Muay Thai, translated into English as Thai Boxing, is the national sport of Thailand and is a martial art with origins in the ancient battlefield tactics of the Siamese (or Thai) army. It evolved from Krabi Krabong, literally long and short weapons, the weapons tactics of the Thai army.
In the early 20th century, time limits, boxing gloves as well as a uniform set of rules were introduced. The early Muay Thai bouts pitted different companies within the Siamese army against each other in unarmed combat (Muay Boran) with few rules and no weight divisions or time limits. They became quite popular and eventually were shown in stadia across the country. Muay Thai is known as “King of the Ring” in kickboxing circles.
These fights feature punches, kicks, elbows, knees, standing grappling and head-butts to wear down and knock out their opponent. Thai training methods develop devastating power, speed and superb cardio-vascular endurance as well as fighting spirit. Muay Thai training is also quite safe thanks to sophisticated pad training that evolved to keep fighters healthy between fights.
A Muay Thai fight demonstrating the intense physical combat.
The World Thai Boxing Association (WTBA)
The World Thai Boxing Association (WTBA), the oldest and largest Muay Thai organization in the World, was founded in 1968 by Ajarn Surachai “Chai” Sirisute. (Ajarn is Thai for head instructor.) Ajarn Chai came to the United States with a vision to spread Muay Thai to throughout the world, and he is the first-ever Thai boxing instructor to teach Americans this art and he has worked tirelessly for 40 plus years to that end. The WTBA has now expanded to establish affiliate organizations in countries around the world.
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By Panra Kratius & Dr. Nai Khanom Tom agreed to fight against the other Burmese boxers to uphold the reputation of Thai boxing. His last opponent was in fact a boxing teacher from Ya Kai City who was on a visit to enjoy the festivities.
Ajarn Chai Sirisute, founder of the World Thai Boxing Association (WTBA).
WBC Muaythai: Elevating Muay Thai to a Global Stage
The WBC Muay Thai was established in 2004 under the World Boxing Council (WBC) as a non-profit organization with the mission to develop professional Muay Thai globally. As an affiliated division of the WBC, it adheres to the rules set by the Board of Boxing Sport (Office of Professional Sports) of the Sports Authority of Thailand.
WBC MuayThai was created to facilitate and sanction professional Muay Thai competitions, aiming to develop and expand the sport worldwide. It fosters Muay Thai at all levels and weight divisions, upholding international safety standards to promote Muay Thai as a premier fighting art.
On November 26th, 2001, His Majesty, the King of Thailand, held a historic audience in Hua Hin, Thailand, with World Boxing Council President Dr. Jose Sulaiman and Pol. General Kovid Bhakdibhumi, WBC Vice-President and WBC Asian Boxing Council President.
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Shortly after, the World Boxing Council established the WBC Muay Thai to rate fighters worldwide and sanction WBC MuayThai Title events. Pol. Gen. Kovid Bhakdibhumi was appointed the WBC MuayThai Global Chairman.
Since its inception, the WBC MuayThai has promoted the sport globally. The core aim of the WBC MUAY THAI is to enhance the global presence of the sport and culture of MuayThai.
The World Muaythai Council (WMC) is one of the oldest professional sanctioning organizations of Muaythai in the world for the sport. The organization was set up in 1995 by parliament resolution, and is incorporated by the Royal Thai Government and sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand, under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The council has been charged with the responsibility for the expansion of Muaythai worldwide.
Set up by parliament resolution, the WMC is incorporated by the Royal Thai Government and sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand, working together with the highest sport authorities of all member countries around the world to regulate all aspects of the art and sport of Muaythai.
The inauguration meeting was held in 1995 at an appropriate venue, the United Nation Conference Centre with representatives from 39 countries attended. Presently there are 120 member countries registered with the WMC.
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In 1997 a joint effort began between WMC, IFMA and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand to get muaythai recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia. In 1998 muaythai began the process to become an official recognized sport and to be included into GAISF.
In the year 2000 a world meeting took place with WMC, IFMA, the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and Sports Authority of Thailand in which 106 countries participated to vote on the idea of applying for GAISF membership. With a vote of 102 against 4 the world muaythai community decided to apply under the word ‘muaythai’ as the official name of the sport to meet Olympic requirements.
The cooperation continued with annual events held in Thailand to celebrate the Kings, Queens and Prince's birthdays. In 2006, muaythai under IFMA was recognized by GAISF. In 2012 the WMC, IFMA and the Olympic Committee of Thailand started a campaign, muaythai towards highest recognition, applying for recognition to the International Olympic Committee and inclusion in the World Games.
On December 20, 2025, the city of Bari, Italy, hosted an exciting night of action as the Power Of MuayThai event took place at the Palasport, drawing strong local support and showcasing the depth of Italian MuayThai talent. Buonamico Crowned WBC MuayThai Amateur National Lightweight Champion in Bari. The highlight of the evening was the WBC MuayThai Amateur National Lightweight Title contest, where Luca Buonamico.
A new national champion was crowned as Walid Snoussi of Sitan Gym claimed the WBC MuayThai USA Professional National Super Featherweight Title (126 lbs) following an impressive victory in New York City. Walid Snoussi Captures WBC MuayThai USA Professional National Super Featherweight Title. Competing on the Warrior’s Cup Promotion event, Snoussi delivered a composed and authoritative performance to defeat Kendrick Latchman, securing the prestigious national championship.
French star Dylan Salvador captured the WBC MuayThai Super-welterweight World Title with a hard-fought points victory over Thai standout Kongjak PorPaoin in the main event of Le Nuit De Challenge, held last night in Lyon. SALVADOR CROWNED WBC MUAYTHAI SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION IN LYONDecember 21, 2025. It was a sensational battle between two elite warriors, delivering a high-level showcase of world-class MuayThai. Salvador displayed composure, precision.
On December 14, 2025, the WBC MuayThai Greater China (Hong Kong) National Title was on the line as Hong Kong’s Tse Kit Shing faced China’s Hu Chu-Hang in a highly competitive championship encounter. Tse Kit Shing Claims WBC MuayThai Greater China (Hong Kong) National Title. From the opening bell, Tse Kit Shing asserted control of the bout.
List of WBC Muaythai World Champions
This is a list of WBC Muaythai world champions, showing every world champion certificated by World Boxing Council's WBC Muaythai.
Notable Champions and Title Fights:
- Boughanem: Defeated Steven Banks (United States) by decision after 5 rounds at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, to win the vacant title. Also defeated Noppakaw Sairiruckmuaythai (Thailand) by TKO at 3R to win the vacant regular title, retaining his Rajadamnern stadium middleweight and Phoenix world middleweight titles.
- McKinnon: Defeated Ashwin Balrak (Netherlands) by unanimous decision after 5 rounds in Montego Bay, Jamaica. He also defeated Eduardo Maiorino (Brazil) by KO in the first round in Sydney, Australia, retaining his title.
- Lamsongkram: Defeated Stephen Wakeling (United Kingdom) by decision after 5 rounds in London, England, unifying the WBC Muaythai World Middleweight championship.
- Noppakrit: Defeated Anthony Ford (Canada) by decision after 5 rounds at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, to win the vacant title.
- Big Ben: Defeated Noppadeth Chuwatthana II (Thailand) by unanimous decision after 5 rounds at Rajdamnern Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Or. Jaroenchai: Defeated Hiromasa Masuda (Japan) by split decision after 5 rounds in Haikou, Hainan, China.
- Umeno: Defeated Jompitchit Chuwattana (Thailand) by unanimous decision after 5 rounds in Tokyo, Japan.
- Hamech: Defeated Chaichana (Thailand) by KO in the first round in Saint-Fons, France.
- Lyndon Knowles: Reclaimed WBC MuayThai Heavyweight Title with Stunning Victory.
- Daniel Bonner: Claims WBC MuayThai Super-Middleweight World Championship in Emphatic Fashion.
Table of Select WBC Muaythai Champions
| Champion | Opponent | Method of Victory | Round | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boughanem | Steven Banks | Decision | 5 | Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok |
| McKinnon | Ashwin Balrak | Unanimous Decision | 5 | Montego Bay, Jamaica |
| Lamsongkram | Stephen Wakeling | Decision | 5 | London, England |
| Umeno | Jompitchit Chuwattana | Unanimous Decision | 5 | Tokyo, Japan |
| Hamech | Chaichana | KO (Knee Shot) | 1 | Saint-Fons, France |
The WBC MuayThai continues to sanction and promote world-class Muay Thai events, contributing significantly to the sport's global recognition and popularity.