This grand event included 2 WBC (World Boxing Council) championship matches, 6 XMT elimination matches, and 6 challenge matches. As the host, Hong Kong sent 11 Muay Thai athletes to face challenges from 13 Muay Thai competitors from various countries around the world. With the cheers of the audience, the entire event was fiercely contested, and the Hong Kong Muay Thai athletes defended their home ground with increasing courage.
Ms. Titiporn Manenate, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Hong Kong), stated at the opening ceremony that Muay Thai is a traditional martial art of Thailand, emphasizing physical coordination. Through Muay Thai, individuals can cultivate determination and courage. "Today, Muay Thai is a healthy sport suitable for people of all ages, making it very suitable for busy Hong Kong residents to adjust their life pace."
The competition kicked off with a dynamic opening dance by the Jamcity dance group, which combines street dance and Muay Thai movements, as featured in the popular Hong Kong movie "Dance Off." The challenge matches began, each consisting of three rounds of three minutes, with judges determining the winner based on the athletes' performances. In the women's Muay Thai challenge match, Hong Kong athlete Ramona faced South Korean competitor Seung, starting with a fierce left hook that struck her opponent's soft spot. After withstanding two rounds of strong counterattacks from her opponent, she ultimately secured victory. Hong Kong athletes Wang Desheng and Guo Zijian, among others, also achieved victories in the challenge matches.
The XMT elimination matches were divided into 57 kg and 70 kg categories. Chen Qicong, the only Hong Kong athlete participating in the 57 kg elimination match and the gold medalist of the 2013 "Cross-Strait and Hong Kong-Macau Region Muay Thai Invitation Tournament," faced South Korean competitor Jung in the first round. Remaining calm under pressure, he skillfully dodged Jung's attacks multiple times, seizing the opportunity to launch a series of left and right hooks followed by straight punches, taking the initiative. He knocked his opponent down twice, leading to a K.O. (knockout), earning loud cheers from the audience.
The WBC (World Boxing Council) championship match was the highest-level event of the competition, consisting of 5 rounds. The heavyweight match between three-time Hong Kong Muay Thai champion Li Jianren and Japanese Muay Thai champion Nakamura Toshihiro became the most intense event of the evening.
Li Jianren sought to exploit his opponent's weaknesses from the start, initiating the attack after a brief probe, while his opponent's footwork was exceptionally agile, evading the strikes. Li Jianren first attacked with his left foot, followed by a powerful right hook that landed on his opponent's body, then quickly advancing with straight punches. The two exchanged blows for five rounds, creating a tense atmosphere in the arena, with no clear winner. Li Jianren sustained a cut on his forehead during the match but persevered, delivering an exciting performance for the audience. Ultimately, after discussions among the judges, the two competitors shook hands in agreement.
The audience's enthusiasm peaked during this match involving Li Jianren. While the judges scored the bout, Li Jianren raised his fist, signaling the entire audience to stand. The crowd chanted "Hong Kong, Hong Kong" in unison, and amidst the energetic music, cheers of "Go!" and "Hong Kong!" echoed throughout the venue.
The six-hour international Muay Thai competition concluded with two XMT finals, where Brazilian champion Jefferson achieved a stunning K.O. of his opponent in the 57 kg category in just 53 seconds to win the title. In another 70 kg match, another Brazilian competitor, Victor, also secured the championship with a K.O. in just over 2 minutes. Meanwhile, Hong Kong athlete Du Henglin won the WBC lightweight championship.
Throughout the competition, Muay Thai athletes from around the world displayed exceptional sportsmanship and competitive standards. During the intense matches, competitors showed friendly respect to each other at the end of each round, and rushed to check on their opponents when injuries occurred. Some athletes embraced each other after the match, giving a thumbs-up in mutual admiration.
On that day, a sudden thunderstorm in Hong Kong did not dampen the audience's enthusiasm. The venue, which can accommodate 3,600 spectators, was filled to capacity, with chants of "Go!" and "Stand up!" ringing out continuously. The audience cheered loudly in waves, following the rhythm of the athletes' attacks. Young children as young as seven waved balloon sticks and cheered joyfully, while boxing enthusiasts in their fifties applauded every impressive strike. When an athlete was defeated or injured and left the ring, the audience stood up to applaud and encourage them.
