Lumpinee Boxing Stadium

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium
(Sanam Muay Lumpinee)

A Muay Thai ring of the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in 2005
Location Rama IV Road (— 8 February 2014),
Ram Intra Road (11 February 2014 —)
Thailand Bangkok, Thailand
Coordinates 13°43′32″N 100°32′51″E / 13.72556°N 100.54750°E / 13.72556; 100.54750
Owner Royal Thai Army
MGen Teera Kraiparnon,
Stadium Manager
Capacity 5,000
Field size 3007.5 m2
Opened December 8, 1956
Tenants
Songchai Promotions
Annual King's Cup

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium (Thai: สนามเวทีมวยลุมพินี) is a 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 5,000 spectators.[3] The new stadium held the first fight on February 11, 2014 and was officially opened on February 28, 2014.[4]

History

Lumpinee's ring bell

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]

Lumpinee Stadium logo
Muay Thai champion belt of Lumpinee

Notable champions

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

  1. 1 2 "Stadiums in Thailand". www.muaythaionline.org. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
  2. ↑ "Last Ever Show At Old Lumpinee Stadium 8th February 2014". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
  3. ↑ "End of an era as Lumpini Boxing Stadium closes its doors on Friday". The Phuket News Com.
  4. ↑ "New Lumpini Stadium". www.muaythaifocus.com. Retrieved 2014-02-28.
  5. ↑ "History of Lumpinee". www.wmtc.nu. Retrieved 2008-01-20.
  6. ↑ Mallon, Scott. "Lumpini Stadium Turns Fifty". www.thesweetscience.com. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
  7. ↑ "Lumpini Stadium History". www.wmcmuaythai.org. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
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