Ex-Muay Thai and WBA Flyweight Champion Berkrerk Chartvanchai Dies at 77

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

Bangkok, Thailand (March 8th, 2022)– Former Muay Thai champion and World Boxing Association World Flyweight champion Berkrerk Chartvanchai, also known as Tinapong Hantanakul and Berkrerk Lookyodfah, has died in his native Bangkok, Thailand. Chartvanchai was, at the time it occurred in 1970, only the third native Thai fighter to win a professional world boxing title.

 Chartvanchai, before becoming a professional boxer, was a famous Muay Thai fighter using the professional fight name “Berkrerk Lookyodfah” and won the prestigious world Muay Thai title fighting championships in Thailand at Rajadamnern Stadium and Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

 On April 15, 1970, Chartvanchai won a 15 round split decision over Bernabe Villacampo of Cebu City, Philippines, to win the WBA World Flyweight title. Chartvanchai lost it in his first defense on October 22, 1970, to Masao Oba of Japan, who defended the WBA World Flyweight title five times successfully thereafter. Chartvanchai lost eight of his last 12 pro boxing matches, including losing four of his last five bouts, to fall from contention.

 After changing his name, Chartvanchai studied at the Postal School, and worked as a postal employee of the Communications Authority of Thailand until his retirement in 2004. He later lived with his family at Bang Bua Thong District of Nonthaburi Province of Bangkok. No cause of death was officially disclosed.

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