Muay Thai

Huỳnh Hoàng Phi (right) will compete for the WBC Muay Thai National Title in the men's lightweight division on July 16 in HCM City. Photo of Shadow Entertainment

HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese fighters are eager to compete in the first-ever WBC National Title belt fights in the country to be organised on July 16 in HCM City.

There will be three bouts in the Muay Thai Rampage event, with six athletes, including two females, ready to take the stage.

Huỳnh Hoàng Phi will take on Lý Đươl in the men's lightweight (61kg) class; Trần Quốc Tuấn and Võ Quang Vũ will compete in the men's welterweight (67kg); and Đặng Quỳnh Bích will face Nguyễn Thị Lâm Như in the women's super bantamweight (55kg).

According to organisers, all fighters selected for the events have made their names in either amateur or professional competitions locally and internationally.

Among them, Phi is the most regarded as the current national champion. He won a silver medal in the 31st SEA Games and has taken part in a number of tournaments in Thailand.

Phi has fought four pro fights and won all.

His rival Đươl, also a familiar name in the national events, has competed in eight pro fights. He won seven and lost one.

"I have prepared 200 per cent of my time and labour for this fight. The only thing that I dream about now is the WBC Muay Thai Việt Nam belt. It will be a special gift for my wife in our upcoming wedding," Phi told Việt Nam News.

Fighter Tuấn, who has a record of four wins and one loss, is considered to be at a better level than his rival, Vũ, who is yet to fight professionally.

"I have been waiting for the match for a long time. I practise hard every day and totally focus on improving my ability," Tuấn said.

"I will use 100 per cent of my physique and mind to win this fight. My target is a win and only a win. I will force my rival to the corner and finish him with my strong punches. It is my first step to go further to international competitions," he said.

Đặng Quỳnh Bích's Muay Thai debut will be a title match in the WBO Muay Thai event on July 16. — Photo of Shadow Entertainment

In the women's fight, Bích will make her debut on the Muay Thai stage after being well-known for winning dozens of medals in kickboxing and traditional martial arts. She will be a tough rival for Như on Sunday.

"I have carefully prepared for the match for two months. All personal stuff is put aside so that I can focus on training because I want to develop further in Muay Thai," Bích told Việt Nam News.

"This is my first pro match and first Muay Thai fight, I will have to be much more careful than usual. I will do all my best to take the belt, for me and for the people I love," she said.

The National Title event will be held prior to the WBO Muay Thai International Title which will feature two main cards.

Vietnamese Trương Cao Minh Phát and Morrocan Hicham Boulahri in the men's super featherweight (59kg) belt; and host Huỳnh Hà Hữu Hiếu and Pornthip Khamthongphanow of Thailand in the women's minimum weight (48kg).

"I have spent time and effort for my bout. I am a little nervous but still target a win in this event," said Huỳnh Hải Đăng who will fight Vũ Anh Tuấn in one of seven matches of local athletes in the prelims.

Huỳnh Hoàng Phi, Đặng Quỳnh Bích and Trần Quốc Tuấn (From right to left) are ready to fight for the first WBO Muay Thai National Title belt this weekend. — Photo of Shadow Entertainment

At the fight night, supporters will have a chance to meet Muay Thai legend Saenchai and One Championship champion Stamp Fairtex.

Saenchai is considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound Muay Thai fighter and is regarded as one of the best fighters of all time.

Stamp Fairtex is the ONE Championship's first three-sport world champion, having held the Muay Thai, Kickboxing and MMA titles.

The event, organised by Shadow Entertainment and Saigon Sport Club, will welcome super prestigious guests such as rapper Thái VG, musician Dương Khắc Linh, singer Sarah Lưu, and TikTok influencer Mèo Sao Hỏa. VNS