By Matt Lucas: The Continued Rise of WBC Muay Thai. The World Boxing Council (WBC) Muay Thai division is a leading force in professional and now Amateur and Youth MuayThai.

As the premiere quality control and sanctioning body, WBC MuayThai is proud to be part of the sport’s rise. But what is most important is what is happening.

“This is the year of MuayThai,” Kevin Noone Secretary General of WBC MuayThai said.

The sport is experiencing unprecedented growth. There are packed stadiums in Thailand. There are major events across Australia, the UK, and Malaysia. The WBC Muay

WBC and many others are helping transform the ancient martial art into a global phenomenon. The year kicked off the best way it could, with title defenses.

Zoe Putorak Title Defenses

Zoe Putorak is the current WBC Super Lightweight world champion. She continues to impress with her dominant performances. Recently in Darwin, she showed why she’s a champion.

“It was an incredible first round stoppage of elbows,” Muay Thai journalist Matt Lucas said. “It was slice and dice.”

Putorak is not just a one hit wonder. She is defends her belt.

“You must defend your belt every six months, otherwise it is vacated,” Lucas said.

WBC Muay Thai rules are clear. If the belt is not defended it is given up. It is part of why the organization is held in high esteem.

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WBC Muay Thai UK

The UK Muay Thai scene is thriving.

“It is a hotbed of talent,” Noone said.

The UK is a long standing WBC Muay Thai battleground. A recent highlight was Mark Campbell versus Levi Bailey for the WBC Muay Thai international belt in Liverpool.

Mark Campbell comes from the Masda gym in Liverpool. Other talents from the same stable include Alfie Ponting.

WBC Muay Thai Malaysia

Malaysia celebrated a major milestone with its first national belts. The event was a huge success.

“They had over 4,000 people in attendance,” Lucas said.

The promotion included two shows over two days. There was the inaugural WBC bantamweight and mini flyweight national titles.

“We’re excited to get more rankings done. We want to build the professional side of the sport,” Jennana Johnson said. Johnson is part of Muay Girl promotions. The organization is putting on pro shows in the country. Johnson is partnered with DolphinaWalter Tony. Tony was a former athlete that fought for the green and gold.

WBC Muay Thai Australia

Australia is becoming a major hub for Muay Thai events. The upcoming Perth show features Kongthailand vs Joe Ryan.

“They are two of the pound for pound best in the world,” Lucas said.

The comain event features a female bout between Niamh Kinehan versus Kaitlyn Tucker. It’s a strong statement from the team at Muay Thai Super Series. They are flying in an athlete from the UK to take on a boxer from New Zealand to battle in Perth.

Along with WBC Muay Thai world titles there is a strong undercard of national and state titles.

“There’s a pathway of progression,” Noone said. 

The bouts happen at the Curtin Stadium on February 22nd.

Meanwhile on the same day at 1774  in Sydney the east coast of Australia continues to rise.

 Zoe Puterak, defends her Superlightweight world title against number three rated Katie Rose Mitchell.

“She’s won the eight woman tournament on Muay Hardcore show in Melbourne,” Noone said.

Along with the women’s title fight is a fascinating male battle.

 ”The champion versus number one, the former champion,” Noone said.

Mouhcine Chafi battles Charlie Bubb for the WBC Light Heavyweight World title.

The clashes of excitement happen at the William Inglis Hotel in New South Wales.

2025 Amazing MuayThai World Festival

The festival in Italy is shaping up to be a massive event.

“The Amazing Muay Thai World Festival 2025 will be hosted in the beautiful historical city, of Verona,” Noone said.

There are currently over 250 athletes registered from 60 countries. More are expected.

There will be a massive fair at the festival. Included is Thai food, massage, and more.

“This is not about just fighting in the ring. This is a festival celebrating Muay Thai sport and culture,” Noone said.

Registrations are underway and will fill up soon.

Spotlight on the WBC Belts

Everyone sees the green and gold and their eyes shine. It is because they are made with care. The belts are crafted with incredible attention to detail. For example, the Muay Ying belt features quality material.

“The fabric is made and cut and weaved in the foothills of the mountains in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand,” Noone said.

These are not normal belts. There is a historical weight to them. There is a feeling of quality and care.

“We’re not handing them out like candy bars.” Noone said. “This is not a ranking belt.”

Ring Officials Training System

The WBC has developed a comprehensive training system for ring officials. There are three levels: green, gold, and the final green and gold.

There is a goal of continual learning. Regular training sessions teach and inform.

“Once a month we have virtual round tables,” Noone said.

Officials can learn from experts and analyze controversial fights.

Hall of Fame Spotlight

Sagatdao  Petpayathai was an exceptional talent. He was inducted into the WBC Muay Thai Hall of Fame in 2021.

“He had this almost unique ability to read the situation before it happened.”

Sagatdao had an incredible career and now is working at Evolve Gym in Singapore.

The WBC Muay Thai wishes him all the best for his future.

The Future

Muay Thai continues to rise. The MuayThai ecosystem is developing. Fighters are getting better purses. They are getting better opportunities. The WBC is proud to play a part in that.