SINGAPORE: Local Muay Thai fighters flew the Singapore flag high at the second Muay Thai Festival competition held over the weekend at Suntec City. All four Singapore athletes won their matches in the co-main events, with Wynn Neo successfully defending his WBC Muay Thai Singapore Featherweight title and three other fighters winning their matches against Thai opponents.
In an exhilarating main event, Rungubon Sagami (photo below) of Thailand demonstrated his exceptional prowess, securing victory in the WBC Muay Thai Nai Khanom Tom title match. Through a gruelling battle over five rounds, Sagami’s awe-inspiring performance left no doubt about his superiority. This was undoubtedly displayed as he emerged triumphant in a unanimous decision by the judges, solidifying his dominance over Morocco’s Said Ennasiri.
“I am extremely pleased with the competition as it showcased the skills and dedication of the fighters, especially those from Singapore. This event proves that Singapore athletes have the potential to bring the sport further and onto the world map. However, it is tough as we do not have the necessary funds and support from the relevant authority,” shared the chairman of WBC Muay Thai Singapore and organiser of the Muay Thai Festival, Spencer, with The Independent Singapore.
Tay shared that the recent Muay Thai Festival at Suntec City saw about 1,000 fans supporting the event. He is determined to continue promoting the sport of Muay Thai in Singapore, as his organisation aims to provide opportunities for local fighters to compete on the regional and international stage.
In the highly anticipated co-main event, the seasoned Singaporean veteran Muay Thai athlete, 47-year-old Kenji Ong, squared off against the young and talented Neo. Despite the 20-year age gap and experience, Neo displayed remarkable preparation and ultimately emerged victorious in the third round with a spectacular knockout, much to the electrifying delight of the crowd.
“I trained hard for this match. As a fighter, you must have the mentality to win any match as fast as possible, regardless of who your opponent is. It is nice to see my hard work come true,” mentioned Neo after his win.
When asked what is his next step after his win against one of the most senior and respected Muay Thai athletes in Singapore, Neo added, “I will compete when I feel the time is best for me. So I do not have the stress of thinking about the next competition. The next one will come when I am ready for it. So if I submit my name for the next fight, I will just face who is next, and I don’t have a list of who I want to fight with.”
Another Singapore Muay Thai athlete who was victorious on Saturday night, Tan Xuan Yun, against a Thai opponent named ‘Glassy’ in the EFC Muay Thai Championship (47kg) title match.
“I am very happy with this win. It is the best feeling when you put in your hard work, and it comes to show. Honestly, I am feeling very hungry and hyped up for more fights of higher caliber,” expressed a delighted Tan in an interview with The Independent Singapore after her match.
After her win, Tan is determined to set her sights higher, aiming to climb the world rankings and ultimately claim the championship title in her weight division.
“I hope that the world can come to know that Singapore can produce excellent fighters as well. I also want to show ladies out there that even though we are in a male dominant-sport, we can have a fair share of the pie, too. So you go, girls!” exclaimed Tan.
Other Singapore Muay Thai fighters that won in the co-main events were in the EFC Muay Thai Championship title match but in different weight categories. In the 65kg event, Angus knocked out Thailand’s Phai in the third round, while Lee De Jun won in the 60kg category against Petchbuncha, also from Thailand.
In the co-main events of the EFC Muay Thai Championship title matches, two other Singaporean Muay Thai fighters emerged victorious, competing in different weight categories. In the 65kg event, Angus secured a spectacular knockout against Thailand’s Phai in the third round, while Lee De Jun won in the 60kg category against Petchbuncha, also from Thailand.