Jo Prestia

Jo Prestia
Born	(1960-06-05) 5 June 1960 (age 64) Porto Empedocle, Sicily, Italy
Nationality	Italy / France
Height	1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Weight	67 kg (148 lb; 10.6 st)
Division	Welterweight
Style	Muay Thai
Stance	Orthodox
Fighting out of	France
Kickboxing record
Total	85
Wins	70
By knockout	30
Losses	15
Other information
Occupation	Actor
Last updated on: 2 January 2025

Jo Prestia (born 5 June 1960 in Porto Empedocle) is an Italian born French kickboxer[1] and actor. He has appeared in more than seventy films since 1996 and is best known for his performance as Le Tenia in the controversial 2002 film, Irréversible.[2]

Muay Thai Kickboxing Career

Early Career

In his early career, Prestia's notable bouts was against Payakdam, Ronnie Green in 1984 losing both fights by a 5 round decision. In 1985 Jo defeated Bruno Benlabed by a 5 round decision.

French Muay Thai Title

In 1985 Jo fought for the French Muay Thai Title defeating Mohamed Jami by a 5 round decision.

European Muay Thai World Title

In 1986 and 1987 Jo would accomplish 2 European Muay Thai Championships.

On May 14, 1988 a rematch was set against Bruno Benlabed for the Muay Thai European, Jo would lose a 5 round decision.

Rivalry With Wattana Soudareth

From 1987-1988 Jo fought Wattana Soudareth thrice losing the first fight by a 5 round decision, in a rematch Jo secured a win by a 5 round decision, and in the trilogy would go on to lose a 5 round decision.

First Knockout Loss

In 1988 he competed against Kitty Sor.Thanikul losing by technical knockout in the 4th round corner stoppage.

Rivalry With Lamkhong Sitwaywat

Jo competed against Lamkhong Sitwaywat twice losing both fights by a 5 round decision.

2 on 1

On December 21, 1989 Jo competed in a 2 on 1 event alongside Joel Cesar against Cherry Sor Wanich, Prestia fought the first three rounds and Joel Cesar the last 2. Cherry won the bout by a 5 round decision.

Notable Wins Before Title Shot

On November 23, 1990 Jo competed against Joel Cesar winning by a 5 round decision.

On December 1990, Jo fought Sannarong Kiathoranee winning by a 4th round KO.

Muay Thai World Title

Jo would compete for the Muay Thai Welterweight World Title against Somsong Kiathoranee, winning by a 4th round knockout.

On February 16, 1991 Jo rematched Samson losing the title by a 5th round technical knockout( leg kicks).

In June 20th, 1992 Jo competed against Ramon Dekkers having previously lost by decision, a rematch was set for the Welterweight Muay Thai World Title, Jo would win by a 5 round decision.

On October 3rd, 1992 Jo would lose the title to Coban Lookchaomaesaitong by a 5 round decision.

Second Run For The Muay Thai World Title

In 1992 Jo defeated Samaisuk Chuwattana by a 5 round decision.

In 1993 Jo defeated J.V Eguzkiza in a 9 round decision.

In 1995 he fought and defeated Aymah Lukbanmao by a 5th round knockout.

Muay Thai World Title

On the 17th of November, 1995 Jo would face Dany Bill in the event La Nuit des Champion, for the Muay Thai World Title, losing by a 5 round decision.

Last Fight

His last fight took place in 1996 against Saimai Chor Suananan, losing a 5 round decision. He would retire with a record of 70 wins 30 by a way of knockout, 15 losses.[3]

[4] [5]

Selected filmography

• 1998: The Dreamlife of Angels as Fredo
• 2002: Irréversible
• 2004: 36 Quai des Orfèvres
• 2005: I Saw Ben Barka Get Killed
• 2005: 13 Tzameti
• 2007: Ill Wind
• 2008: Rivoallan (short) as Rivoallan
• 2009: The Horde as José
• 2014: Colt 45 as Marco
• 2017: Alibi.com as Prosper

References

1. "Boxe Thaïe.. Jo Prestia : "Sans le travail, tu n'es rien"".
2. Alexandra Heller-Nicholas (14 June 2011). Rape-Revenge Films: A Critical Study. McFarland. pp. 167–168. ISBN 978-0-7864-8692-2.
3. [5] Le Guerrier du Muay Thai: Jo Prestia. Tigre Thai. Available at: https://tigrethai.com/en/blogs/la-vie-de-nak-muay/le-guerrier-du-muay-thai-joe-prestia?srsltid=AfmBOookRHtBr3H_EFTpguSAbRtPBANW_yMHHkksEY2ZPeHuJxIYjp2e (Accessed: 20 October 2024).
4. [4] Jo Prestia Profile. Boxe Pieds Poings. Available at: https://www.boxepiedspoings.fr/Jo-Prestia.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com (Accessed: 20 October 2024).
5. [6] Jo Prestia: The Warrior. Siam Fight Mag. Available at: https://www.siamfightmag.com/jo-prestia-the-warrior/ (Accessed: 2 January 2025).

External links

• Jo Prestia at IMDb