Jessica Ng USA taking on Adriana Herrera, Peru IMAGE: USMF Jeff Dojillo

The women of Pan-American muaythai were in action at the packed venue in Mexico city, alongwith male athletes in all weight categories for the second day of competition.

The women opened the action, with athletes from America, Peru, Mexico, Costa Rica, Columbia, Argentina and Brazil in the rings.

During the day, a meeting of the boards of all Pan-American muaythai federations also took place. Mexico will host the IFMA Worlds in May next year, and all federations want to support them in this. The federations also have a lot to celebrate in marking  medal success at the 2017 Worlds and The World Games in Woclaw in July. This is the largest Pan-American muaythai tournament in the history of the event, and plans were made to ensure the 2018 Worlds will be even more successful.

As is usual during these events,  many plans were made for smaller tournaments and co-hosting of events to ensure the national team athletes have opportunities to continue improving between now and the 2018 Worlds. Janice Lyn, Canada also attended in her role as Chair of the IFMA Athletes’ Commission.

In the venue Yumiko Kawano for Canada won a tense points decision against Daniela Hernandez of Mexico at 54kg. Peruvian star Lisanne Van der Molen took a convincing win also against Mexico to put herself in with a chance of gold on the final day.

Team USA advanced all four of their female team who competed in this round, including Janet Todd, bronze medal winner at the IFMA Worlds and The World Games earlier this year. And in a shock upset their male teammate Luis Rodrigo Morales defeated golden favourite Ian Escuza of Peru on points in the 71kg category.

Sabina Mazo (Columbia) goes forward to the gold medal round, as does Byran Burgos (Honduras) after a good bout against Costa Rica’s Andres Alvarez.

Full results from Day 2 PanAmerican muaythai championships.

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