Close to 3,000 spectators crammed into a purpose-built facility on the stadium grounds for a colourful, spectacular celebration of Thai culture, as City Chairman Vichai Raksriaksorn and Vice Chairman Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn brought in the new football season in style.
Both City supporters and Muay Thai fans were treated to an explosion of lights, fireworks and world class sport in what was the perfect curtain raiser to Saturday’s opening home game of the season against Peterborough United.
Muay Thai superstar Buakaw was the star of the show, making an electrifying return to the ring following a brief brush with retirement. The Thai icon received a hero’s reception from a passionate crowd, well-educated in Thai boxing, ahead of the night’s main event, in which he beat French fighter Abdul Toure with a second-round knockout.
Buakaw’s impressive victory was one of eight exciting bouts, with some of Thailand’s finest competing alongside ‘nak muay’ from all over the world, including three boxers from England.
Leeds-born Jordan Watson recorded an impressive win over Frenchman Ahmed Hassan, while Newcastle’s Michael Dicks produced a brave display despite his defeat to Congolese Crice Boussoukou.
An incredible atmosphere was charged even further ahead of the night’s fifth bout, with Thai showman Sudaskorn Sor Klinmee emerging from backstage carrying a Leicester City scarf above his head. It brought a fantastic reaction from those in attendance, which included City boss Nigel Pearson, assistants Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh and several members of the Club’s coaching staff.
Competing in two teams throughout the evening, Buakaw’s team ultimately emerged victorious and were presented with the winners’ trophy by Vichai Raksriaksorn at the evening’s conclusion.
Click to view more photos from Friday night’s event, while video footage of an incredible spectacle will appear soon on Foxes Player.
Thai Fight Extreme 2012 Results
BOUT 1:
Armin Pumpanmuangwindysport (THA) bt Abdallah Mabel (CMR) – Round 2 KO
BOUT 2:
Dylan Salvador (ESP) bt Salomon Whickman – Pts decision
BOUT 3:
Singmanee Kaewsamrit (THA) bt Houcine Bennoui (FRA) – Pts decision
BOUT 4:
Saiyok Pumpanmuangwindysport (THA) bt Craig Jose (SCO) – Pts decision
BOUT 5:
Sudaskorn Sor Klinmee (THA) bt Reghi Issam (FRA) – Pts decision
BOUT 6:
Buakaw (THA) bt Abdoul Toure (FRA) – Round 2 KO
BOUT 7:
Jordan Watson (ENG) bt Ahmed Hassan – Pts decision
BOUT 8:
Crice Boussoukou (RSA) bt Michael Dicks (ENG) – Pts decision