The WMC Female World title was a much anticipated fight between Valentina Shevchenko, 4 x IFMA World Champion and Sport Accord Champion from Peru, taking on. Valentina showed once again why she is definitely one of the best female fighters in the world, winning in a point decision.

One of the biggest fight nights took place in one of Europe’s Muaythai power nations, when Sweden’s Alex Harris took on France’s own Aïello Batonon for the WMC Super Middle Weight title. The IFMA Champion and Swedish WMC Champion took on the European WMC Champion in a much anticipated match. Five rounds of world-class Muaythai demonstrated how important the marriage between IFMA and the WMC is, bringing fighters through the proper amateur ranks into the professional circle, because in the end, it was Alex who broke the hearts of the French spectators, taking the prestigious belt back home with him to Sweden.

The second fight of the night was the female showdown for the Light Weight title, between European Professional Champion Ielö Siapo Page from France, and 4x IFMA World Champion and Valentina Shevchenko, the number one challenger for the WMC title. Valentina proved why she is undoubtedly one of the world’s most outstanding female fighters, showing how important it is to be able to start in the amateur circle, where athletes have the chance to fight five times in a week. She made Peru proud by bringing the belt home, but much respect goes to Ielö for a fantastic fight, and a re-match is already in discussion.

France is planning to stage over 20 world-class promotions per year, under the banner of the WMC. As one of Europe’s leading federations, no doubt one of the belts will soon be staying in France.

Contender Asia Champion and WMC World Champion, Yodsanklai, is being challenged by Moravcik, in a match where East and West are destined to meet. Moravcik is one of the most outstanding and famous non-Thais in Thailand, the winner of such prestigious events as the Toyota Marathon Tournament, and a stadium champion at the famous Lumphini Stadium (Yodsanklai is himself a 4x stadium champion). Both fighters were also medal winners at the 2010 SportAccord Combat Games in Beijing. This is a fight which has been in the making for over one year.
The fight will be televised worldwide, and the winner will have an immediate challenge, as the top 10 is filled with names like Artem Kychenko, Bernueng, Yohan Liddon, Madsua, Jordan Watson, and the list goes on. Can Yodsanklai, the pride of Thailand, bring the belt back home? Or will Moravikic be able to keep the belt in Europe?

This bout was fought hard over all 5 rounds. With the crowd cheering for the girls all the way through the bout. Alexis constantly pushing forward with punching and kick combos. Kate was scoring well with kicks to Alexis’s lead leg and landing solid punches. Throughout the bout Kate dominated in the grapple landing elbows and clean knee strikes taking the bout on a unanimous points decision and becoming the new 57kg WMC Intercontinental Champion.

Congratulations to Muaythai Australia for this world class event and strong development of female muaythai.

The “Legends Muay Thai Championships” in cooperation with the World Muaythai Council (WMC) were held in San Francisco, California on 4/28/12. The Event was held in conjunction with the 4th International Lao New Year Festival and the fights took place in front of the San Francisco City Hall. This ground breaking event was headlined by Two Fantatstic WMC Title Fights, the main event featuring Ky Hollenbeck vs. Cyrus Washington for the WMC Super Middle Weight Intercontinental Title (76.2 Kilos) and the co-main event featuring Miriam Nakamoto vs. Sandra Bastian for the Womens WMC Light Weight World Title (61.24 Kilos).

In the main event, Hollenbeck wasted absolutely no time showing Muay Thai fans worldwide that his first and only professional loss against Nieky Holzken in November was well behind him. Hollenbeck took under a minute to take out the always gritty Cyrus Washington in devastating fashion. Roughly 50 seconds into the bout Hollenbeck unleashed a spinning back fist that floored Washington immediately and prompted referee Vichai “Rex” Supkitpol to call an end to the bout. Hollenbeck thus earned himself the WMC Intercontinental Title with the quick win and now turns his sights to competing at the Glory World Series Tournament in Sweden on May 26th.

Below are the rest of the events results:

Ky Hollenbeck def. Cyrus Washington by KO in Rd. 1
Miriam Nakamoto def. Sandra Bastian by TKO in Rd. 3
Megan Nazareno def. Jaclyn Ngan by TKO in Rd. 2
Dan Lemessurier def. Chrisente Joaquin by KO in Rd. 1
Eisrael Verduzco def. Andew Nguyen by Unanimous Decision
Keri Taylor def. Denise Jacobs by TKO (Dr. Stoppage) in Rd. 2
Marquis Ross def. Isean Hannon via KO in Rd. 1
Natalie Morgan def. Jennifer Julianus by Unanimous Decision
Peter Herschelman def. Daniel Nunez by Unanimous Decision
Maila Spanyol def. Cindy Cordero via TKO in Rd. 2

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The story of exploration, conquest, vast wealth and trade, and the spirit of the merchants and tradesmen who intrepidly led their caravans along this road will blend with the spectacular art and sport of muaythai. The warriors of the Silk Road will defend the caravan as it travels to each historical city on its route. The winners of every battle will win the glory of accompanying the caravan along its journey in the hopes of achieving ultimate prize, protecting it throughout its fateful journey.

The Uzbekistan Muaythai Federation had the honour of opening the first event in this incredible series: without a doubt, they were the right people for the job. It was a colorful, memorable night and while the stadium was packed to capacity, thousands more people stood outside watching the opening ceremony on giant screens. Songstress Sevara Nazarkhan’s golden voice stirred hearts with her opening song, the beautiful muaythai anthem. The ceremony reflected the splendour of the Silk Road, blending past and present in outstanding cultural displays, showcasing some truly fantastic fights.

IFMA world champion from Uzbekistan Firdavsiy Holmuratov won against Latvia’s Kaunietis Jevgenijus. IFMA Asian world champion Ibragimov Yusuf won over Marcelo Tenorio, from Brazil. Aripov Said won against Malaysia’s Chee Jian Kai. The 2010 IFMA World Champion Nazarov Aziz fought a war against Thailand’s Jetsada Pongthong, and after a gruelling battle, Nazarov was victorious. In another spectacular display of muaythai, Botirov Shukhrat waged war against Russia’s Evgeny Makin in a fight so intense it left everyone breathless…when the dust finally settled, Botirov was the winner.

In honour of the victors, a special muaythai song created for the event was performed by Uzbekistan’s very own Ravshan Sobirov to close what had been a night of stunning and epic proportions. A special thank you must go to the Uzbekistan Muaythai Federation and the Government of Uzbekistan. Now the journey has begun and the stage is set. Over the next twelve months, the Silk Road caravan, defended by its noble guardians, will move from country to country until it reaches its final destination. April 2013: showdown in historical Samarkand.

Seated at the main table were the President of IFMA, Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, the President of the Uzbekistan Muaythai Federation, Mr. Sherzod Tashmatov, IFMA General Secretary and Vice President of the WMC, Mr. Stephan Fox, Chief of the Department of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Uzbekistan, Mr.  Rashid Matkarimov and the Vice General Secretary of the Centre for the Development of Oriental Combat Sports and Martial Arts of Uzbekistan, Mr. Alam Mulaev.

All of them made speeches outlining the importance of blending sport and culture, and stating that the Silk Road Cup is an outstanding opportunity to raise awareness about the wealth of shared history which the Silk Road embodies. Once the link between Asia’s east, south, and west with the ancient European world, as well as Persia, Arabia and parts of north and east Africa, the Silk Road represents a time when civilizations, cultures and philosophies met and enriched one another, in a martial context of exploration and conquest.

Blending muaythai’s ancient martial traditions and values into the tapestry of the Silk Road will make this event series truly one of a kind, the likes of which has never before been seen.

This weekend will mark one of the most cultural events which WMC and IFMA have ever been part of. IFMA, WMC and the Uzbekistan Muaythai Federation are traveling back in history, to the ancient times when tradesmen and merchants from China and India began to make their way to Southeast Asia, traveling through deserts and mountains to Persia, Arabia, Central Asia, and eventually reaching ancient Greece and Rome.

The history of the Silk Road is a story of fearless explorers, military conquests, great thinkers, and tradesmen who risked their lives to lead the caravans. Not only were goods and trade exchanged over this famous stretch, but splendid cultures and philosophies came into contact with each other. Alexander the Great, Marco Polo, Genghis Khan, and cities like Babylon, Bhukara, Samarkand, and many more, will come alive.

Muaythai is an ancient martial art with over 1,000 years of history. The foundation of muaythai is built on respect, honour, and long forgotten values.  “Respect all, fear none” is the mantra of muaythai, which has never been used for aggression, but for the sake of defense. Over the next 12 months, the muaythai Silk Road warriors will fight for honour and symbolically, defend against invaders. In whatever historical city the caravan stops, the national team will fight and defend the caravan against neighboring countries. The winners will move on, accompanying the caravan to the next city. In the end, a final battle will take place to crown the Silk Road Champion of all Champions. The final will be held in a magnificent city which sits in the middle of the 6,500km long Silk Road, one of the most historical cities in the world: Samarkand.

The opening event, the Silk Road Cup will be held in Tashkent. The President of IFMA, Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, and General Secretary and WMC Vice President, Stephan Fox, will represent the world muaythai community.

On Sunday April 22, WA Thai Boxing and IGNITION Muaythai will bring some of Western Australia’s best muaythai talent to the ring.

Current WMC Oceania Champion Kate Heuston, one of Western Australia’s favourite female fighters, will take on the powerhouse known as Alexis Rufus, current English and World Champion for the 57kg WMC Intercontinental title.
In a second stunning Australia VS England female fight, Australia’s 2x WMC State Champion, Kaitlyn Vance, and England’s Anne Gill will show their mettle to determine who will be victorious.

Also on the card is the hottest up and coming WMC Junior Champion Millad Farzad, who will be taking on his first International opponent, in good company with Kaitlyn Vance. Two fireball knock-out fighters, Bruce Atkin and Mike Wiktora, will also be facing opponents tough enough to stop them in their tracks. Don’t miss it!

The opening began with a traditional drum celebration, followed by a Royal Parade by Royal Cadets, walking in His Majesty’s trophy. In the middle of this stunning visual ensemble, Uzbekistan’s songbird, Sevara Nazarkhan, stepped onto the stage and performed the enchanting “Song For Muaythai ”, the official song of the campaign. The entire audience was enthralled, and the thundering applause which greeted the performance filled the stadium. The Deputy Prime Minister presided over the opening ceremony. Hosts Sonia Couling and Matthew Deane welcomed everyone to the event and then the four chosen fighters stepped onstage: Vuyisile Colossa from South Africa, “Saiyok” Sakda Neanhom from Thailand, Ilya Grad from Israel and Jordan Watson from England.

In honour of His Majesty, all four fighters performed the wai kru together, and then it was show time. The first fight saw Thailand VS South Africa and it was all out war, perhaps the highest fight of both fighters’ careers. Colossa went charging and Saiyok fought the fight of his life. After a point decision, Saiyok was declared he first finalist. Next it was Israel VS England: Ilya and Jordan, two boys who knew each other well from “The Challenger Muaythai,” both fighters putting up a great performance. In the end, it was Jordan who took the point decision.

At last, the stage was set for the final: Saiyok, Thailand’s hero against the European Champion, Jordan Watson. What a fight it was. Five rounds of world-class muaythai which left no-one in the audience sitting. It was pure give and take by two of the best middle weights. In a very close decision, the fight went to Saiyok, the new pride of the Kingdom. Saiyok won the prestigious trophy and Jordan Watson earned the respect of the entire kingdom by going toe to toe with his fearsome opponent from the first to the last second of this spectacular fight. When Saiyok went to pick up His Majesty’s trophy, confetti rained down and cheers became roars. The VIP guests had fallen in love with muaythai for the respect, honour and sportsmanship portrayed.

Well done to the organizers of the event, the World Muaythai Council, the Amateur Muaythai Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, and the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur, for one of the most celebrated and spectacular sporting events staged.

Edmund Burke once said “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”. In muaythai we say “the time is always the right to do what is right”.

When the Tsunami hit Asia in 2004, the Muaythai Kids Help Kids charity campaign raised over 30,000 care packages donated by muaythai kids from children overseas to kids in need in Thailand’s distraught regions.

The Muaythai Against Drugs or MAD campaign has become a trademark campaign with regular events held in over 70 countries. In 2011 IFMA signed an MOU with Peace & Sport to establish a campaign titled Sport Is Your Gang which was officially launched on April 3^rd in Bangkok, Thailand.

The WMC and IFMA along with other sporting groups within the SportAccord family will try to reach out to kids caught up in street gangs to help to find youngsters a belonging within the sporting gangs or teams.

Stephan Fox, General Secretary of IFMA and Vice President of the WMC was given the honour of giving the opening presentation. Dignitaries such as Mr. Hein Verbruggen President of SportAccord, Ron Froehlich President of the International World Games Association, Dr. CK Wu, President of AIBA and many other executives travelled to Bangkok to be part of the launch of this campaign.

Over 40 Ambassadors and Embassy representatives were present at the campaign launch which truly reflects the amount of support muaythai is receiving for the programme.

Within the next 12 months, the project will be established in over 100 countries.