Muay Thai legend Buakaw gets rematch

Sombat Banchamek, better known by his nickname Buakaw – which means “white lotus” – will get a rematch with the only man to have ever knocked him out in a kickboxing match on 28th October 2022. This time, Rajadamnern Stadium will be the stage for what’ll probably be a thrilling fight.

Here’s the backstory on the two skilled boxers and where to get tickets for this soon-to-be legendary match.

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A score to settle for both

Buakaw is a legendary Muay Thai practitioner. Despite being 40, an age considered to be past his prime, he is still feared in the ring. Over his storied career, he has a record of 240 wins, 24 losses, and 12 draws. 

Image credit: rwsmuaythai

But only one man has ever managed to land a KO on Buakaw. That man is Yoshihiro Sato, one of the best Japanese kickboxers during his prime.

Image credit: rwsmuaythai

To land that rare KO, Sato managed to land a critical knee to Buakaw’s body, knocking the wind out of him before following it up with a right punch.

Screenshot: Muaykaos Channel

You can watch the fight which happened 14 years ago on YouTube here. 

Now 41, Sato will be looking to beat Buakaw as well after losing their most recent match in 2013 by decision.

To prepare for the upcoming battle, both fighters have been training hard for the fight. A recently published clip shows Buakaw being particularly tenacious with his training partner as he practices his trademark kicks. 

Image credit: rwsmuaythai

Currently, their head-to-head odds are 3:1, in favour of Buakaw.

Buakaw making waves with his winning streak

This is not the first Japanese fighter that Buakaw has challenged, by the way. Earlier in August, Buakaw faced off against Kota Miura in the ring.

Miura is the son of a Japanese footballer and is quite popular with the Thai ladies. In fact, he might even be more popular than Buakaw.

Image credit: The Nation

Miura’s good looks and popularity aside, Buakaw probably still had the last laugh when he knocked out the 20-year-old in the third round with a knee, as he seized complete control of the fight.

Only time will tell if this momentum will continue in his match with Sato on Friday.

An exciting fight between veteran rivals

Despite both fighters being over 40, this will surely be an exciting match. With a lot to prove from both corners, you can’t help but want to be ringside for this action. 

There are still seats available in Section 11 (3rd class) here, if you’d like to see it unfold in person. All the best to the two veterans, and may the best fighter win. This time, at least.

Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): rwsmuaythai, Muaykaos Channel

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