20 years ago, WBC MuayThai was born, as a result of a promise between three great men: the King of Thailand, Mr. Bhumibol Adulyadej, General Kovid Bakhdibumi and the WBC President for Life, Don Jose Sulaiman.
Two decades have passed and great men and those who followed, have taken charge of preserving, honoring, and strengthening that dream, transforming it into reality…among them: Major General, Thanapol Bakhdibumi, WBC Muay Thai Secretary General, Kevin Noone and WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman.
Today we commemorate the legacy of these three Giants, and at the same time celebrate the path that continues to be traversed through the WBC Muay Thai platform, with a historic card with 6 WBC Muay Thai belts at stake in the beautiful city of Verona, Italy.
The WBC MuayThai team who performed magnificently, was inspiratoinally led by Nash Keshwala, Max Baggio, WBC Muay Thai Representative for Italy, Soraya Hamami, Ajarin Parin Hantabool, Ajarn Visuth Yinguparin and Reza Djabarpoor.
Ludovica Ciarpaglini vs Elisa Keck – MuayYing Belt
Italian fighter Ludovica Ciarpaglini dominated the first round tangibly demonstrating her power, guile and seasoned experience. Elisa Keck, from Germany, never stopped attacking and tried to land solid combinations. The match continued in this way during the following rounds and despite Elisa landed solid blows, Ludovica maintained and retained control of the rounds, increasing the pressure and proving more accurate.
For the fourth and fifth rounds Ludovica’s dominance prevailed and increased. At the end of the fight, Ciarpaglini conquered the MuayYing belt, which has the mission of exalting the role of women in the sport of MuayThai.
Mauro Serra vs Leng Somsak – WBC MuayThai Nai Khanom Tom Challenge Belt
In what was a very close initial round, Mauro Serra and Leng Somsak fiercely exchanged blows from the outset bell. Mauro made an active offensive, while Leng fought walking backwards, milling on retreat, but also landing solid combinations. At two minutes and 30 seconds into the third round, Leng Somsak claimed victory by knockout in what was an intense round. In this way, Leng Somsak won the iconic WBC MuayThai Nai Khanom Tom Challenge belt, which honors a legend of the sport.
Mouhcine Chafi vs Anatolli Shponchenroi – WBC Welter Belt
Mouchine left his corner with the firm avowed intention of knocking out his rival by connecting solid combinations of all and diverse kinds; however, the Ukrainian fighter managed to stay in the fight. Anatolli was more aggressive, while Mouchine used his greater distance plus range to achieve greater effectiveness.
For the third, while Mouchine maintained the initiative, Anatolli landed a pair of solid bombs that made his rival retreat. It was in the fourth round where everything ended as Mouchine sent his rival to the canvas and he could no longer get up, to continue.
Niall McGreevy vs. Detchrit Sitsongpeenong- WBC Thai Welterweight Belt
After a round of contemplative study, Detchrit began to tilt the balance in his favor by landing the best punches in furious plus sustained exchanges. In the third and fourth rounds, Niall used his greater distance to gain a leverage advantage and everything was decided in the fifth with McGreevy working hard to take the victory via UD.
Lyndon Knowles vs. Alexandr Savin – WBC Heavyweight
A clash between two heavyweight fighters to remember. Both came out to give, dish out and land their very best. In the second, Savin used his more astute range judgment plus ability to control the powerful Knowles and deliver better offense. In the third and fourth, Knowles showed why he is the champion by inputting and outputting courage and heart. Everything was decided in an intense last round. The judges declared Lyndon Knowles the winner with scores of 48-47.
Yodpt Petchrunguan vs. Kiewpayak Jitmuangnon – WBC Super Featherweight
In an exciting and dramatic duel Yodt Petchrunguan claimed the WBC super featherweight crown by defeating his rival in the fourth round. The duel was brimming with emotion, drama and heartfelt true grit; however, it was Yodpt who got the best during the furious interchanges allowing him to seize the victory by way of KO.