IBF President Daryl Peoples traveled to Bangkok, Thailaind in late December to announce the IBF’s market entry plans into Muay Thai and to preside over the first IBF Muay Thai bouts for the Lightweight and Jr. Lightweight titles. 

The bouts took place at Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium to celebrate the 73rd Anniversary of the oldest boxing stadium in Thailand. 

President Peoples presented the belts to the winners Saeksan Or Kwanmung, who captured vacant IBF Muay Thai Lightweight title with his win over Panpayak Sithchefbuntham, and Petchuthong Or Kwanmung, who became the IBF Muay Thai Junior Lightweight Champion defeating Kaokai Sangchaimuaythaigym.

The sanctioning body established IBF Muay Thai under its umbrella and appointed Mr. Suwat Liptapanlog, former MP of Thailand, as Honorary President.  Mr. Liptapanlog has a proven track record of growing the sport of boxing in Thailand and brings his reputation in boxing to the newly created IBF Muay Thai.

The IBF’s entry into Muay Thai was very well received and the organization has an aggressive development plan in place to grow the brand within the sport. 

“IBF Muay Thai is committed to improving, encouraging and assisting in the development of professional Muay Thai,” stated Peoples.  “Our plans and our commitment will attract new talent to the sport to compete internationally and Muay Thai fans will enjoy appealing and competitive fights.” 

IN OTHER NEWS: Promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions wishes to congratulate his fighter, female superstar, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and WBC and IBF Super Middleweight World Champion, Claressa "T Rex" Shields, for her impressive list of victories in the 2017 year-end awards.
 
In just her first full year as a professional, Flint, Michigan's Shields was named USA Today: Female Fighter of the Year, Yahoo Sports: Female Fighter of the Year, WBAN: Hottest Rising Star and WBAN: Most Inspirational, as well as The Sweet Science's Prospect of the Year.
 
Shields is also nominated for the BWAA's Christy Martin Women's Fighter Of The Year and Bill Crawford Award for Courage in Overcoming Adversity Awards, which will be presented in February.