Matt Lucas
In 2001, two gentlemen had the privilege to have a private audience with the late great King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, Raja IX. Jose Sulaiman (Rest in Peace) and Royal Thai Police General Kovid Bhakdibhumi were those two privileged individuals.
Between them was a single question:
How can MuayThai go to the world?
The late great King Rama IX adored his country and its people. He also loved its national sport. José Sulaiman loved the purity of ring combat. It is discipline, honor, the pursuit of greatness. General Kovid grew up with an affection for MuayThai.
From that shared vision, WBC Muay Thai was born. Fast forward to 2005.
On the Gold Coast of Australia, “The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai Fairtex faced “The Gunslinger” John Wayne Parr. Left kick after left kick thundered into history.
When the final bell rang, the first green and gold belt had found its champion.
A precedent was set:
The green and gold is for the elite.
Today, the ecosystem spans the globe from Australia to Italy, from the United States to Reunion Island and beyond.
There is a path.
From amateur accolades…
To state titles…
To national championships…
To professional Nai Khanom Tom honors, named for Nai Khanom Tom…
To international belts…
To world championships…
And ultimately, the Diamond belt, the rarest prize of all.
This week, we tell that story. The Standards. The Rankings. The Path. The Champions.
And how you can be involved.
Today, we set the stage.
Tomorrow, we show how and why it works.