Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy is one of the most recognizable faces in Muay Thai today – and on Friday, 7 February, he will grace the Istora Senayan for a historic bout.
The Thai faces his countryman, Pongsiri PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym, for the inaugural ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship at ONE: WARRIOR’S CODE in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Despite all his success, Petchmorakot never forgot the man who helped him rise from a difficult childhood to the top of his profession.
That person is head of the famed Petchyindee Academy in Bangkok – Nuttadaj Vachirarattanawong, also known as Sia Boat in Thailand.
As a manager for many young nak muay, Sia Boat took Petchmorakot under his wing and provided him with valuable guidance and mentorship.
“Sia Boat has taught me a lot,” the World Title challenger said. “He teaches all of us fighters that we must repay the kindness we’ve experienced, that we must hold people in high regard, and beware of who they are.”
Growing up in poverty, the man from Thailand competed for his family, and the success he achieved on the stadium circuit turned him into an international star.
The Ubon Ratchathani native amassed a 158-35-2 record and became a four-time World Champion. Despite his illustrious accolades, Petchmorakot is mindful of his actions and words, and he treats everyone with the same respect that was given to him by Sia Boat.
“Whether they are our elders or influential people in the community, we must show respect,” the 25-year-old Thai athlete said. “He’s always there to remind us. He loves us like family and raises us to be good people.”
Sia Boat’s nurturing has helped Petchmorakot stay humble throughout his journey, and the Muay Thai star has begun to pay it forward by helping the next generation.
He is a close friend and mentor to Muay Thai sensation Petchdam Petchyindee Academy, and the two have grown as teammates through the shared respect they learned from Sia Boat.
If Petchmorakot can claim the sport’s richest prize on Friday, then it will further prove to the younger athletes that values like humility and respect are vital to success.
Will Petchmorakot make history against Pongsiri on Friday, 7 February at ONE: WARRIOR’S CODE in Jakarta, Indonesia? Tune in to find out.
The lead card begins on meWatch at 6:30pm Singapore Standard Time (SGT).
To watch the main card, tune-in to meWatch at 9:30pm SGT.
Also, Channel 5 will cut-in live to the main card at 10:00pm SGT.
Download the ONE Super App to catch all the action live and for free.
Read More From ONE Championship:
How Nong-O Helped Petchmorakot Become One Of The Greats
How Petchmorakot’s Wayward Teenage Years Almost Derailed His Career
Petchmorakot Reveals How He Reconnected With His Roots As A Monk
