Let’s kick off with the viral news of the moment. The Thai people’s champion, Buakaw Banchamek adds an accolade to his cabinet of belts and trophies. The recognition this time is given for a performance of a very different nature that you would expect.
The Golden Kinnaree Awards, Thailand’s version of the Oscars, were given out yesterday (8th August) in a televised ceremony. Buakaw received a “best actor” award for his role as Thong Dee in the 2017 action-period movie, Thong Dee Fun Khao (outside of Thailand: Broken Hero Sword).
The results caused quite the sensation in Thailand’s film industry but the Golden Kinnaree committee explained the selection criteria which was based on the individual’s “virtuous qualities”.
In a more Muay Thai-related news, Chamuaktong FighterMuay Thai wins the Omnoi Stadium Welterweight champion on 8th August after beating Phonaek Or Kwanmuang via unanimous decision. This is the fifth championship belt for the PKSaenchaiGym fighter.
A series of hyper-exciting match-ups have also been lined up for the month of August.
First up, Tawanchai PKSaenchaiGym makes his return to the ring after a 7-month break since his knockout loss in China. He meets fighter of the year, Neunglanlek Jitmuangnon for the third time on 16th August at the Channel 7 stadium.
Tawanchai is 2-0 over Neunglanlek including a round-5 TKO victory in their last meeting (Dec 2018, see video below). However, Neunglanlek is -somewhat- fresh off an almost-pristine record in his last 8 fights, losing only once in early 2019.
With Neunglanlek looking for extend his winning streak and Tawanchai looking to redeem his humiliating loss, this is definitely a fight to look out for.
Over at ONE Championship, two dates have already been announced for part 2 and 3 of the “No Surrender” series taking place in Bangkok.
The first of the two events will be held on 14th August, featuring Saemapetch Fairtex vs Rodlek PKSaenchaiGym in the semi-finals of the Bantamweight Muay Thai tournament.
Sangmanee SathianGym vs Kulabdam Sor Jor PiekUThai will headline part 3 on 21st August in the second semi-finals. This would be the first meeting between the two elite Thai champions.
A female bout has also been confirmed for the card, starring two of the top Muay Yings of the moment: Wondergirl Fairtex vs Brooke Farrell.
And lastly, on 29th August, a most highly-anticipated rematch between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Seksan Or Kwanmuang will take place at the Omnoi Stadium.
Seksan will put his Omnoi belt on the line in part three of a trilogy, despite losing to the Tank in the first two bouts. Seksan is fresh off a dominating victory against Thanonchai Thanakorngym while Rodtang just defended his ONE championship title on 31st July against Petchdam PetchyindeeAcademy.
Their 2019 fight was voted fight of the year at Rajadamnern stadium (below) and when you put the two aggressive fighters in the same ring, you can always expect a lot of fireworks.
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