Dejrit Ithianuchit

Dejrit Ithianuchit (เดชฤทธิ์ อิทธิอนุชิต; October 17, 1940 – March 2, 2023), born Thongplew Srinop, was a Muay Thai fighter active in the 1960s and 1970s.

Early years
Born in Chachoengsao province, Thailand, Dejrit moved to Bangkok when he was 7 years old. He started training soon after under boxing coach Chumpol Sri Ayutthaya. He won his first amateur boxing bout, but his mother urged him to stop out of concern for his future and urged him to complete his education first.

Dejrit did not box again for a decade until he graduated from Indrachai Technical College, earning a vocational certificate as an engineer.

Career
After several months of not being able to find a job, Dejrit turned to his old boxing coach and took on the name Dejrit Sriayutthaya. He had his first fight, a knockout win at Rajadamnern Stadium in 1958. Mr. Chumpol tried to get Dejrit boxing fights but few fighters were willing to compete under boxing rules.

In 1959, Dejrit left his boxing coach and joined the renowned Yontarakit Gym owned by Tankee and his son Chaiyut Yontharakit in Chachoengsao province, training alongside fighters such as Somdej, Kiewwan, Saipetch, and Danchai Yontharakit. At Yontharakit Gym, Dejrit was able to win the Rajadamnern Stadium Featherweight (126 lbs) title by knocking out Rerngsak Sor.Lukpitak in 1961, a division which he quickly outgrew. The following year, Dejrit defeated Adisak Kwangmeechai for the Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight (135 lbs) title.

In 1963, following the death of Yontharakit Gym owner Tankee, Dejrit moved to Thawee Chomchalao's Ithianuchit gym under the promoter Thiamboon Inthabutra, where he would become a top fighter alongside future OPBF Champion Suleman Ithianuchit. In the following years he would fight Adul Srisothon, Rawee Dechachai, Huasai Sittiboonlert, Sompong Jaroenmuang, former campmate Danchai Ploenjit, Kongdej Lukbangplasoi, Wicharn Sor.Pinjisak, etc. But nothing compared to his infamous rivalry against Apidej Sit-Hirun, The King's Fighter of the Century. Dejrit defeated Apidej four times, but Apidej came out on top with seven wins, one of which was under Western boxing rules.

On May 8, 1963, His Majesty Rama IX personally gave Dejrit the "Royal Cup" for defeating Rakkiat Kiatmuangyop at Lumpinee Stadium. He was the second recipient of the award as the previous was given to his former campmate Namsak Yontharakit in 1961 for defeating Adul Srisothon.

In 1966, he defeated Suponchai Jaroenmuang for the vacant Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) title which he then defended against Apidej Sit-Hirun. He lost the title to Apidej in a rematch in January 1968, but later took it back in November of the same year. It was his fourth and last major title that he would win.

In 1971, he transferred to Na Bangkok Gym owned by Narong Kittikachorn while serving in the military, but as he had entered his 30s, his physical condition declined and he could no longer fight at the high level he once did.

At his peak, Dejrit received a purse of ฿80,000 Thai baht, the highest purse in the history of Muay Thai as of 1967. At the end of his career, he was able to buy himself a Mercedes car.

In 2011, Dejrit and his former campmate Kiewwan Yontharakit were inducted into the Siam Kela Hall of Fame for their accomplishments in the sport. At the ceremony, he expressed his hapiness and gratitude towards the selection committee for not having forgotten him.

Personal life and retirement
At 34 years of age, Dejrit retired from the sport as his body could no longer carry the damage from his pressure-fighting style. He continued to serve in the Thai Armed Forces, holding the rank of Lieutenant. After retiring from the military, he lived with his wife Nittaya and their five children. Dejrit formed an unsuccessful band and would occasionally sing at the Elizabeth Hotel in Bangkok.

In January 2019, Dejrit was reported missing by his son as he had checked out of Phramongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok without informing his family. His son implored the community to look out for Dejrit as he had memory issues. He was later found and brought back home.

On March 2, 2023, he passed away peacefully in his home in Phaya Thai at 82 years old.

The week after, on March 7, 2023, he received a state funeral and cremation ceremony in Bangkok, attended by his relatives, several former politicians, the Thai Prime Minister's Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, the Director of Rangsit Boxing Stadium, and many of his peers and campmates such as Pudpadnoi Worawut, Padejsuk Pitsanurachan, Thongbai Jaroenmuang, and Rawee Dechachai.

Championships and awards
Rajadamnern Stadium Awards
 * 1961 Rajadamnern Stadium Flyweight (126 lbs) Champion
 * 1963 Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight (135 lbs) Champion
 * 1966 Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) Champion
 * 1968 Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) Champion
 * 1963 "Royal Cup"
 * 2011 Siam Kela Hall of Famer (Muay Thai)

Muay Thai record

 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1974
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Mo Sor.Lukpitak
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00
 * 3:00

! style=background:white colspan=9 |For the Royal Thai Armed Forces Welterweight (147 lbs) title.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1973-02-16
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Chuchai Lukbanjama
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO
 * 2


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1972
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Yodsing Sor.Phayathai
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1972-05-21
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Songkiat Kiatpracharat
 * Channel 7 Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1972
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Chuchai Lukbanjama
 * Royal Thai Armed Forces Muay Thai Championship
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1971
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Prabsuk Sirikorn
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1971
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Chakkrit
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO
 * KO


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1970
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Yodthong Saitsuk
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1970-
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Huasai Sittiboonlert
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO (Kick)
 * KO (Kick)


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1970-05-29
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Apidej Sit-Hirun
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1970-03-20
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Huasai Sittiboonlert
 * Chartchai Chionoi vs Efren Torres, Huamark Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1970
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Taek Rawee
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1969-11-21
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Kongdej Lukbangplasoi
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1969-09-
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Phananan Lukbanjama
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1969-07-04
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Narong Pitsarunachan
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * TKO (Elbow)
 * 4


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1969
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Sompong Jaroenmuang
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1969-04-08
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Kongdej Lukbangplasoi
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00
 * 3:00

! style=background:white colspan=9 |Wins the Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) title.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1968-11-10
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Apidej Sit-Hirun
 * Charusathian Stadium, Chionoi vs Villacampo
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO
 * 1
 * 0:40


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1968
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Sukkasem Fahlaeb
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1968-08-21
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Apidej Sit-Hirun
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00

! style=background:white colspan=9 |Loses the Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) title.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1968-01-15
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Apidej Sit-Hirun
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO (Right cross)
 * 3

! style=background:white colspan=9 |Apidej is stripped of his Ceremonial Thailand and Lumpinee Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) title for being knocked out.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1967-09-27
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Apidej Sit-Hirun
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO (Punches)
 * 3


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1967-08
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Danchai Ploenjit
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO (Right cross)
 * 1

! style=background:white colspan=9 |Both fighters earned a record purse of ฿80,000 Thai baht.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1967-07-26
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Danchai Ploenjit
 * Huamark Stadium, Chionoi vs Pantip Kaewsuriya
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO (Left cross)
 * 1


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1967-07-03
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Detthai Rachadet
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * TKO (Punches)
 * 2


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1967-06-07
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Suponchai Jaroenmuang
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * TKO (Low kicks)
 * 2


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1967
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Prakaikaew Luksor
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * TKO
 * 4


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1967-04-03
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Apidej Sit-Hirun
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * TKO
 * 3


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1967-03-06
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Sompong Jaroenmuang
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00

! style=background:white colspan=9 |Wins the vacant Rajadamnern Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) title.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1966
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Suponchai Jaroenmuang
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1966-10-17
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Adul Srisothon
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * TKO
 * 5


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1966
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Rawee Dechachai
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1966
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Somkiat Kiatmuangyom
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1966
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Wicharn Sor.Pinjinsak
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1965-12-07
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Payap Sakulsuk
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO
 * 4


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1965-10-
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Weeradej Sor.Lukpitak
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO (Body kick)
 * 3


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1965-09-28
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Sompong Jaroenmuang
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#c5d2ea;"
 * 1965-08-12
 * Draw
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Sompong Jaroenmuang
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1965-03-31
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Prakaikaew Luksor
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1965-02-17
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Payap Sakulsuk
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO (Punches)
 * 1

! style=background:white colspan=9 |For the Ceremonial Thailand Welterweight (147 lbs) title.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1964-11-03
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Apidej Sit-Hirun
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00

! style=background:white colspan=9 |For the Lumpinee Stadium Welterweight (147 lbs) title and the inaugural Ceremonial Thailand Welterweight (147 lbs) title. Apidej receives the Yodmuaythai trophy.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1964-08-04
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Apidej Sit-Hirun
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * TKO (Doctor stoppage)
 * 2


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1964-03
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Somkiat Kiatmuangyom
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1964-02-13
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Apidej Sit-Hirun
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1963-11-14
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Sornchai Malayut
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1963-10-03
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Sompong Jaroenmuang
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO (High kick)
 * 4

! style=background:white colspan=9 |Defends the Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight (135 lbs) title.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1963-09-05
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Wicharn Sor.Pinjisak
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1963-06-06
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Apidej Sit-Hirun
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00

! style=background:white colspan=9 |Dejrit receives the Royal Cup.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1963-05-08
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Rakkiat Kiatmuangyop
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00

! style=background:white colspan=9 |Wins the vacant Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight (135 lbs) title.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1963-02-28
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Adisak Kwangmeechai
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO
 * 2


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1963-01-08
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Rawee Dechachai
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00

! style=background:white colspan=9 |For the Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight (135 lbs) title.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1962-12-06
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Adul Srisothon
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1962
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Weeradej Sor.Lukpitak
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1962
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Weeradej Sor.Lukpitak
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1962
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Khunsuknoi Sor.Bangkholaem
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1961
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Wicharn Sor.Pinjisak
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1961
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Wicharn Sor.Pinjisak
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1961-06-13
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Pichai Ratchawat
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO
 * 3

! style=background:white colspan=9 |Wins the vacant Rajadamnern Stadium Featherweight (126 lbs) title.
 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1961
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Rerngsak Sor.Lukpitak
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO
 * 3


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1961-02-14
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Chainoi Singworanat
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1960-09-13
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Namchai Klongphajon
 * Lumpinee Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO
 * 4


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1960
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Pongsak Lerdkamon
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1960
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Pongkaew Bangyikan
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1960
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Sompong Jaroenmuang
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1959
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Pichai Ratchawat
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1959
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Pichai Ratchawat
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * Decision
 * 5
 * 3:00


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;"
 * 1959
 * Loss
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Pichai Ratchawat
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO
 * 3


 * - style="text-align:center; background:#cfc;"
 * 1958
 * Win
 * align="left" |🇹🇭 Narongsak Wongthewet
 * Rajadamnern Stadium
 * Bangkok, Thailand
 * KO
 * 3
 * colspan=8 | Legend:
 * colspan=8 | Legend:
 * colspan=8 | Legend: