Muay Thai world series showdown in Hohhot

By Zhao Xiao (chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2017-01-19

The Top King Muay Thai World Series—The 2016 Final Tournament Fight was held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, on Jan 14, and gathered together 20 super Thai boxers from eight countries to compete for the coveted prizes.

Thailand boxer Yodvicha (right) moves away from a kick during the 70kg-level semifinals against Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Ataev at Inner Mongolia Sports Stadium in Hohhot on Jan 14. [Photo/Xinhua]

During the fights, Thai boxers from China, Thailand, Russia, France, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, South Africa, Belarus, and Slovakia fought in 11 matches including the most eye-catching 70kg-level and 64kg-level “gold-belt” championships alongside the super fights. As always, the Top King series put up a great roster of super fights around the tournament.

During the semi-finals of the 70kg-level tournament, Yodvicha Kem Muaythaigym from Thailand defeated Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Ataev by knockout, and Russia’s Arbi Emiev defeated Thailand’s Yodkhunpon Mor Rattanabundit by decision. In the tight final, Yodvicha was given the gold belt for 70kg-level combat.

Chinese boxer Zhang Chenglong took the gold belt in the 64kg-level fight against Sebastien Arias from France. In addition, Chinese boxer Wu Haotian defeated Ukraine’s Oleg in mixed martial arts. Han Zihao and Saengmanee Omkatongchiangmaigym from Thailand ended their fight in a draw. Liang Yuanhao and Liu Chunrui lost fights with France’s boxer Emile Souza and Dmitry Varets from Belarus.

Saensatharn PKsaenchaimuaythaigym defeated Rayepin Raphael by knockout. Chujaroen Dabransarakham defeated Marco Novak by decision. Rungravee Sasiprapagym defeated Mourad Harfoui by knockout. Saengmanee Oomkatongchiangmaigym fight with Ncedo Gomba ended in a draw.

The event aired live on MONO29 and Qinghai TV.

Saengmanee (left) from Thailand lands a high kick on Chinese boxer Han Zihao in the 63kg-level combat at Inner Mongolia Sports Stadium in Hohhot on Jan 14. [Photo/Xinhua]

As a combat sport in Thailand, Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, shins, and is often associated with intense physical preparation that makes a full-contact fighter very efficient.

Known as a stand-up striking style with various clinching techniques, Muay Thai has spread worldwide since the twentieth century, and a lot of professional matches have drawn global eyes.

As an international boxing event, the Top King World Series aims to entertain and exhilarate the audience via absolute Muay Thai fighting skills and search for the best Thai boxers from 16 qualifiers every year. It includes quarterfinals, semifinals and the championship. According to the organizers, the final prize is 1,000,000 baht (around 25,000 euro).

Yodwicha Kem Muaythaigym, formerly known as Yodwicha Por Boonsit, is a Thai Muay Thai kickboxer, originally from Nakhon Ratchassima, but now fighting out of Bangkok, Thailand. He is the current 130-pound champion of Lumpinee Stadium and the reigning 135-pound champion of Thailand. He holds notable wins over Saenchai PKSaenchaimuaythaigym, Singdam Kiatmuu9, Nong-O Kaiyanghadaogym and Petboonchu FA Group.

Russian boxer Arbi Emiev cheers after knocking out Thailand’s Yodkhunpon during the 70kg-level semifinals at Inner Mongolia Sports Stadium in Hohhot on Jan 14. [Photo/Xinhua]

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