Ramon Dekkers
BornRamon Dekkers
(1969-09-04)4 September 1969
Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands
Died27 February 2013(2013-02-27) (aged 43)
Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands
Other namesThe Diamond
Turbine from Hell
Height1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Weight70 kg (154 lb; 11 st 0 lb)
DivisionFeatherweight
Super featherweight
Lightweight
Super lightweight
Welterweight
Super welterweight
StyleMuay Thai, Kickboxing
TeamMaeng Ho Gym
Team Dekkers
Golden Glory
TrainerCor Hemmers
Years active1986–2006
Kickboxing record
Total224
Wins186
By knockout95
Losses36
Draws2
Mixed martial arts record
Total1
Losses1
By submission1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: March 9, 2013

Ramon Dekkers (4 September 1969 – 27 February 2013) was a Dutch professional kickboxer and an eight-time Muay Thai world champion. Dekkers was a favourite with fight fans due to his fast-paced, aggressive fighting style. Dekkers was also renowned for his willingness to go abroad to fight the Thai champions in their own country.

Biography

Early years

Dekkers was born on 4 September 1969 in Breda, Netherlands. He began learning martial arts at age 12, studying judo for half a year. He then switched to boxing. After a couple of years Dekkers started practicing Muay Thai under Cor Hemmers. After finishing his baker education Dekkers joined Maeng Ho Breda Gym. During Dekkers' early days of training his mother was at the gym every day and eventually she and Hemmers fell in love and got married.[1]

In the beginning of his career Dekkers' manager was Clovis Depretz, the manager of legendary Rob Kaman. This was the reason why Kaman was at ringside during many of Dekkers' matches, including his farewell fight. They often trained together and became good friends. Dekkers and Kaman were dubbed by fight fans in Thailand as "The Double Dutch duo".

In his first fight at 16 years of age, Dekkers won in a spectacular knockout against a well-established older boxer. Although, only weighing about 55 kg, his opponents found out sooner rather than later he was much stronger than he looked. As Dekkers kept on winning his matches by knockout, his reputation of an up-and-coming fighter spread in the Muay Thai community. He was awarded his first title at age 18, when he won the MTBN Dutch Championship on 15 November 1987. Dekkers defeated Kenneth Ramkisoen by knockout with a high kick. Previous to this fight the Dutchman had his first international contest against the reigning European champion, Richard Nam of France. Dekkers lost the fight on points. They would rematch each other a year later for the EMTA European Championship. This time Dekkers won the fight by knockout with a left hook, cross to body combination in the fourth round.

Rise to stardom

Dekkers challenged for the NKBB European Super featherweight Championship against Kevin Morris on 14 April 1988. He defeated his overmatched English opponent by unanimous decision. Over the next year the Dutchman would win a number of fights before defeating Mungkordum Sitchang for the IMTA World Lightweight title. Towards the end of 1988 he faced Gilbert Ballantine from the respected Chakuriki Gym in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Dekkers lost by decision after being outworked by Ballantine over five rounds. This match would spark the beginning of a fierce rivalry between the two men—they would fight two more times with both of them splitting wins.

On 18 February 1990, Dekkers truly moved onto the world stage. In Amsterdam, he faced the reigning Lumpinee champion Namphon Nongkeepahuyuth. He inflicted a rare defeat on Namphon after five rounds, taking the IMF World Light Welterweight title. The two fighters would meet again two months later in a rematch in Bangkok, Thailand. This time the Dutchman, who just had knocked out the number 1 ranked Lumpinee fighter Cherry S. Wanich in Amsterdam, was unable to defeat Namphon and lost a close decision. He returned to Thailand the same year to meet Issara Sakkreerin in a losing bid for Sakkreerin's Lumpinee Stadium Lightweight title.

The most notable rival of Dekkers was multiple Lumpinee champion and living legend Coban Lookchaomaesaitong. In their first encounter on 21 April 1991, Dekkers was knocked out with a left hook. This would be the first of four meetings between the men from 1991 to 1993, in what became one of the biggest rivalries in Muay Thai history. In the rematch, Dekkers won in highlight worthy fashion via devastating knockout. In the third outing of their rivalry, Dekkers was defeated by decision after five gruelling rounds, but he won the fourth and final fight, evening his score against Coban. The Coban vs. Dekkers fights have been rated as the best by any standards, by Muay Thai fans worldwide.

Dekkers ended 1991 with two wins by knockout over French champion Joel Cezar and a decision loss against Sakmongkol Sitthichok. Between 1992 and 1996, Dekkers would take part in a number of high-profile bouts, defeating fighters such as Joe Prestia, Rittichai Tor. Chalermchai, Mehmet Kaya and Hector Pena. He would also suffer a few defeats, losing his second fight against Joe Prestia as well as failing to defeat among others Jaroenthong Kiatbangchon, Dida Diafat, Orono Por Muang-Ubol and Den Muangsurin.

On November 16, 1996, Dekkers defeated Hassan Kassrioui via unanimous decision in Amsterdam, Netherlands to win the World Professional Kickboxing League (WPKL) World Super Welterweight Championship. By this point, despite the victory, injuries were taking their toll and his career was winding to a close. A month later, he faced Jomhod Kiatadisak in Bangkok, Thailand for the vacant WMTA World Super welterweight title. Dekkers lost the bout by decision. In a memorable match against Rayen Simson in Roosendaal, Netherlands in 1997 both fighters went to the canvas at the same time from a left hook. Dekkers injured his eye in the process and had to give up, losing the fight by technical knockout at the end of the second round. He would go back to winning ways by defeating Saengtiennoi Sor. Rungrot, avenging his two losses against the "Deadly Kisser".

Farewell fight

On 18 March 2001, Ramon Dekkers fought his farewell fight against Marino Deflorin in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The fight ended in the fourth round with Dekkers knocking a game Deflorin out with a left hook. After the fight, Dekkers joined his Golden Glory team members center stage for a finale, Rob Kaman came down the rampart, presenting a Golden Glory torch to Dekkers, who in turn passed it to each team member, as video clips of his victories were shown on the display screens.

Comeback

After his retirement Dekkers kept himself busy training his two teams, Team Dekkers and Golden Glory. In 2005, however, Dekkers surprised the fighting world by agreeing upon a contract with K-1. He was, however, to fight under MMA rules against Genki Sudo. Dekkers, who never had fought MMA and took the fight on a few days' notice, lost by heel hook.

However, his management arranged another regular K-1 rules fight. Dekkers fought American Duane Ludwig in a superfight during the K-1 Max 2005 event. A few days before the fight Dekkers injured himself, tearing a ligament in his right shoulder. The entire fight he could only punch with his left arm. Nevertheless, Dekkers knocked Ludwig down in every round, and won the fight by decision. His final retirement was a superfight against Joerie Mes at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2006 in Amsterdam event on 13 May 2006, this event was organised by Dutch organisation It's Showtime in collaboration with the Japanese K-1 organisation. After both fighters suffered a knockdown in the second round, it was Mes who earned the decision victory. Immediately after the fight Dekkers announced his final retirement.

Fame and glory in Thailand

Ramon Dekkers fought some of the best fighters Thailand had to offer. Especially in the beginning it was hard for Dekkers to fight at full Thai rules. The scoring methods were different from what he was used to in Europe. "In Thailand it is very difficult to win other than by knocking your opponent out. It has happened to me in many of my fights that I have lost on "points" while fighting in Thailand. It's normal over there losing on points but it can be very frustrating," Dekkers stated in an interview in 1993.[2] Dekkers also blamed some of his losses to his many injuries. Despite his defeats the Thai fight fans had a great respect for Dekkers' determination and ability.

Royal recognition

On the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the King of Thailand, Dekkers received a royal award from the Thai Royal Family for his services to the sport. The Dutchman was also appointed ambassador of all foreign fighters in Thailand. "This is very important to me. It is the greatest recognition that I can get for what I have achieved in this sport," said Dekkers, after the presentation by the Thai princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, the eldest daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.[3]

Death

On 27 February 2013, Dekkers died at the age of 43, after reportedly feeling light-headed while training in his hometown Breda. He was riding his bike when he collapsed. A few bystanders attempted to assist him before emergency services arrived and attempted to revive him to no avail.[4] It was reported that myocardial infarction (heart attack) was the cause of death.[5] Hundreds of family members and friends farewelled Dekkers at his funeral at the Zuylen cemetery. The funeral procession was accompanied by dozens of members of the Motorbike Club Satudarah, as well as an airplane with a banner reading: the Diamond is 4ever, rest in peace.

Titles

Awards

  • 2013 Royal award from the Thai Royal Family for his services to the sport

Fight record

Kickboxing record (incomplete)
186 Wins (95 (T)KO's), 36 Losses, 2 Draws
Date Result OpponentEventLocation MethodRoundTimeRecord
2006-05-13LossNetherlands Joerie MesK-1 World Grand Prix 2006 in AmsterdamAmsterdam, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2005-07-20WinUnited States Duane LudwigK-1 World MAX 2005 Final, Super FightYokohama, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2001-03-18WinSwitzerland Marino Deflorin2 Hot 2 Handle III: Simply The BestRotterdam, NetherlandsTKO40:18
2000-11-01DrawJapan Akeomi NittaK-1 J-MAX 2000Tokyo, JapanDecision draw (Majority)53:00
2000-01-25LossJapan Takayuki KohiruimakiK-1 Rising 2000Nagasaki, Nagasaki, JapanTKO (Leg injury)13:00
1998-11-14WinJapan Kenichi OgataShootboxing "Ground Zero"Chiyoda, Tokyo, JapanKO (Left hook)42:58
Retains WPKL World Super Welterweight title.
1998-05-23LossMorocco Abdelkader TarzatiMuay Thai Champions League - Part II, 1st RoundRoosendaal, HollandDecision (Unanimous)33:00
1998-04-26WinJapan Hiromu YoshitakaRKS Presents Shoot the Shooto XXYokohama, JapanDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1997-11-22LossFrance Dany BillKing of the RingParis, FranceDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1997-11-10WinMorocco Hassan KassriouiNight of DynamiteAmsterdam, NetherlandsKO (Punches)3
Retains WPKL World Super Welterweight title.
1997-07-13LossThailand Namkabuan Nongkee PahuyuthLa Nuit des TitansMoroccoDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1997-06-01WinNetherlands Gerald MamadeusBattle of AmsterdamAmsterdam, NetherlandsKO (Low kicks)3
1997-04-20WinThailand Sangtiennoi Sor.RungrojThe Night of No MercyAmsterdam, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1997-03-23LossSuriname Rayen SimsonMuay Thai Gala: The Night of WarRoosendaal, NetherlandsTKO (Corner stoppage)23:00
1997-03-05WinThailand Wattana Sit-OrWPKL galaDortmund, GermanyKO (Punches)1
1997-02-27LossNetherlands Jerry MorrisMuay Thai Gala HattemHattem, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)5
1997-02-01WinThailand PursanFederation Royale Moracaine Full Semi Light Contact Kick Thai BoxingRabat, MoroccoKO (High kick)2
1996-11-16WinMorocco Hassan KassriouiNight of the New GenerationAmsterdam, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)53:00
Wins vacant WPKL World Super Welterweight title.
1996LossFrance Francois PennacchioMilan, ItalyDecision (Unanimous)92:00
1996-03-16WinUnited States Fernando CallerosMAJKFBunkyo, Tokyo, JapanKO (Right hook)12:45
1995-12-05LossThailand Den MuangsurinKing's BirthdayMacauDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1995-11-27LossThailand Teerapong SitgolyootLumpinee StadiumBangkok, ThailandDecision53:00
The bout was for the vacant ISKA Intercontinental Muaythai Light Welterweight title.
1995-10-15WinUnited States Hector PenaMAJKFBunkyo, Tokyo, JapanTKO (Corner stoppage)22:35
1995LossThailand Cherry Sor WanichLumpinee StadiumBangkok, ThailandDecision53:00
1995-06-02WinJapan Taro MinatoMAJKFBunkyo, Tokyo, JapanKO (Body shot)11:33
1995-04-08LossThailand Orono Por Muang UbonBangkok, ThailandDecision53:00
1995WinThailand James BondBangkok, ThailandTKO (Punches)4
1995-01-27WinThailand Nattawhut PralomranThe Fight Night in BredaBreda, NetherlandsKO (Punches)3
1994-09-20LossThailand Jomhod KiatadisakMuay Thai World Championships in honor of the KingBangkok, ThailandDecision (Unanimous)53:00
The bout was for the vacant WMTA World Super Welterweight title.
1994-10-09WinFrance Mourad DjebliMilan, Italy
1994WinNew Zealand John BingMelbourne, AustraliaTKO (Referee stoppage)42:58
1994LossThailand Saimai Chor SuanatantBangkok, ThailandDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1994LossThailand Superlek Sorn E-SarnLumpinee StadiumBangkok, ThailandDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1994LossFrance Dida DiafatDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1994-02-20WinNetherlands Gilbert BallantineThe Night of the ThrillerAmsterdam, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)53:00
Wins IKBF World title.
1993-12-19WinGermany Mehmet KayaParis, FranceKO (Right lowkick)2
1993-12-04LossThailand Jaroenthong KiatbanchongKing's Birthday in ThailandBangkok, ThailandDecision53:00
For the WMTC (currently WMC) World 140 lbs title.
1993-11LossFrance Dida DiafatMuay Thai Gala in ParisParis, FranceTKO (Doctor stoppage)3
1993-10LossThailand Den MuangsurinThailandDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1993WinThailand Coban LookchaomaesaitongFranceDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1993-06-06WinThailand DecharwinThe War in RotterdamRotterdam, NetherlandsKO (Body shot)2
1993-2LossThailand Chanoy Pon TaweeThaiboxing in HamburgHamburg, GermanyDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1992-11-29WinThailand Ritthichai LookchaomaesaitongLampang ProvinceDecision53:00
1992-09-20LossNetherlands Gilbert BallantineThe Night of TruthAmsterdam, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)53:00
The bout was for the IKBF World Light welterweight title.
1992-06-20LossFrance Jo PrestiaParis, FranceDecision (Unanimous)53:00
The bout was for the World Welterweight title.
1992-04-26LossThailand Orono Por Muang UbonMuay Thai Spectacle in BangkokBangkok, ThailandDecision53:00
1992-04-09WinFrance Jo PrestiaParis, FranceDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1992-02-28LossThailand Coban LookchaomaesaitongCrocodile FarmSamut Prakan, ThailandDecision (Unanimous)53:00
The bout was for the vacant IMF World Welterweight title.
1991-11-26LossThailand Sakmongkol SithchuchokLumpinee StadiumBangkok, ThailandDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1991-10-25WinFrance Joel CesarThriller in Paris IIParis, FranceKO (Left hook)32:55
1991-09-23WinFrance Joel CesarThriller in Paris IParis, FranceKO (Left hook)12:30
1991-09-03LossThailand Sangtiennoi Sor.RungrojLumpinee StadiumBangkok, ThailandDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1991-08-06WinThailand Coban LookchaomaesaitongLumpinee StadiumBangkok, ThailandKO (Right cross)1
1991-04-21LossThailand Coban LookchaomaesaitongIKLParis, FranceKO (Left hook)11:00
1991WinThailand Sombat Sor ThanikulLumpinee StadiumBangkok, ThailandDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1991-03-22LossThailand Sangtiennoi Sor.RungrojMAJKFBunkyo, Tokyo, JapanDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1990-12-18LossThailand Boonchai Sor. TowanonMAJKFBunkyo, Tokyo, JapanDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1990-11-27LossThailand Issara SakkreerinLumpinee StadiumBangkok, ThailandDecision (Unanimous)53:00
For the Lumpinee Stadium Lightweight (135 lbs) title.
1990-08-31LossThailand Superlek Sorn E-SarnLumpinee StadiumBangkok, ThailandDecision53:00
1990-04-20LossThailand Namphon Nongkee PahuyuthLumpinee StadiumBangkok, ThailandDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1990-04-01WinEngland Thomas McArtneyHolland vs. EnglandAmsterdam, NetherlandsKO (Left knee)2
1990-03-27WinThailand Cherry Sor WanichAmsterdam, NetherlandsKO (Left hook)138-5
1990-02-18WinThailand Namphon Nongkee PahuyuthAmsterdam, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)53:00
Wins IMF World Light Welterweight title.
1989-10-08LossNetherlands Gilbert BallantineAmsterdam, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1989LossThailand Daris Sor ThanikulFranceDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1989WinSweden Michael PartanenDen Bosch, NetherlandsKO5
1989-02-12WinThailand Mungkordun SitchangRouen, FranceDecision (Unanimous)53:00
Wins IMTA World Lightweight title.
1988WinMorocco Mourad JelbiItaly
1988WinNetherlands Michel Ubbergen
1988WinThailand Anakhoun SuwanneeBreda, NetherlandsKO (Right uppercut)2
1988-11-20LossCape Verde Joao VieiraAmsterdam, NetherlandsKO (Right cross)5
1988-06-19WinEngland Mike MorrisAmsterdam, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1988-04-14WinEngland Kevin MorrisChampions in ActionEindhoven, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)53:00
Wins NKBB European Super Featherweight title.
1988-02-27WinFrance Andre Richard-NamAmsterdam, NetherlandsKO (Left hook)4
Wins EMTA European Featherweight title.
1988-02-06WinFrance Khaled HebiebParis, FranceKO125-3
1987-11-15WinNetherlands Kenneth RamkisoenBreda, NetherlandsKO (High kick)2
Wins MTBN Dutch Featherweight title.
1987WinGermany TuneKO1
1987-03-21LossFrance Andre Richard-NamLille, FranceDecision (Unanimous)53:00
1986WinNetherlands L. CairoAmsterdam, NetherlandsKO
1986-10-05WinNetherlands BoydRotterdam, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)32:00
1986-02-02WinNetherlands Kees TwigtRotterdam, NetherlandsKO1
1986WinNetherlands Andre MasseursNetherlandsKO2
Professional mixed martial arts record
0 Wins, 1 Loss
Date Result OpponentEventLocation MethodRoundTime
2005-03-26LossGenki SudoHero's 1Saitama, Saitama, JapanSubmission (Leglock)12:54
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

See also

References

  1. P. van de Berg. Ramon Dekker: Van Kuifje tot Knokker. Zendokan nr. 2 (1998), pp. 20–21.
  2. "Top 10 Muay Thai Fighters of All Time". Muay Thai PROS. 2014-02-23. Retrieved 2019-01-31.
  3. "Onderscheiding thaibokser Dekkers". De Telegraaf. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
  4. "Kickbokslegende Ramon Dekkers (43) uit Breda overleden". BN De Stem. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
  5. Muay Thai legend Dekkers dies


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