MUAYTHAI IN FULL GEAR IN RUSSIA

Russia, the winner of last year’s IFMA World Championship and one of the founding members of the WMC and IFMA, was again the host of a huge international event as qualifying events for the 2007 World Championships continue to be held all over the country.

The stadium was packed to bursting point and the event will be televised around the world and the card featured many international fights, leading up to the two headline bouts, the first of which was Igor Petrov (Kemerovo) vs Poonsang Rangsan (Thailand). This was without a doubt one of the hardest Muaythai fights Russia has ever seen, with both boys showing world class technique and action. The judges could not separate the boys performances and it was declared a draw.

The final and main fight featured Russian superstar and two times IFMA World Champion Artyom Levin (Prokopyevsk). Levin, who recently defeated Thai superstar Nongthanan in the Rumble of the Kings show in Sweden was ready for the Intercontinental Muaythai Against Drugs challenge and took on Nonsai Srisuk of Thailand. Both boys stood toe to toe for three rounds but in round 4 Levin showed his world class by sending Nongsai twice to the canvas and the referee stopped the fight. Congratulations to Nevin for entering the WMC Top Ten rankings with his great performance.

The world is looking forward for the next event sanctioned by the WMC at the Russian State Circus. Congratulations to the Russian Muaythai Federation as Russia continues to show why it is one of the world powerhouses of the sport.