Heady Noi Eyes Perfect Record
From The Sunday Times November 26, 2000
By Sarah Nicholson
Sanapar Noi, WA’s Muay thai junior welterweight world champion, will be fighting for more than just his title when he steps into the ring on Saturday night.
The 27-year-old has never been beaten in Australia - and he doesn’t want his perfect record tarnished.
Noi will put it on the line when he goes into battle against Masaru Koishibara, muay thai’s champion of Japan, in his third title defence at the Morley Sport and Recreation Centre.
Noi, who has lived in Perth for the past six years, is confident he can retain the crown he first won last November.
“Every bout is tough, it doesn’t make any difference that this is my third title fight,” Noi said.
“This fight means a lot to me. Not only am I defending my world title, but it also coincides with the King’s birthday (Bhumibol Adulyadej) in Thailand.
“I am very proud that I have been able to reach the top of my sport and have been working very hard to defend it."
Noi is coached by Phon Martdee, one of WA’s top muay thai instructors, who said his fighter had the experience and talent to retain the welterweight belt.
“Sanapar Noi is a special fighter because of his IQ," Martdee said.
“He has very good combinations and co-ordination and puts everything together well.”
Another 10 muay thai bouts will support Noi title defence, including the President’s cup battle betwween promising Perth fighter Khalid Ahmed and Pichit Chai Nakhonthong, one of Thailand’s rising stars.
There will also be three women’s bouts, a first for the sport in WA, including the Australian title clash between 14-year-old local Stephynee Bouquet and New South Wales champion Jacqi Noske.
The action will kick off at 7:30pm on Saturday.