Muaythai Day Fights a Huge Success
The 6th of February is officially called muaythai Day in Thailand, held in honour of the historic King Sanphet VIII (also known as “Phra Chao Suea” the “Tiger King”), to mark his coronation day in 1702.
The WMC and IFMA joined forces together with the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the Ministry of Culture and the Sports Authority of Thailand to celebrate this important day in the muaythai calendar.
The event opened with a tribute by the IFMA President and WMC General Secretary Doctor Sakchye Taspuwan to honour his late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and welcome the world muaythai Executive Board members which gathered in Bangkok for a three-day meeting.
The card contained 3 Super 4 male fights in the following weigh categories, 71kg, 63.5kg and 57kg as well as a 57kg female fight alongside the undercard.
The athletes put on an amazing show to the crowds delight creating an electric atmosphere around the stadium.
There was also a special fight for the youth to promote the future of the sport and the upcoming Youth World Championship where both little athletes got a standing ovation from the crowd.
The fights showed everyone that the sport is safe as Muhammed Azrizal Azizul took the win against the young fighter from the motherland of the sport.
Also the 54kg amateur female fight between Scotland and Thailand again highlighted the universality of the sport with Scotland silencing the crowd and winning the respect of everyone by taking the win over Wondergirl.
The first fight in the 57kg Super 4 saw multiple IFMA champion Khalilov Tagir (Russia) take on Thailand’s own Awutlek M. Burapha which saw both fighters display the full arsenal of techniques in a muaythai masterclass with Khalilov securing the win and going through to the second stage.
The second fight in the 57kg division saw Uzbekistan’s Mamatov Joloxon face Mohd Ali Bin Yaakub from Malaysia. Mohd Ali’s technical knowledge proved too much for Mamatov who didn’t make it to the next round.
Next, the first fight in the 63.5kg saw Thailand’s Yokwittaya Phetseemauen go head to head with Charles Opoku from England with Yokwittaya taking the win.
The second fight in the 63.5kg saw Mohammed Bin Mahmoud from Malaysia against Firdavs Boynazarov from Uzbekistan. Mohammed Bin fought a great fight but was no match for the fast hands of Firdavs who went through to the next round.
The first fight in the 71kg category saw Yurik Davtyan from Armenia face Thailand’s Dieselek Petsiryim in one of the most exciting fights of the evening. In the end, the iron fists of Yurik were no match for the super slick Dieselek who managed to evade his powerful blows and go through to the next round.
The second fight in the 71kg category saw Jarred Rothwell from South Africa go up against Ruslan Ataev from Russia. Although Jarred had the height advantage here Ruslan pursued with his strength heading straight for the final.
Her Excellency the Minister of Tourism and Sports opened the second part of the event with an attribute to the new King Rama 10 before setting up the final 3 matches.
Following the break saw Saskia D Effremo from Germany meet Hongmorakod Liangprasirt from Thailand in what was a very close match with the Thai athlete securing the win.
The final of the 57kg Super 4 took place between Khalilov Tagir from Russia and Mohd Ali Bin Yaakub which was deemed the fight of the evening. Both athletes showed incredible heart with Malaysia being victorious, showing that Malaysia is in full preparation for the upcoming SEA games in which Muaythai day is included under the IFMA umbrella.
The 63.5kg final saw Yokwittiya Phetseemauen from Thailand and Firdavs Boynazarov from Uzbekistan battle it out for the number one place. After a great first round from Firdavs, Yokwittiya took it up a few levels showing his wealth of experience and becoming champion.
The final fight of the evening and the final in the 71kg saw Ruslan Ataev from Russia and Thailand’s Dieselek go to war in an epic finish to the evening. Despite having a tough fight with Yurik previously, Dieslek continued to power throughout, outscoring the Russian and becoming victorious.
