They came to Calgary (2022)
They came to Hua Hin (2023)
They came to Venice (2023)
They came to Lumpinee (2024)
They came to Verona (2025)
They will come to Bangkok in 2026
They fought. They conquered. They became part of the Muay Thai world.
The Amazing Muay Thai World Festival is the amatur foundation of WBC Muay Thai. Held yearly these multi day tournaments are hosted around the world. They give beginner and accomplished amateur athletes a chance to develop. They see different styles from around the globe. They see the Japanese with their fast combinations, the UK kick heavy style, the technical French and more.
Once they’ve become professional they can fight for the Nai Khanom Tom titles. These heritage belts help expose athletes to a bigger stage. For example fighters like Travis Petralba. He fought for a Nai Khanom Tom title then was afforded a National title. Now he’s ranked worldwide.
At the WBC Muay Thai anyone in the top 20 rankings can battle for an international title. For a world title though the athlete must be ranked top 10.
The highest accolade is the Diamond Belt. It is an elite, non-defendable honorary championship title awarded to top-tier fighters to mark monumental fights or career milestones. It is held by only 12 athletes from around the world including legends like Saenchai, Buakaw, Yousseff Boughanem, Liam Harrison and Sajad Sattarii.
There is a clear ascension so that boxers can move from their beginning bouts on the amateur level up to the highest highs.
Tomorrow we talk about those that got the highest of highs.
The champions.
-Words by Matt Lucas