Tag: Buakaw Banchamek

Buakaw is Back: Buakaw vs. Kouzi at the Japan Martial Arts Expo Booked for October 19

Buakaw is Back: Buakaw vs. Kouzi at the Japan Martial Arts Expo Booked for October 19The iconic Buakaw Banchamek is set to return to the ring on October 19th for a boxing match against…

Buakaw is Back: Buakaw vs. Kouzi at the Japan Martial Arts Expo Booked for October 19

The iconic Buakaw Banchamek is set to return to the ring on October 19th for a boxing match against Japanese veteran fighter Kouzi. This bout will be part of the Japan Martial Arts Expo, taking place at Yokohama BUNTAI. The match will feature a format of three rounds, each lasting three minutes as a boxing match

Japan Martial Arts Expo

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, October 19th
  • Doors Open: 12:30 PM
  • Match Start Time: 2:00 PM
Japan Martial Arts Expo

The Japan Martial Arts Expo vows a day of martial arts action, including demonstrations, performances from top fighters, and opportunities to explore the latest gear and innovations in martial arts. Notably, part of the event’s proceeds will support earthquake recovery efforts in the Noto peninsula.

Buakaw Banchamek

Thailand’s Buakaw has an impressive record of 284 fights and 243 victories and will be competing in a boxing format rather than his traditional style. He is a veteran of Kickboxing and Muay Thai, best known for his tournament victories in K-1 MAX.

Buakaw Banchamek has been keeping active in his late age competing in K-1 tournaments, bare-knuckle fighting, Muay Thai, and other events. He was looking to box Manny Pacquiao in an exhibition match but the fight was cancelled.

Throughout his lengthy career, Buakaw has faced the very best in multiple generations of kickboxers. He has met athletes such as Andy Souwer, Nieky Holzken, John Wayne Parr, Masato, and Giorgio Petrosyan, among many others.

Buakaw

Kouzi

Retired Japanese kickboxer Kouzi gained prominence in the bantamweight division as he holds career highs such as the ISKA World Lightweight title and notable matches against fighters like Tenshin Nasukawa, Takeru Segawa and Taiga. Kouzi announced his retirement from professional competition in April 2023 after a series of fights, including a comeback victory that earned him “Comeback of the Year” honors. He was most active in the late 2010s and competed in RIZIN and K-1, plus several others.

Top 10: Best Kickboxers of All Time [Updated 2024]

Top 10 Best Kickboxers of All TimeThese are the best kickboxers of all time. The greatest kickboxers of all time list updated in 2024. Who…

Top 10 Best Kickboxers of All Time

These are the best kickboxers of all time. The greatest kickboxers of all time list updated in 2024. Who is the GOAT of Kickboxing? Who is the king of kickboxing? Let’s count down the top 10 kickboxers of all time.

Top 10 Best Kickboxers of All Time

These are the best kickboxers of all time followed by honorable mentions who nearly made the list, updated for this year with the best kickboxer in history.

10. Chingiz Allazov

Chingiz Allazov is a dangerous and aggressive striker who was able to win titles in K-1 and ONE Championship. Most notably, he was able to knock out Superbon Singha Mawynn to make history. Additionally, the striker has been able to defeat GLORY and K-1 champions such as Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong and Marat Grigorian in dominant performances.

9. Remy Bonjasky

Remy Bonjasky, nicknamed ‘The Flying Gentleman,’ was a major force in kickboxing during its peak years. This Dutch fighter snagged three K-1 World Grand Prix titles at the height of his career. He took down some big names like Errol Zimmerman, Gokhan Saki, Jerome Le Banner, Badr Hari, Musashi, and even Ernesto Hoost. In the 2004 K-1 World Grand Prix, Bonjasky faced a tough challenge by fighting three top-ranked opponents in a row. His matches kept ending in ties, pushing him into extra rounds. By the end of the night, he fought a total of 12 kickboxing rounds to secure the win. With his record and K-1 titles, he is one of the Best Kickboxers of All Time.

REmy Bonjasky

8. Masato Kobayashi

Masato is a huge name in Japanese kickboxing as he changed the landscape of the sport. He won the K-1 MAX Grand Prix world championship twice, with impressive victories over fighters like Andy Souwer, Buakaw Banchamek, Mike Zambidis, Duane ‘Bang’ Ludwig, and Albert Kraus. He competed during the golden era of kickboxing and K-1 MAX, facing the best competition in a deep division. His legacy still inspires fighters to this day making him one of the best kickboxers of all time.

Masato kob

7. Buakaw Banchamek

Buakaw Banchamek from Thailand is a legendary figure in combat sports. His win in the 2004 K-1 MAX Grand Prix, where he beat Masato in the final, was a game-changer for kickboxing and made him a superstar in Thailand. Throughout his career, he won two K-1 MAX Grand Prix world titles and multiple Muay Thai stadium titles. He has an impressive record of 240 wins, 24 losses, and 12 draws, with notable victories over Masato, Nieky Holzken, John Wayne Parr, Andy Souwer, Mike Zambidis, Jean-Charles Skarbowsky, Albert Kraus, and many others. Not only does he have an incredible legacy in Muay Thai, but also he is one of the best kickboxers of all time.

Buakaw Banchamek

6. Peter Aerts

Peter Aerts, known as ‘The Dutch Lumberjack,’ had one of the most remarkable careers in kickboxing. Over 30 years, this Dutch fighter built an amazing record of 108 wins, 35 losses, and 2 draws. He won three K-1 World Grand Prix championships during kickboxing’s golden era and was famous for his head kick knockouts and relentless pressure, easily ranking him as one of the best kickboxers of all time. Aerts defeated many top fighters, including Andy Hug, UFC Hall of Famer Maurice Smith, Ernesto Hoost, Jerome Le Banner, Mike Bernardo, Musashi, Ray Sefo, Semmy Schilt, and many others.

5. Tenshin Nasukawa

Tenshin Nasukawa is one of those rare fighters who has beaten almost everyone in his division. Starting his pro career at just 15 years old. In just eight years, Tenshin built an unbeaten record of 44-0, with most wins by knockout. The Japanese star has defeated well-known fighters like Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Kyoji Horiguchi, Shiro, Kumandoi, Rui Ebata, and his K-1 rival the declared champion Takeru Segawa. With his incredible dominance and style, he is absolutely one of the best kickboxers of all time. He also won various divisional and tournament titles in RISE. Now, he is unbeaten in professional boxing and many of his kickboxing wins have aged very well.

4. Rico Verhoeven

Rico Verhoeven, known as the ‘King of Kickboxing,’ has one of the longest championship streaks in the sport. This Dutch fighter is currently on a 16-fight winning streak against top contenders. He holds the GLORY heavyweight kickboxing world title and has successfully defended it ten times. Verhoeven has notable wins against fighters like Badr Hari, Jamal Ben Saddik, Errol Zimmerman, Daniel Ghita, and Peter Aerts. With his Grand Prix win earlier this year in which he defeated three heavyweights on the same night, Verhoeven moves up as being one of the best kickboxers of all time.

3. Semmy Schilt

Semmy Schilt is one of the most decorated kickboxers ever, with four K-1 World Grand Prix titles, a GLORY Heavyweight Championship, and several Karate world titles. He’s beaten top fighters like Rico Verhoeven, Errol Zimmerman, Kyotaro, Badr Hari, Remy Bonjasky, and Mark Hunt. Standing nearly 7 feet tall, ‘Hightower’ had a massive reach and a powerful jab that could knock opponents out. Interestingly, he fought as a switch making his lead hand a powerful weapon.

2. Giorgio Petrosyan

Giorgio Petrosyan is often compared to a master artist for his technical kickboxing style. Known as ‘The Doctor,’ Petrosyan is a two-time K-1 MAX Grand Prix champion and has won world titles in GLORY Kickboxing and ONE Championship. Throughout his career, he’s defeated top fighters like Robin van Roosmalen, Davit Kiria, Cosmo Alexandre, Yoshihiro Sato, Mike Zambidis, Albert Kraus, and Andy Souwer.

Giorgio Petrosyan YK4 7440 1200x799

1. Ernesto Hoost

Ernesto Hoost, or ‘Mr. Perfect,’ developed a kickboxing style that many fighters still try to emulate today. He was at the top of the striking world for nearly 30 years, thanks to his mix of high and low combination strikes. Hoost won four K-1 World Grand Prix titles during kickboxing’s golden era, with knockout wins over Mirko ‘Cro Cop‘ Filipovic, Jerome Le Banner, Ray Sefo, Stefan Leko, Igor Vovchanchyn, Mike Bernardo, and Peter Aerts. He also fighters he coached, such as Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Tyrone Spong, and Fedor Emelianenko, among others. His style would become the main influential form of kickboxing for the next several decades.

Honorable Mentions – best kickboxers of all time

These are some more of the Best Kickboxers of All Time but not quite in the top ten list.

Superbon Singha Mawynn
Ramon Dekkers
Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong
Andy Hug
Robin Van Roosmalen
Rob Kaman
Andy Souwer
Alex Pereira
Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace

How I defeated Buakaw – Stoyan Koprivlenski breaks down K-1 fight

Buakaw Banchamek vs Stoyan Koprivlenski K-1 World MAXBuakaw Banchamek took a loss against Stoyan Koprivlenski during their K-1 World MAX kickboxing bout earlier in 2024. Thailand’s…

Buakaw Banchamek vs Stoyan Koprivlenski K-1 World MAX

Buakaw Banchamek took a loss against Stoyan Koprivlenski during their K-1 World MAX kickboxing bout earlier in 2024. Thailand’s Buakaw was looking to turn back the clock and reclaim kickboxing gold, but the Bulgarian striker Koprivlenski defeated the kickboxing and Muay Thai legend over three rounds.

‘The Sniper’ Koprivlenski sat down with K-1 to break down his matchup against Buakaw Banchamek.

Buakaw Banchamek vs Stoyan Koprivlenski K 1 2

Buakaw Banchamek

The Thai-born Buakaw Banchamek has achieved legendary status throughout his iconic career between kickboxing and Muay Thai. The striker changed the landscape of kickboxing in 2004 when he won the K-1 World MAX Grand Prix, and repeated this feat in 2006. Buakaw fought the best of a golden era generation and was decorated in gold.

Retirement is not something on Buakaw’s mind. He is aged 42 and made his professional debut in 1999, competing in the Stadium Muay Thai scene, in 2024 he is showing no signs of slowing down. Buakaw fought Saenchai in a legends Muay Thai match in BKFC, plus has taken bouts in Rajadamnern World Series.

Stoyan Koprivlenski

Bulgaria’s Stoyan Koprivlenski is a highly talented kickboxer. The 30-year-old is well known for being an incredibly entertaining striker and is frequently in fight-of-year matches. Being one of the top-ranked fighters in this division, he has dropped contentious split decision losses to reigning champions Tyjani Beztati and Kaito Ono. However, these close losses did not deter him. Instead, he was determined to pick up K-1 Kickboxing gold in 2024.

Buakaw vs Stoyan Koprivlenski

Buakaw Banchamek vs Stoyan Koprivlenski

Buakaw and Stoyan Koprivlenski fought in the Quarter Finals round of the K-1 World MAX 2024 – World Championship Tournament. The two strikers battled for three rounds. The Thai veteran had a great first round showing incredible speed and defense but faded with the constant pressure of ‘The Sniper’ Koprivlenski. It was quite an exciting matchup.

Ultimately, Koprivlenski would get his hand raised. Next, the Bulgarian athlete defeated Brazil’s Dengue Silva in the Semi Finals, in another barnburner of a fight. Lastly, Koprivlenski would knock out Viktor Akimov in the tournament final to take home the K-1 World MAX Championship in 2024. All three fights took place in a single evening.

Koprivlenski spoke to K-1 about his matchup, he outlined the adjustments and gameplan for the fight. The Bulgarian-born striker also explained how he grew up watching Buakaw and what a legend he is.

“[Buakaw] is my fighting hero … I grew up watching his fights,” Koprivlenski continued, “I had to be more active.” He scored a knockdown in round 2 with a head kick, and said, “I don’t think the kick was that hard but he didn’t expect it.”

See the full Stoyan Koprivlenski vs. Buakaw match breakdown below

Buakaw vs Saenchai – Muay Thai legends collide at BKFC Asia 5 on November 4

Buakaw vs SaenchaiThe long-awaited bare-knuckle bout between Muay Thai legends Buakaw vs Saenchai is back on according to BKFC Asia promoter Nick Chapman. Fight fans were sent into a frenzy when Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship revealed that, not only had they signed both Buakaw and Saenchai, but that the two masters in the art of eight limbs […]

Buakaw vs Saenchai

The long-awaited bare-knuckle bout between Muay Thai legends Buakaw vs Saenchai is back on according to BKFC Asia promoter Nick Chapman.

Fight fans were sent into a frenzy when Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship revealed that, not only had they signed both Buakaw and Saenchai, but that the two masters in the art of eight limbs would step inside the squared circle for a bare-knuckle brawl. Originally announced for March 18 in Thailand, the bout was eventually called off after some confusion arose regarding the rule set and what would be allowed by the Boxing Authorities of Thailand.

Buakaw vs Saenchai

It was an unfortunate turn of events, but it now appears that the Buakaw vs Saenchai is back on and scheduled for this fall. According to the CEO of BKFC Asia, the fight will go down on November 4 at BKFC Asia 5. The event will emanate from the Royal Cliff Hotels Group in Pattaya, Thailand with tickets being made available starting on August 17.

The bout is being advertised as a special rules bare-knuckle Thai fight between the two combat sports icons.

Buakaw vs Saenchai Will Be a Battle of Two Thai Legends

Buakaw Banchamek and Saenchai are by far and away, two of the most accomplished Muay Thai practitioners in the history of the sport. The pair have more than 550 career wins combined and nearly 60 years worth of experience between the two.

Much of that comes from the side of Saenchai who began competing in Muay Thai in 1988 when he was just eight years old. During his legendary run, Saenchai has accumulated 317 victories and is a multi-time Lumpinee Stadium champion. He has also captured world titles with the WMC and WBC. Under the THAI FIGHT banner, Saenchai won the King’s Cup three years in a row and went on an incredible 52-0 run.

Not to be outdone, Buakaw Banchamek has established himself as perhaps the greatest Muay Thai fighter in the history of the sport. With 240 wins, Buakaw is a two-time K-1 World MAX champion in addition to being a multi-time WMC titleholder. He also captured the WBC Muaythai Diamond World Championship in 2014.

In September, Buakaw made his BKFC debut, competing in a bare-knuckle bout against Erkan Varol at BKFC Thailand 3. Buakaw scored himself a first-round knockout and has since added another win to his illustrious record, defeating Rukiya Anpo at RIZIN 42 in May.

We can’t wait til November when we can finally see Buakaw vs Saenchai and see who will be the victor between these two Muay Thai legends.

Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek delivers brutal 2-minute KO of Yoshihiro Sato

Buakaw BanchamekBuakaw Banchamek earned his fourth victory over Yoshihiro Sato with a dominant two-minute knockout over the former 2-time K-1 Max Japan tournament winner. Sato had been the only boxer to stop Buakaw when the pair met in 2008 at the K-1 Max: World MAX 2008 tournament. Since then, the pair had gone down different routes […]

Buakaw Banchamek

Buakaw Banchamek earned his fourth victory over Yoshihiro Sato with a dominant two-minute knockout over the former 2-time K-1 Max Japan tournament winner.

Sato had been the only boxer to stop Buakaw when the pair met in 2008 at the K-1 Max: World MAX 2008 tournament. Since then, the pair had gone down different routes with Sato having not competed since 2015 prior to this matchup whereas Buakaw’s activity had only increased.

The two men had met four times previously before this matchup with the Thai fighter emerging victorious on three occasions having already finished Sato in one of their previous meetings.

And it would be Buakaw who was victorious once again, the bout did not last long with both men exchanging fierce punches and kicks before Buakaw would land a shot that put Sato on the floor.

Watch below, Buakaw Banchamek’s KO of Yoshihiro Sato:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=5807425199278773

Buakaw Banchamek Calls For Greater Challenge In His Next Matchup

Speaking to the media post-fight, Baukaw revealed that he had expected himself to be involved in a much tougher matchup and had trained himself in preparation for such a thing.

His opponent Sato had not competed for nearly eight years however he told the media that he had continued to train during this period but unfortunately came up short on the night.

It is unknown where Sato will go from here however it seems that Buakaw already has his next matchup scheduled.

According to Tapology, Buakaw Banchamek will face Saenchai ‘King Star’ Saenpong in a main-event matchup at a Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship card scheduled to take place in March of 2023. Both men are perceived as ‘Muay Thai Legends’ having a combined 600 plus matchups competing within the sport. This will be the first occasion for Saenpong to compete in BKFC.

Whether the Thai legend will have another fight prior to this matchup is still undecided.

How much are you looking forward to this battle of two legends?

Buakaw Banchamek scores body shot knockout over Erkan Varol in BKFC bow – BKFC Thailand 3 Highlights

BuakawMaking his awaited BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) debut this Saturday evening at BKFC: Thailand 3 – decorated Muay Thai star and sport icon, Buakaw Banchamek turned in a relatively straightforward performance against Erkan Varol, scoring a first round body shot knockout win. Buakaw Banchamek, who linked up with the David Feldman-led BKFC banner earlier […]

Buakaw

Making his awaited BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) debut this Saturday evening at BKFC: Thailand 3 – decorated Muay Thai star and sport icon, Buakaw Banchamek turned in a relatively straightforward performance against Erkan Varol, scoring a first round body shot knockout win.

Buakaw Banchamek, who linked up with the David Feldman-led BKFC banner earlier this summer, was also recently joined on the promotion’s roster ahead of a return to Thailand by fellow Thai striking sensation, Saenchai Saepong, made his debut under the promotion at an event tonight in his home country.

Drawing the Turkey native, Varol at the 155lb limit at the Rajadamnern Stadium, Buakaw Banchamek patiently led the former around the ring through the opening round, before springing with a body shot – immediately garnering a response and grimace from Varol. 

Marching forward and keeping pressure afoot, Banchamek landed a series of follow-up body shots on Varol in a quick flurry of striking expertise, dropping the Turk on this occasion. With the knockdown count commencing, Buakaw looked on as Varol failed to return to his feet in the first round – scoring the Thai legend a first round knockout victory in his official BKFC bow.  

Buakaw is regarded as one of the most decorated strikers in Muay Thai history

A decorated Muay Thai striker, the Phuket phenom has landed an array of world championships and Lumpinee stadium titles, including K-1 World Max championships in both 2004 and 2006.