Muay Thai Today

by Daphne Perez

Muay Thai is currently one of the top rising sports around the world. Several countries have taken interest in the sports and in the past few years it has been steadily growing. It is one of the several known disciplines in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), and dates over 700 years back. There are several different governing bodies that sanction Muay Thai with one of the most popular being the World Muay Thai Council (WMC). The WMC is considered one of the prestigious governing bodies and most fighters strive to capture a WMC championship. 

Too many people Muay Thai is more than just a sport, it is a way of life, almost spiritual.  The intensity and skill that is part of Muay Thai is what has drawn many of today’s practitioners to the sport. Muay Thai is practiced and fought in various countries across the globe, in the Mecca of Muay Thai, Bangkok, Thailand, gambling plays a big role. Fighters and fans a like support gambling in Thailand as it allows them a means to make additional income. All though most gambling takes place at stadiums, some people use websites like www.bosports.net. This sportsbook helps them understand the nuances of betting and increase their prospects of winning . The online sportsbook provides various tips and strategies for reducing the chances of failure while wagering on today’s best Muay Thai fighters.

The world of Muay Thai provides shelter to some of the most superior fighters; no matter if they are a part of high-class tournaments or single super fights. These fighters are handpicked by the experts and train hard to withstand even the most complex and painful situations. The trainers prepare their bodies for some rough-and-ready competition within the ring. Although rankings are up for debate, there are several fighters recognized as the best in the sport. Fighters like Yodsanklai Fairtex from Thailand, Nieky Holzken from the Netherlands, and Steve Wakeling from England are amongst the top Muay Thai practitioners world wide.

Yodsanklai Fairtex (72kg, Thailand)
Popularly known as ‘The Boxing Computer’, Fairtex is one of the top fighters in the current Muay Thai era. He built his stellar career by early on competing at the world famous Lumpinee stadium. Winning his first title at flyweight at merely 16 years of age, Yodsanklai quickly began to move up the ranks. With his unique fighting abilities, Yod has become an international sensation and is one of the most popular and skilled fighters in Muay Thai. Yod became very popular after he won the reality TV show The Contender Asia by defeating John Wayne Parr of Australia. Yod is WMC and WMPF champion as well as a Toyota Vigo tournament champion.

Nieky Holzken (75Kg, Netherlands)
Holzken is one of the top Dutch fighters in the world. Holzken uses his height and reach as an advantage along with his extremely sophisticated fighting techniques and style. Holzken’s patient and technical style mixed with his power have made him a dangerous opponent for anyone deciding to step in the ring with him. Holzken not only excels in Muay Thai rules, but Kickboxing rules as well as he is currently signed to Glory, the largest Kickboxing promotion in the world.

Steve Wakeling (72kg, United Kingdom)

Steve Wakeling is one of the best known fighter fighters out of England. He has long been considered one of the best super middleweight and light heavyweights around the world. Training out of Scorpion’s Gym, he has held WMC, WBC, S-1 and WKA titles. Wakeling is easily considered on of the top three light heavyweights in the world. Known for his skill set in the clinch, and his powerful leg kicks, many fans would love to see him fight Simon Marcus of Canada. Currently Wakeling is signed to Glory.