Published on August 13, 2005

[MUAY THAI] Former European champion Steven Wakeling from England knocked out Changthai Thailand Gym in the third round to land the S1 World Championship Chalerm Phrakiat title yesterday.

Tens of thousands of Thai fans packed the makeshift ring at Sanam Luang yesterday to give moral support to the two Thai fighters – Somchay Chimram and Changthai – in the one-day event which was held to commemorate HM the Queen’s 73rd Birthday.

A total of eight Muay Thai fighters including two each from England and Russia were drawn in two groups of four. The knock-out format decided the eventual winner.

In the final clash, both Wakeling and Changthai, who won the Lumpinee lightweight crown, went for broke to win the world title. It was a close match as the fighters engaged in fierce rallies, but the much stronger and taller Wakeling used his reach advantage to pummel Changthai.

For the victory, Wakeling received Bt500,000 cash and the World Champion’s belt.

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