The (sports) legacy of Ramon Dekkers
The sudden death of Ramon Dekkers has hit the world of Muay Thai boxing hard. It was world news, many websites have paid attention to this drama of a sportsman who died much too young.
The Dutch press, with the exception of Omroep Brabant and De Stem, have reported it modestly and I think that is not justified. Maybe there will be a more extensive article about Ramon, but anyway below a translation from the Sunday sports supplement of the Bangkok Post; written by Patrick Cusick:
“There is no Muay Thai boxer born outside Thailand who has been a greater superstar or has done more to promote the value and image of Muay Thai than Ramon Dekkers, the “Diamond Dutch”, who last Wednesday during a bike ride in his hometown Breda became unwell and died on the spot.
Dekkers was 43 years old and was considered an ambassador for the sport, due to his status as one of the all-time great champions, as he became the first foreign boxer to defeat the best Thai boxers in important matches at Lumpini Stadium in the 90s. XNUMX.
In August 1991 Dekkers had his first big fight in Thailand and made the front page of the Thai boxing newspapers when he defeated Superlek Sorn-Esan. A newspaper headline labeled the foreign "invader" as the "Turbine from Hell". A month later, the roof of the Lumpini stadium nearly lifted when Dekkers boxed a first-round knockout against Cobari Lookchaomaesaitong.
Dekkers traveled a lot between Amsterdam and Bangkok and in about ten years he fought many matches against the best Thai boxers of that time. He even achieved legendary status by winning on points against Saenthiennoi Sor Rungroj, the “Deadly Kiss”, who was considered one of the best knee fighters.
After almost 20 years in the spotlight, Ramon Dekkers retired from the ring with a career of 186 fights, losing only 33 and two draws. He left a mark on the Thai folklore of Muay Thai boxing through his tough hand and aggressive boxing style and was widely admired for his 95 knockout wins.
The Netherlands was the first country to bravely challenge Thailand in this sport in the XNUMXs, but had no real answer to the Thai boxers, who beat the Dutch with knee and elbow fights. Dekkers, a generation later, took the lead in bringing the Netherlands into the "elite group" of professional Muay Thai boxing, with his tremendous determination and relentless attack, still considered unique in the sport.
Dekkers has fought several times in the main event of the annual Muay Thai King's Cup and has received several Thai awards. After decades of intense training and combat, Dekkers had found peace in the solitude of long, peaceful bike rides in the Dutch countryside. His death came suddenly and unexpectedly, during a bike ride he became unwell, fell off his bike, became unconscious and never regained consciousness.
Dekkers leaves a legacy that will always be remembered and he will serve as an example to hundreds of foreigners who strive for success in a sport that is extremely difficult. Dekkers lived the dream of a great Muay Thai champion. He was not the most gifted boxer, but his courage and determination brought him the victories, sometimes against all odds.”
A very justified homage to a great Dutch sportsman!
[youtube]http://youtu.be/FcCe6Il4PGU[/youtube]
When you watch the video you can see that he wins by continuously attacking. Too bad he died so young.
Ramon will be cremated on Thursday in Breda at 16.00 p.m.
After the service there is a possibility to say goodbye, but you probably have to take into account a very large turnout. Because the family cannot estimate the number of people, they have not dared to organize anything else.
TV screens will be set up in all rooms and probably also outside.
The service will be held in a room with only family, but the images will be shown in the other rooms.
We will update the readers of thailand blog, which Ramon used to read.
Rob de Callafon
No words, a very big loss for this sport.
Condolences to all relatives.
What a sportsman that was. Too bad many sports people could have learned something from this.
Luckily we still have the videos.
Again a pity that he lost a battle so early and then on the bike. Also a tribute to the cyclists despite the difficult times for them.
Unfortunately, the sport (world) has had to say goodbye to one of the greatest fighters the Netherlands has known, I have always followed Ramon with great pleasure, his style was unique as a person, I am proud to have known him. I wish his family and relatives a lot strength and power to cope with this loss. One thing you will always be remembered by many people in the Muy Thai and kickboxing world. Ramon you were the greatest!!!!!.