Jean-Charles Skarbowsky, nicknamed “Chong” by the Thais, is a real phenomenon in the world of Muay Thai. We can classify him among the European living legends of Muay Thai of the 90s just like Dany Bill, Stéphane Nikiéma, Morad Sari, Rob Kaman or Ramon Dekkers who all possessed “the Fighting Spirit” for a long time!
Jean-Charles Skarbowsky was born on March 10, 1975 in Paris in the 18th arrondissement of the capital. His mother is originally from Romania, arriving in France at the age of 25. Just like his father who died when Jean-Charles was 13 years old. At the age of 13, when his father died, he searched for himself during this difficult ordeal... And in 1991, Jean-Charles discovered boxing by entering the “Siam Boxing” club in Paris. In this club run by André Zeitoun, at the age of 16, Jean-Charles took his first Muay Thai class. André Zeitoun will become his coach, mentor and even his “spiritual father”.
At the age of 18, in 1993, Jean-Charles Skarbowsky went to Thailand and fought 5 fights for 5 victories. Back in France, he continued the fights with quick victories, and became number 1 challenger for the European title of – 63,500 kg. The title is held by the experienced Belgian Yiguin Osman who also had the Belgian Muay champion belts. Thai and Kick Boxing and the Full Contact world champion belt. At the age of 20, Jean-Charles Skarbowsky won the European Muay Thai Champion belt, a real feat for the time.
On December 5, 1999, in Bangkok, during King's Day, in front of 250,000 people, Jean-Charles Skarbowsky met the number seven of the Lumpinee stadium, the Thai Duen E-Sarn. In this match, Jean-Charles performed a festival of purely Muay Thai technique and punished the rough Thai fighter who collapsed in the fourth round! Jean-Charles Skarbowsky settled in Thailand where he lived for five years, married a Thai woman, he fought in the country's major stadiums and prepared in the famous Jocky Gym camp in Bangkok. He will face all the current Thai champions. Thanks to his formidable punch, he knocked out the best in his category.
In 2003, Jean-Charles Skarbowsky became the first foreigner to be ranked No. 1 at the legendary Radja stadium following his victory by KO over the reigning – 63 kg (140 lbs) champion, Mangkong Kietsomkoum! Nicknamed “Namhon Morana” (The deadly scent) by the Thais, Jean-Charles Skarbowsky made 97 fights for 75 victories, including 50 by knockout. Internationally, his fighting nickname was “Dragon Tattoo”. His ring name is known all over the world, this ring legend comes from his fighter character in Japanese manga.
After a fantastic career, full of grueling fights, Jean-Charles Skarbowsky ended his career as a professional fighter. Installed in France, he opened his own boxing camp in Bangkok, the Skarbowsky Gym (formerly the Jocky Gym), as well as as the Skarbowsky Gym in Paris in the 20th arrondissement and in the 18th arrondissement. Jean-Charles Skarbowsky also became one of the most important French promoters with the Best Of Siam shows which he put together alongside his friend Hakim Didda and the great champion Krongsak Boranrat.
