Muay Thai legend Buakaw loses to Bulgarian in K-1 World MAX 2024 finals

[webfact]

Thailand’s best-known Muay Thai boxer, Buakaw Banchamek, was defeated by Bulgarian Stoyan Koprivlenski in a three-round bout at the K-1 World MAX Championship, held in the Yoyoi 2nd gymnasium in Tokyo on Sunday night.

Last night’s fight was Buakaw’s attempt, at the age of 42, to return to K-1 World MAX, in the under 70kg weight category, since he won the championship in 2004 and 2006.

 

Last night’s bout was in the first round of the eight fighters’ marathon tournament. The winners of the first round proceed to the semi-final, after which the two finalists meet to decide the championship.

 

The rules forbid the use of elbow and knee jabs while pulling the body of the opponent.

 

During the second round, Buakaw took a kick to his chin, forcing him to pause momentarily. This prompted the referee to give an eight count.

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2024-07-09

 

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[Enoon]

The story is that he got beat...........but all three photos (see link) show him seemingly bettering his opponent.

 

The correct photo for this article is the one where he gets it on the chin or the one where he's taking the count.......taking it on the canvas?

 

You can bet your ****** life that, had he floored the Bulgar, that photo would have been shown.

 

There is something to be said about the way the presentation here of the event reflects some significant aspects of Thai psychology.

 

 

Edited July 8 by Enoon

[hotchilli]

I understand the desire to compete but there comes a time when it's best to retire when still at/near the top than get hammered and forgotten.

[nausea]

Age 42, says it all.

[john donson]

guess he was paid well to fight beyond his prime

[thailand49]

Tyson, 50's the money is good " lets get ready to rumble " 

[JeffersLos]

An appalling and disgraceful way to lose. If I ever see him, I'm going to walk up and smack him right across the kisser.