Muay Thai

Huỳnh Hà Hữu Hiếu of Việt Nam (left) and Pornthip Khamthongphanow of Thailand at the WBC Muay Thai International Title's weigh-in. Photos courtesy of Shadow Entertainment

HCM CITY — Vietnamese fighter Huỳnh Hà Hữu Hiếu showed her confidence and expected a win in her first title bout at the WBC Muay Thai International Title.

Hiếu and all other competitors were in good condition after their weigh-in session on Saturday where the organisers officially announced the largest national Muay Thai series called Muay Thai Rampage: The Rising Stars at Saigon Sport Club.

The world No 5 Hiếu will fight Pornthip Khamthongphanow of Thailand, No 7, in the women's minimumweight class.

Hiếu is one of Việt Nam's top female athletes in Muay Thai. She has taken part in many international events and won world amateur titles and pro fights.

Meanwhile, Khamthongphanow is a young but talented fighter of Thailand who is famous for her strong kicks and has taken part in many pro bouts even at the age of 19.

"After my win at the 32nd SEA Games, I received an invitation from Shadow Entertainment, the organiser, to take part in the title fight. I was very surprised to be ranked No 5 in WBC Muay Thai's table, seeing it is a leading organisation," said 24-year-old Hiếu.

"My rival has had many fights at the Rajadamnern Stadium, one of the most prestigious Muay Thai stages in the world in Thailand. She is really good with kicks.

"My coaches have trained me to be fluent with combos of punches and kicks to increase the efficiency of my attacks in the upcoming match. 

"I have met with many athletes who are taller and bigger than me. But most of them were in amateur competitions. This is my first elite professional match and my rival is World No 7. I will have to try my best and show my all to win and keep the belt in Việt Nam.

Hiếu was excited that the pro Muay Thai event came to Việt Nam and she did not have to go abroad for a world-class event like in the past.

She said having a chance to compete at the WBO event would help her earn more income while improving her CV in the world of Muay Thai. She said she would not waste an opportunity to end Việt Nam's title drought on July 16.

Athletes take a photo after the weigh-in session of the WBC Muay Thai International Title on Saturday in HCM City.

Hiếu's fight is one of two main cards at the WBC International Title event.

The other is between Trương Cao Minh Phát of Việt Nam, the world No 15, and Hicham Boulahri of Morocco, No 17 in the men's super featherweight.

"I can't say anything in advance, but I will definitely fight with all my ability. I have experienced many emotions in my career so I am not really nervous, especially seeing as I will fight on home ground," said Phát.

"In this fight, my father, my friends and those who are important to me will also come to watch and encourage me."

The first Muay Thai Rampage will have 12 bouts. Prior to the two main cards, there are three WBC National Title fights and seven others in the prelims for local athletes.

WBC Muay Thai was established in 2004 under the World Boxing Council (WBC) as a non-profit organisation, with a mission to develop professional Muay Thai worldwide.

It was created to facilitate and sanction professional Muay Thai competitions to develop and expand the sport worldwide and to foster Muay Thai at all levels and weight divisions with international safety standards for the development of Muay Thai as a world premier fighting art.

The WBC Muay Thai International belt allows its holder to take part in the world title bout of their weight classes.

The Muay Thai Rampage is expected to have three events this year. It is organised by Shadow Entertainment, a sports and entertainment company, which sets a target to bring Việt Nam's Muay Thai to the world stage. VNS