Early years

Born in Samut Songkhram, Thailand, Apidej started Muay Thai in his hometown at the age of 8. After 3 months of training he had his first fight in Ratchaburi competing under the name Apidej Lukpornchai (ครูสุพร วงศาโรจน์), he earned 30 baht.

Career

In 1957 he became Apidej Sit-Hirun, he was best known for his powerful kicks. In one fight, he broke both of Sompong Charoenmuang's arms, and forced the fighter to retire. He is considered the hardest kicker in muay Thai history. Apidej simultaneously held no less than seven muay Thai and boxing titles for a period during the 1960s.^[2] Thereafter, he was acclaimed as a national hero and Muay Thai Fighter of the Century by King Bhumibol Adulyadej.^[3] After his retirement, Apidej taught as an instructor at the Fairtex school outside Bangkok, Thailand alongside modern champions such as Yodsanklai Fairtex and Kaew Fairtex.

Death

Apidej died of lung cancer at the age of 72 on April 4, 2013, at Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok.^[4]

Muay Thai

• 2× Rajadamnern Stadium 147 lbs Champion (1963, 1968)
• 2× Lumpinee Stadium 147 lbs Champion (1964, 1987)
• 1964 Thailand 147 lbs Champion

Boxing

• Rajadamnern Stadium
  • 1964 Thailand Welterweight Champion
• Lumpinee Stadium
  • 1964 Thailand Welterweight Champion
• Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation
  • 1965 OPBF Welterweight Champion