All set for Muay Thai Expo
The world’s first Muay Thai Expo will be held in Buri Ram this weekend in conjunction with the PTT Thailand Grand Prix.
There will be a fight programme on Friday featuring a large number of professional Muay Thai stars.
Fighters from eight nations will compete in 11 bouts which include a rematch between Tawanchai PK Saenchaimuaythaigym and Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek-U-Thai.
Tawanchai sealed a thrilling win against Kulabdam at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium last month with all three judges scoring it 49-48 in favour of Tawanchai after five rounds.
After the narrow result, fans called for a rematch and their wish has been granted.
They fought at 136 pounds last month but the weight limit has been reset to 140 pounds this time.
There will also be an exhibition bout between legendary boxers Samart Payakaroon and Somluck Kamsing.
Samart is a former world boxing champion, while Somluck became Thailand’s first ever Olympic gold medallist after his success at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
Meanwhile, former welterweight champion Victor Ortiz has been charged with raping a woman inside a home in March.
Police in Oxnard, California say the 31-year-old Ortiz have turned himself in to Ventura County Sheriffs. Police say the district attorney filed charges after a monthslong investigation, and Ortiz surrendered after a warrant was issued for his arrest.