Four-time Muay Thai world champion Seksan drew the curtain on his legendary career at The Inner Circle 30 last Friday, bowing out with another trademark display in Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
The 37-year-old wrapped up his three-decade career against longtime nemesis Muangthai PK Saenchai in a bantamweight Muay Thai duel, which gave fans inside the iconic venue and those watching from around the world a war to remember.
Their sixth meeting was a high-octane affair from the opening bell. Seksan and Muangthai instantly turned it into a war, swinging punches and elbows at range. Both men ate some heavy shots. But both refused to take a step back.
Unfortunately for Seksan, it was Muangthai who gained the upper hand soon. The 32-year-old rocked the departing Thai with a combo that ended with a solid uppercut.
However, Seksan showed his hallmark toughness and granite chin to survive, even connecting with a spinning elbow that momentarily stung ‘Elbow Zombie.’
Sensing a tilt in the tide, Seksan dropped his hands to search for more. However, Muangthai fired back with an inch-perfect left hook that sent Seksan down for the first knockdown. ‘The Man Who Yields To No One,’ however, got back up and saw the end of the round.
In round two, Muangthai took control behind his pressure, breaching his fellow Thai’s defense with pressure and shots on the outside. Seksan, meanwhile, showcased plenty of heart to get some offense going – though he was largely outplayed by his dance partner throughout the stanza.
Seksan returned to the ring as focused as he normally is. But Muangthai brought the better strategy, and it didn’t take him long to wrap his night in style. ‘Elbow Zombie’ blasted his foe with a sweeping low kick and a left elbow smack on the jaw that sent Seksan to the canvas.
‘The Man Who Yields To No One’ tried to beat the count, but the referee sensed that the Thai was in no condition to continue, thus waving off the contest at the 59-second mark of the third canto – awarding Muangthai the TKO win.
His last dance may not have gone to plan, but Seksan bowed out knowing he gave it his all for one final time in a career that has produced 203 wins. He reflected:
“I gave it my absolute all today, but I just have to accept where my body is at right now. I want to congratulate Muangthai – he was truly incredible tonight. I have to admit he was so strong and brought serious power with his strikes.”
Seksan thanks ONE Championship and fans for one helluva ride
Just moments after the final bell, the inevitable followed. Seksan unstrapped his gloves, went down to his knees, and bowed down in the center of the ring – a symbolic gesture of retirement.
The fans gave him a standing ovation and cheered his name, and the four-time Muay Thai world champion bowed out with a short message of gratitude to everyone who stood by him and to ONE Championship for turning his career around.
He added:
“I’m so happy and deeply grateful to every single fan who chanted my name. I want to thank the entire ONE Championship team and Boss Chatri [Sityodtong] for giving me the opportunity to fight on this global stage.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all the fans in the arena and everyone watching from home who have followed and supported me throughout my career.”
