No fighter born outside Thailand has been a bigger superstar _ or done more to promote the value and appeal of Muay Thai on the world stage _ than Ramon Dekkers, the 'Diamond Dutchman', who collapsed and died suddenly last Wednesday while riding a bicycle near his home in Breda.
Dutchman Ramon Dekkers, right, was a Muay Thai superstar in the 1990s.
At 43, Dekkers was regarded as a Muay Thai ambassador, reflecting his status as one of the all-time great champions, having been the first foreign boxer to beat some of the best Thai boxers in main events at Lumpinee Stadium during the 1990s.
In August 1991, Dekkers had his first big fight in Thailand and made the cover of the Thai boxing newspapers when he beat Superlek Sorn-esan. One headline labelled the foreign 'invader' as the 'Turbine From Hell'.
A month later, Dekkers almost lifted the tin roof off Lumpinee Stadium with a first-round knockout of Coban Lookchaomaesaitong.
Travelling back and forth from Amsterdam to Bangkok, Dekkers spent almost a decade fighting some of the best Thai fighters of that era. He gained legendary status with a points win over Saenthiennoi Sor Rungroj, the 'Deadly Kiss', who is regarded as one of the sport's best-ever knee-strikers.
After 20 years in the limelight, Dekkers retired from the ring with a career record of 186 fights, 33 loses and two draws.
He carved out a niche in Muay Thai folklore with his aggressive, hard-hand boxing attacks and was greatly admired for his amazing record of 95 knockout wins.
The Dutch were the first nation to challenge Thailand's fighting prowess in the 1970s but were soundly beaten by the Thais' knee-strikes, grappling and elbow skills.
Dekkers, a generation later, led the European ascent into elite professional Muay Thai with his ferocious determination and relentless forward pressure, which still stands alone in the history of the sport.
Dekkers fought several times in the main event at the annual Muay Thai King's Cup in Bangkok and received several awards.
After decades of intense training and fighting, Dekkers found peace in the solitude of long, quiet rides in the Dutch countryside.
His death was sudden and unexpected. After feeling faint after a long ride, he reportedly collapsed, became unconscious and never woke up.
Dekkers leaves a legacy that will continue to shine and his life will be held up as an example to hundreds of foreigners who pursue success in a combat sport that is extreme and difficult to master.
Dekkers lived the dream of becoming a great Muay Thai champion. He wasn't the most gifted Thai boxer of all time but there have been none more courageous or as determined to win against the odds.