Thai Fight took place today in Pattaya, Thailand and Buakaw was back in action. There had been reports that Buakaw would not be fighting at the even, his former gym Por. Pramuk was trying to prevent him from fighting at the event and received a letter from the boxing board of control that stated Buakaw could not fight. His name was removed from the fight card and seemed there would be no Buakaw, but to the delight of many fans he was in action and taking on Rustem Zaripov.
Buakaw wasted no time going to work and despite Zaripov’s efforts, Buakaw was just too much for him. In the second round Buakaw knocked Zaripov down with a punch, but he was able to answer the referee’s count. Buakaw kept landing his lighting fast kicks and it was clear that he was out of Zaripov’s league; despite efforts by Zaripov to get some offense going it, Buakaw was in command. A right hand late in the second round hurt Zaripov and then Buakaw began to tee off. A barrage of strikes followed that sent Zaripov down for good. Afterwards an emotional Buakaw addressed the crowd and stated he did not fight for himself today, but for his father and everyone that wanted to watch him fight.