Muaythai fans were once again treated to an evening of world class entertainment last Saturday evening at the Grand Opening of the Thailand VS Challenger (2011) Series at Bangkok’s River City Hall. Organised by Bangkok-based Elite Boxing in co-operation with One Songchai Promotions, under the World Muaythai Council sanctioning, the event marked the Grand Opening of the second Thailand vs Challenger Series.
Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural series, the Grand Opening of the second TVC series followed the same strategy of holding top international muaythai events at luxury venues both in Thailand and around the world. Set in the plush surroundings of the exclusive River City Hall, last Saturday’s event attracted an elite crowd of local and international VIPs.
The opening fight saw local talent Armin Blackdragonswis looking very sharp as he defeated Chinese challenger, Hong Guang, by way of a comfortable decision win. Contender Asia veteran, Aussie Bruce Macfie, encountered a torrent of blows from Thai competitor, Saiyok Pumpanmuang, and did well to go to the distance, even though Saiyok’s victory was never really in doubt.
The Thai team was also victorious in two other matches: Kaoklai Kaenorsing knocked out the American celebrity, Cyrus Washington, in a match that exhibited some unusual technique and a very balanced exchange. Eventually, Kaoklai drew blood from a vicious elbow and the match had to be stopped.
Seulokkao Kor Kraivilas scored a technical victory over German, Valdet Gashi. However, the decision was met with a chorus of boos from the sell-out crowd who clearly believed that Valdet had done enough to deserve the win. Elite Boxing co-founder Toli Makris even took the unusual step of apologising for the decision and announced that Valdet would certainly be fighting in TVC events again in the future. “I am sorry to all the fans about the decision against Valdet” commented Makris “but I can guarantee that he will have his chance again”.
The only Challenger victory came by way of the young Frenchman, Antuan Siangboxing, who won on points against the local competitor, Saenchainoi Pumphanmuang. Having narrowly lost on points in previous TVC events, it was a sweet victory for the battling Frenchman.
Proceeds from this incredible first TVC event of 2011 will go to support charities, including the “Muaythai Against Drugs Foundation,” headed by the World Muaythai Council’s Honorary Life President, General Pichit Kullavanijaya. The Series opener was supported by Mr. Stephen Rose, River City and Grand Pearl River Cruises. Elite Boxing wishes to thank those sponsors who helped to deliver such a knockout evening.
The much-anticipated second appointment with Thailand vs Challenger will see a series of 6 international events taking place in both Europe and Asia. The next date to look forward to is the Queen’s Cup on August the 12th, which will be taking place in Sanam Luang, Bangkok. Thailand vs Europe will see the Challenger Series head to Germany next for a glittering event in Stuttgart, before returning to Thailand in December for Thailand vs Asia. Confirmed broadcasters for the Series currently include Eurosport, ESPN, Astro Malaysia, TGN and Starhub.
For more details regarding the TVC (2011) Series, visit the Elite Boxing
website: www.elite-boxing.com
