MAX Muay Thai

Watch fights between Thai and foreign boxers

Watching an evening of MAX Muay Thai boxing is an exciting experience for young and old. Every night spectators can watch fights between Thais and foreigners from countries across the world. The stadium is full of lights, noise and people shouting putting bets on the fighters.

The MAX Muay Thai stadium hosts several events, including the competition for the MAX World Champion belt. Very popular in Thailand, the MAX Muay Thai fights are broadcasted live on TV by Channel 8.

“The art of eight limbs”

Muay Thai boxing is known as “the art of eight limbs”, because unlike Western boxing there are eights points of contact, not just the fists, but also elbows, knees and feet.

A sport that has been around for centuries

Muay Thai has been practiced in Thailand for centuries. During the Ayutthaya era the sport was part of military training. Today still an important part of Thai culture, the sport has gained popularity in Western countries thanks to movies as “Kickboxer” with Jean Claude van Damme.

As the sport has become popular outside of Thailand, an increasing number of foreign fighters compete for the MAX World Champion belt.

MAX Muay Thai stadium

The fights are held in the MAX Muay Thai boxing stadium on Sukhumvit road in Pattaya city. Famous Thai fighters as Jomthong Chuwattana, Aikpracha Meenayothin and Buakaw Banchamek, all multiple times Muay Thai champions, have fought here. A stadium with a lot of atmosphere, spectators are close to the action with good views of the ring.

Fight at MAX Muay Thai

The fighters enter the stadium

Announced by loud music, the fighters emerge from the stadium interior. With bright spotlights on them, the boxers wearing long robes walk towards the ring in an intimidating manor while shadow boxing. A giant screen displays the boxers’ photo and their statistics.

The Wai Khru and Ram Muay ritual

After the fighters enter the ring, they perform two rituals accompanied by loud, traditional music. With the Wai Khru ritual, the fighters pay their respect to their trainers. By performing the Ram Muay, the boxers demonstrate their skills and techniques.

The fights

Each fight is made up of three rounds of three minutes each. Right from the start of the fight, the boxers swing into full gear. There are three weight categories, the fighters vary in age and experience from young boys to professional fighters.

Several events are held at MAX Muay Thai: