If there were a world championship as far as courage and heart are concerned, Ramon Dekkers would be a true champion.
Even if you can speak no other words of the Thai language, most European and American visitors to Thailand will quickly become familiar with the Thai word “farang” (often mispronounced even by Thais) as “falang” –“farang” with a slightly trilled ‘r’ is the correct pronunciation.) It’s basically used to describe Caucasians. It is not a racist thing.
Ramon Dekkers is probably the most respected “farang” Thai boxer of all times. Dekkers had the guts to go to Thailand and kick butt directly at the famous Lumpinee stadium. He kicked butt, and also got his butt kicked. No matter what, he stood up their and showed that the Dutch fighters are a menace.
Ramon Dekkers is probably the most respected foreigner in Thailand – fighting like the Thais. He fought them all – he fought them on their rules, in their land, in their rings – and he beat them. He was beaten sometimes himself – mostly on points – but he never turned down a fight. The Thai fighters have always and will always respect Ramon Dekkers for one thing: he never turned down a challenge. Dekkers in turn has always respected the Thai fighters. All these guys are the true champions of the sport.
Most professional fighters often avoid some fights in order not to ruin their perfect record. That does not necessarily mean that they are afraid of their opponent; sometimes they know that they are not ready to fight a dangerous opponent because of an injury, or they want to study him more. Some even wait for the opponent to pass his prime and fight him after he has had his share of injuries and loses. Ramon Dekkers was not one of these fighters. He fought the best fighter in Thailand and in spite of his loses, the fight fans respected his abilities and determination.
If there were a world championship as far as courage and heart are concerned, Ramon Dekkers would be a true champion.
Ramon Dekkers was born on September 4, 1969 in Breda, Netherlands and passed away on February 2, 2013 in Breda. He was only 43 years old. He died while riding his bike from what is believed to be a heart attack (myocardial infarction). The fighter who went head-to-head with his opponents was gone.
Ramon Dekker’s Titles
- 1987 MTBN Dutch Featherweight Champion
- 1988 EMTA European Featherweight Champion
- 1988 NKBB European Super featherweight Champion
- 1989 IMTA World Lightweight Champion
- 1990 IMF World Light welterweight Champion (2 title defenses)
- 1992 WMTA World Light welterweight Champion (1 title defense)
- 1995 WMTA World Welterweight Champion
- 1996 WPKL World Super welterweight Champion (2 title defenses)
Ramon Dekker’s Awards
On the 85th anniversary of the King of Thailand, Ramon Dekkers received a royal award from the Thai Royal Family for his services to the sport of Muay Thai. Ramon Dekkers was also appointed Ambassador of all foreign fighters in Thailand.
