Coban
The Cruncher
Coban “The Cruncher” Lookchaomaesaitong is a renowned former Muay Thai kickboxer and world champion from Thailand. He was born on August 4, 1966, in Buriram, near the Cambodian border, to a family of farmers. Coban’s journey in Muay Thai began when he attended a local temple fair and witnessed fighters making money through their exhibitions. Seeing this as an opportunity to support his family, he made a resolution to become the best fighter in Thailand and dreamed of fighting at Lumpinee Stadium.
At the age of 11, Coban started training in Muay Thai, despite lacking financial resources. He made his own equipment by stuffing rice hulls and sawdust into canvas rice bags. He mimicked the moves of local fighters and trained diligently every day after attending school and completing his farming chores. At 11 years old, he had his first fight at a local temple, which ended in a draw. The modest earnings from his early fights went toward supporting his family and education. It was during this time that Coban earned his fight name, “Coban,” given to him by a teacher who thought he resembled actor Charles Bronson while riding a buffalo. Later in his career, American fans nicknamed him Coban “The Cruncher.”
sponsor and mentor
Coban’s talent caught the attention of a ringside doctor named Sam Rhung Jong Gon in 1978 while he was training at a recreational center. Impressed by Coban’s determination, Dr. Gon became his official sponsor and mentor. When Coban was 13, Dr. Gon sent him to Lookchamaesaitong, a Muay Thai camp, where he trained for the next nine years. By the age of 15, Coban had already participated in over 35 fights. At 19, he won his first World Championship at Lumpinee Stadium. Throughout his 23-year career, Coban fought in over 270 matches. His final fight took place in September 2000 against his former student Danny Steele at the Warrior’s Cup in California, which Coban won despite not having fought for three years. In 2010, Camp Lookchaomaesaitong in Buriram, Thailand, reopened under the ownership of Mr. Nipon Chotison, a well-respected figure in the world of Muay Thai, and his son-in-law, Namkabuan Ratchapuekcafe, a retired fighter. Coban joined the team, and together they aimed to preserve the ancient and authentic art and lifestyle of Muay Thai.
Coban vs Dekkers
Coban’s most challenging fights were against Ramon Dekkers, another legendary Muay Thai fighter. They faced each other a total of four times, resulting in two wins and two losses for Coban. These bouts between Coban and Dekkers are widely regarded as the best in Muay Thai history, earning acclaim from fans worldwide. Fight you can watch here.
New York
The gym, aptly named “Coban Lookchaomaesaitong’s Open Gym,” provides an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in learning and training in the art of Muay Thai.
The gym was located in the heart of New York City, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. The exact address of the facility can be obtained by contacting the gym directly or checking their official website.
The gym provides a comprehensive training program that covers various aspects of Muay Thai, such as striking techniques, clinching, footwork, and conditioning. The classes are led by experienced trainers who have trained under Coban Lookchaomaesaitong himself, ensuring the highest quality of instruction.
