Peter Smit

Infobox_Kickboxer|name=Peter Smit


realname=Peter Smit
nickname= The Hurricane
nationality=flagicon|NED Dutch
ethnicity=
height=189cm
weight=Light Heavyweight
birth_date=birth date|1961|12|24|mf=y
birth_place= Dordrecht, Netherlands
death_date=death date and age|2005|8|15|1961|12|24|mf=y
style=Kyokushin, Muay Thai, Kickboxing
Gym=Budokai Vleesenbeek
total=25
wins=17
KO=10
losses=6
draws=3
no contest=|

Peter "The Hurricane" Smit (born December 24, 1961; died August 15, 2005) was a Dutch kyokushin karateka who mastered such different fight disciplines as kyokushin karate, kickboxing and muay thai.

Peter Smit in his prime was one of the best Dutch fighters, who never got enough fights to show his full potential. He had to retire early in his career because of a serious ankle injury.

Biography

He fought his first international tournament, the Open Ocean Pacific Kyokushinkai championship, in 1985 on Hawaii. Smit got his nickname "The Hurricane" from a Dutch colleague Fred Royers by "becoming a champion like a hurricane" when he beat six opponents on one day.

In 1987 he fought against Hiroki Kurosawa during the Open Championships Kyokushinkai in Tokyo. Because of a debatable decision Peter Smit lost this fight after three extra rounds. This fight is known as an example of "true Kyokushinkai Fighting Spirit".

His fight against Changpuek Kiatsongrit in the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok is legendary. Peter Smit knocked out a Thai Champion in front of his own public, the first time that had happened in the history of muay thai. After a flurry of punches and knees Changpuek was knocked out in the 2nd round. Peter Smit became the world muay thai champion.

His first fight against kickboxing legend Rob Kaman was also an upset. In the 10th round he won by a knockout, which was considered impossible against the "unbeatable" Kaman at the time. It was the highlight of Peter Smit's short career.

Peter Smit developed himself as an absolute top fighter in three of the hardest fight sports in the world. Unfortunately he had to end his career early because of a chronic ankle injury.

On August 15, 2005 he was shot to death, after he stood up for his friend.

Since his death fellow fighter Peter Aerts has worn "Peter Smit RIP" in his fight shorts, Aerts is a fan of Smit's career.

Titles

* Ocean Pacific Champion Kyokushin Karate 1985
* 2x Dutch Champion Kyokushin Karate Lightheavyweight 1985 and 1986
* Kyokushin Karate lightheavyweight European champion 1987
* WKA Lightheavyweight World champion kickboxing 1990
* IMF World champion Muay Thai 1990
* WKA Lightheavyweight European Champion kickboxing 1990

ee also

*List of male kickboxers
*List of kickboxing organizations
*kyokushin karate