loss Thailand Morakot Sor.Tamarangsri Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-10-05 Loss Thailand Thailand Pinsinchai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-09-28 Win Thailand Mondam Kunsenser Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-08-20 Loss Thailand Sornsuknoi Sakwichian Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-07-20 Win Thailand Nungubon Sitlerchai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-06-08 Loss Thailand Jaroensap Kiatbanchong Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 2
1990-05-15 Loss Thailand Nungubon Sitlerchai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1990-03-30 Loss Thailand Tukkatathong Por.Pongsawang Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Loses the Lumpinee Stadium 108 lbs title.
1990-02-24 Loss Thailand Kruekchai Sor.Kettalingchan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-12-31 Win France Jaid Seddak Paris, France Decision 5 3:00
Wins Muay Thai World -53kg title.
1989-11-20 Loss Thailand Chainoi Muangsurin Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-10-23 Loss Thailand Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth Koh Samui, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-10-06 Loss Thailand Toto Por.Pongsawang Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-09-08 Win Thailand Chainoi Muangsurin Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-07-11 Win Thailand Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand TKO (Doctor Stoppage) 3
Defends the Lumpinee Stadium 108 lbs title.
1989-06-13 Loss Thailand Phanphet Muangsurin Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-04-20 Loss Thailand Veeraphol Sahaprom Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-03-31 Loss Thailand Odnoi Lukprabat Pattani, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-03-21 Loss Thailand Odnoi Lukprabat Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1989-01-31 Loss Thailand Karuhat Sor.Supawan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1988-11-04 Win Thailand Veeraphol Sahaprom Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1988-10-11 Loss Thailand Paruhatlek Sitchunthong Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1988-08-30 Win Thailand Karuhat Sor.Supawan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Wins the vacant Lumpinee Stadium 108 lbs title.
1988-07-26 Loss Thailand Pongsiri Por Ruamrudee Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1988-06-24 Win Thailand Karuhat Sor.Supawan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1988-05-08 Win Thailand Seesod Sor.Ritthichai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1988-04-15 Loss Thailand Veeraphol Sahaprom Ramkomut Pattani Boxing Stadium Pattani Province, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1988-03-04 Loss Thailand Paruhatlek Sitchunthong Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1988-01-26 Win Thailand Saeksan Sitchomthong Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO (Elbow) 3
Wins the vacant Lumpinee Stadium 105 lbs title.
1987-12-29 Win Thailand Pungluang Kiatanan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1987-07-31 Loss Thailand Langsuan Panyuthaphum Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO (Knees) 3
1987-07-04 Loss Thailand Maewpa Sun Miskawan Lumpinee vs Rajadamnern champion Pattani, Thailand KO (Elbow) 4
1987-05-19 Win Thailand Warunee Sor.Ploenchit Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1987- Win Thailand Karuhat Sor.Supawan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Defends the Lumpinee Stadium 105 lbs title.
1987-01-13 Win Thailand Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1986-12-19 Win Thailand Pungluang Kiatanan Huamark Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Wins the Lumpinee Stadium 105 lbs title.
1986-11-25 Win Thailand Panomrunglek Chor.Sawat Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1986-10-14 Loss Thailand Pairojnoi Sor Siamchai Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1986-09-09 Win Thailand Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Wins 200,000 baht side-bet.
1986-08-04 Loss Thailand Pungluang Kiatanan Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1986-07-11 Win Thailand Songchainoi Por.Somchit Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1986-05-30 Loss Thailand Haodong Sor.Tasanee Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1986-04-11 Win Thailand Sameliyem Lilathai Yala, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1986-03-08 Loss Thailand Chaiyo Sor.Jitpattana Petchyindee, Si Kim Yong Stadium Hat Yai, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1986-02-09 Win Thailand Pinyo Singpatong Phuket, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1986-01-31 Win Thailand Dentaksin Kiatrataphol Su-ngai Kolok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1985-11-23 Loss Thailand Morakot Sor.Tamanrangsri Hat Yai, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1985-10-15 Win Thailand Chaichan Sor Sorklin Samrong, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1985-09-30 Loss Thailand Morakot Sor.Tamanrangsri Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1985-08-31 Win Thailand Supermin Kiatsathaphon Hat Yai, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1985-08-10 Win Thailand Niwet Sor.Sawat Chumphon, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1985-07-19 Win Thailand Superlek Kiatchaiyut Hat Yai, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1985-07-13 Loss Thailand Supermin Kiatsathaphon Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1985-07-05 Win Thailand Dejtaha Saklaempho Yala, Thailand KO 4
1985-06-15 Win Thailand Nuapetch Sor.Tasanee Chumphon, Thailand KO 5
1985-04-25 Loss Thailand Niwet Sor.Sawat Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1985-04-11 Win Thailand Jinreetong Sitsahaphan Chumphon, Thailand KO 4
1985-04-06 Win Thailand Thongsabad Muangchaiyaphum Mai Muangkhon, Ruenruedi Stadium Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Wins 100,000 baht side-bet.
1985- Loss Thailand Saichon Pichitsuk Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1985-03-03 Win Thailand Khunponnoi Kiatphetnoi Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1985-01-28 Loss Thailand Thongsabad Muangchaiyaphum Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1984-12-13 Win Thailand Boonmee Sitchuchon Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Wins 100,000 baht side-bet.
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

MC[edit]

Television

  • 2022 : Muay Thai Fighter X - At OTF Stadium Hua Hin Prachuap Khiri Khan (Produced By ) Live every Saturday from 18:00 a.m.-20:00 p.m. On Air JKN18, YouTube:JKN18 Starting Saturday, February 19, 2022 – present (together with แบนท่าพระ (เดชา คูรัตนเวช), Kittisak Thabthong (กิตติศักดิ์ ทาบทอง))

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d "ร้อนวิชาตอน50 "ฮิปปี้" ขอ3ไฟท์.....อยากโชว์พิษสงให้เห็น!!". siamsport.co.th. Archived from the original on 2021-08-27.
  2. ^ a b c d 123 All-Time Greatest Muay Thai Fighters of Thailand (in Thai). Yod Muay Muang Siam. 2014. p. 181.
  3. ^ a b c d Dino, Nui; Chuthong, Pichet, "Hippy Singmanee Interview", Muaythai Iyarin (in Thai), retrieved 2023-12-20
  4. ^ a b von Duuglas-Ittu, Sylvie; Chuthong, Pichet (October 4, 2017). "Bonus Session 4: Hippy Singmanee Ultra Violence". Patreon.
  5. ^ a b Trefeu, Serge (2014-02-21). "HIPPY SINGMANEE". SIAM FIGHT MAG. Retrieved 2023-12-20.
  6. ^ Trefeu, Serge (2019-04-08). "ONCE UPON A TIME, MUAY THAI'S GREATEST CHAMPIONS! CHAPTER III (YEAR 80)". SIAM FIGHT MAG. Retrieved 2023-12-20.
  7. ^ a b von Duuglas-Ittu, Sylvie; Yuchumphol, Chayakorn; et al. "Top 5 Greatest Muay Thai Fighters As Picked By Legends & Great Fighters - YouTube". Youtube (in Thai).
  8. ^ "Welcome to Gladiator Muay Thai". GLADIATOR MUAY THAI. Retrieved 2023-12-20.