Phudta Naree (born May 14, 1954), known professionally as Jocky Sitkanpai (Thai: จ๊อกกี้ ศิษย์กันภัย), is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter. He is a former Rajadamnern Stadium Bantamweight Champion who was active in the 1970s.
Biography and career
Phudta Naree started Muay Thai along his elder brother, he fought under the ring name Jocky Sing Sortor in Khon Kaen and neighbouring regions of Thailand until the age of 12. His powerful knees and fearless style beat many opponents in provincial arenas bringing him enough attention to be sent to the capital.[citation needed]
Jocky made his first Bangkok appearance in 1971 for the Sor.For.Yor. Gym under the name Jocky Aor Wattana. He defeated many of the rising contenders of the era until his name was stained by a disqualification in a match against Petchmongkon Lerkchai at Rajadamnern Stadium. His headman, Prasert Kanpai filed a complaint with an x-ray film proving that Jocky was injured and did not intentionally throw the fight. His suspension was then lifted. The Sor.For.Yor. gym name was changed to Sitkanpai Gym around the same time. He became Jocky Sitkanpai ever since.[1]
He was the Thailand and Muay Thai representant during multiple "Muay Thai vs Karate" events, fighting foreigners fgrom different martial arts backgrounds. In 1977 he beat the American karateka Lindsay Ferguson by knockout at an event with a gate of more than 1.1 million baht.[4]
Jocky also took part in the first "two against one" bout in the Lumpinee Stadium's history. He teamed up with Jitti Muangkhonkaen, they relayed each other to fight Posai Sitiboonlert. They were defeated by decision.[5]
Somat Hong Sakoun, the Sor.For.Yor-Sitkanpai gym owner and promotor of Jocky, in honor of his most successful fighter, renamed his camp "Jocky Gym" as Jocky was ending his career. It went on to become the home of numerous champions in the following decades.[6]
After his retirement Jocky went back to live in his native Khon Kaen province where he cultivated sugar canes in a family business.[7]
