The beautiful country of Kazakhstan was the host country for the Presidents Cup. The Kazakhstan Muaythai Federation is one of the leading Muaythai federations in the world, especially as the President of the Federation is no less than the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan itself, Mr Karim Massimov. He is also the Vice President of FAMA (under IFMA) and IFMA and the WMC.

The event was held in the capital city of Alamaty and fighters from around the world attended this special event which was opened by the Prime Minister himself, and attended by the President of IFMA, Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan, the Vice President of the WMC, Stephan Fox, and Mark Castagnini, the voice of Foxsport. The event was packed out and televised lived all over Kazakhstan. The undercard, sanctioned by FAMA, was important as it was amateur event held specially to promote the upcoming Indoor Asian Games.

After this it was show time – the international fights. Fight one was the Central Asian Title fight between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan which was a great opener and won by Kazakhstan. Next up was Cah Kai Chung from Hong Kong versus Khamzin Yerlan from Kazakhstan. This was a fantastic fight with five rounds of world class Muaythai showing how much Hong Kong has improved. Full points for fairness must go to the Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan judges who gave the fight on a split points decision to Hong Kong for the prestigious Muaythai Against Drugs Belt.

This fight was followed by Benjamin Riitter from Switzerland taking on Asian Champion Sakayev Almas. What a fight this was - Muaythai at his best for 4 rounds non stop action until midway through Round 4 Ritter caught Almas with a beautiful punch to the solar plexus, from which Alamas could not recover. Ritter won the Muaythai Against Drugs Belt and a rematch is already being talked about.

Thai Fighter Chim Viletram, the runner up Channel 7 champion, versus Tanshanlo Eidir was next on the card. This was another great match, lasting the full 5 rounds. The judges could not separate the fighters performances and it was a fair draw.

Scottish Fighter Sean Wright was next against Kassenov Dias. The first two rounds were all Kazakhstan as Sean Wright just worked his defenses and figured out his opponent. In Round 3 Sean Wright went to work. The fight started with some great exchanges but with Scotland growing by the second, the end of Round 3 brought with it an explosive punch combination that stopped Dias for another Belt – fantastic effort by Sean Wright.

Next up was the semi final event - France versus Kazakhstan, and what a fight it was. Antonine Pinto, who has been living in Thailand for many years fought the fight of his life against Amirbayev Dauren. This was the fight of all fights as both boys showed world class Muaythai which brought the crowd to their feet. Both boys stood toe to toe for 5 rounds and after the fight the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan gave a standing ovation. Dauren took the fight on a points decision but all respect must go also to the French fighter who not only fought one fighter in the ring but also a sold out stadium cheering for Kazakhstan.

The main fight of the evening was the WMC World Title fight, featuring the World Champion and favourite, Kassenov Almaz versus the challenger Alex Dally from England. Almaz is known for his boxing skills and Dally has lived his Thai dream by fighting his way up to the top. This was David verus Goliath and the in the first round both boys had some great exchanges, showing that Dally truly came to Kazakhstan to fight. In the second round both boys opened up and during the second round Almaz threw a mid section kick, which Dally countered in fantastic style with a solid right hand, knocking Almaz out cold - the upset was perfect - the stadium was silent as Alex Dally suddenly became the new WMC Champion.

Congratulations must go to the Kazakhstan Muaythai Federation, especially Vice President Farhat Amankulo, for a world class event and a trip which will stay in the memories of all who took part forever, including with private chartered planes, helicopter flights and unforgettable moments in one of the worlds most beautiful countries.

The next event is planned for later in the Year in Almaty and the WMC and IFMA is proud to be affiliated with Kazakhstan.

 

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