Joe Ryan defeated Petchmai to win the Rajadamnern Stadium title at RWS Muay Thai on December 16. He became the first-ever British Muay Thai fighter to win the prestigious belt.
Originally scheduled to defend his spot in the rankings against #2 Middleweight Petchmai, the bout was changed to a title bout after former champion Bento was stripped due to a knockout loss in Cambodia.
Joe Ryan beats Petchmai to win Rajadamnern Stadium title
In typical Joe Ryan style, he controlled the range throughout the early rounds with his teeps and jabs, keeping the dangerous Petchmai at range whilst teeing off with switch kicks.
On the open scorecards, the British fighter was ahead 30-27 on all three judges cards after 3 rounds.
The bout seemed to swing in favour of the Thai in round 4 however, as he closed the range and landed an elbow which opened up a cut on the young British star.
Unfazed by the damage, Ryan remained calm and kept his defence solid.
During the fourth round, a knee caught Petchmai where it hurts and after stumbling back he dropped to the canvas in agony.
He remained on the canvas for the next few minutes. After a frustratingly long wait, he finally got back to his feet as the 5 minute warning sounded, and after a slight adjustment of the groin guard, the bout continued.
Petchmai would restart with a sense of urgency, trying desperately to landing punch and elbow combinations, but the Brit’s defence remained strong as he saw out the round.
The fifth round swung back in favour of Joe Ryan as he reverted to his earlier tactics and kept Petchmai at range to see out a solid unanimous decision victory.
Joe Ryan wants to defend his title against Bento
After the historical moment, commentator Antione Pinto stepped into the ring to speak to the newly crowned Rajadamnern Stadium champion.
Ryan expressed his delight and said due to the cirumstances in which Bento was stripped, and the prior non-title fight loss to Bento being his only loss in five years, he’d like to avenge it and give the Brazilian a chance to win back his belt.