For those that may have missed it, on the 13th of July, Bangtao Muay Thai and MMA’s Michael Savvas went toe to toe for the Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight Belt against the current champion Samingdet Nor Anuwat. Savvas came in with the intention of not only showing the fruits of his labours, but also to make history as the first Cypriot Rajadamnern champion. The fight was nothing short of a war.
The Rajadamnern Stadium is a legendary arena located in Bangkok, Thailand. Since its creation in 1945, the venue has seen some of the most influential and epic matches the sport has ever seen. Dubbed the World’s first Muay Thai Stadium, it looks to uphold and embody the very “spirit of Muay Thai and the importance of its rules and regulations.” To fight in this stadium is an honour for any aspiring Muay Thai athlete. With many coaches, staff, teammates and fans from Bangtao standing in the large RWS crowd, Savvas was fired up and ready to showcase his skillset with his coach and friend Ajarn Wat steadfast in his corner.
In a title fight to be remembered Samingdet started strong and fought with powerful kicks and elbows. Despite this, Savvas continued to march forward, keeping the pressure on the champion while finding large success with his boxing volume and counter shots. The back-and-forth action brought the battle to a head at 38-38 going into the 5th and final round. Savvas, having broken his nose in the previous round, cleaned the blood off his face and listened to his mentor Arjan Watt’s final words before putting everything he had into the last round.
This judgment round was no different to the rest of the fight, hard kicks and elbows from the champion; volume and counters from the challenger who eventually landed a beautiful sweep that many felt won him the round and fight. Unfortunately, the judges did not agree, giving the nod to Samingdet at 48-47 for the champions second successive defense. The crowd audibly protested this, having been won over by Savvas’ grit, heart, determination and technique.
On paper, win or lose, Savvas showed the level and lengths he will go to achieve his dreams. Crowned the people’s champ by many, Savvas simply said “It is what it is. Back to the drawing board to prepare for the rematch.” A rematch that many are calling for with excitement and anticipation.