Vietnamese martial artist beats Thai fighter to win world Muay Thai title

By Minh Khang October 15, 2023 | 04:00 am PT

Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat wins the Muay Thai International Professional Combat Council (IPCC) belt and a reward of VND70 million after defeating Chaiwat Sungnoi in HCMC, October 14, 2023. Photo by No. 1 Muay Club

World champion Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat defeated Thai fighter Chaiwat Sungnoi to win the Muay Thai International Professional Combat Council (IPCC) on Saturday night in HCMC.

The two competed for the IPCC title in the men's 60 kg category as part of the All-Star Fight 2023 tournament.

The fight marked the return of Nhat after a one-year absence.

Nhat stayed on the offensive with many different moves in the first round. However, Chaiwat Sungnoi also responded fiercely with his flying knees.

In the second round, the two boxers increased the pace of the bout with continuous attacks. In a counterattack situation, Nhat connected with an accurate kick that caused the opponent to fall to the floor.

In the third round, Chaiwat tried to get close to strike. However, the Thai boxer continuously received heavy blows to the face and legs from Nhat. In the end, Nhat was ruled by the judges as a 2-1 winner.

At 34, Nhat is a five-time Muay Thai world champion and four-time SEA Games medalist. Chaiwat Sungnoi won a gold medal in kickboxing at the 2021 SEA Games in the 54 kg low kick category.

With this latest win, Nhat earned VND70 million (US$2,860).