8th Royal World Cup in Malaysia, A Massive Success
The 8th Royal World Cup in Malaysia was organised by Z1 under the sanctioning of Malaysian Muaythai Association, IFMA and the World Muaythai Council. Fighters from around the world participated for the Royal Cups with the main 2 cups competed in Super 4 format. The stadium was packed to last seat and international bouts again showed that Malaysia competed with the best athletes from around the world.
The first international fight at 69 KG, saw Kim Dong Hwan from Korea against Mat Ropi Kuda Merah from Malaysia. A world class performance showing the strength of Asian Muaythai with Korea taking a close point decision.
Asanee Sitmonchai from Thailand took on Ban Mero Kuda Merah from Malaysia. The Thailand vs. Malaysia bout demonstrated a heightened sense of friendly rivalry common in bouts matching opponents from neighbouring countries, and this fight exhibited the proximity in the standard of Malaysian muaythai to Thailand. Nevertheless it was Thailand that took the win in a close point decision.
Firdaus Janai from Malaysia took on Simon De Maria from Australia to the delight of the home country, Firdaus Janai from Malaysia took on the point decision. In the main fight of the day, multiple world champion and Thai superstar Saenchai took on the Asian champion Vahid Shahbazi from Iran, an outstanding performance by both athletes.
Saenchai again showed why he is a 5 time WMC World Champion and that he can go toe-to-toe against the best in the world. Saenchai took the point decision while Vahid Shahbazi got a standing ovation showing that Iran is one of the world power houses in Muaythai.
