On the evening of October 26, the EWD (2024) Oriental Dragon World Championship concluded in Shenzhen with a thrilling event titled “Longhua Showdown Night.” The competition showcased 24 fighters who delivered a breathtaking display of strength, speed, and skill.

The event was organized by the International Muay Thai Council (IMC), the International Boxing Council (IBC), and the Oriental Dragon International Organization (EWD), with guidance from the Shenzhen Municipal Government Foreign Affairs Office and the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports.

Athletes from various countries and regions, including China, the United States, Thailand, Singapore, and Morocco, participated in the tournament. The competition featured both Muay Thai and kickboxing across eight weight classes: 48kg, 54kg, 59kg, 60kg, 62kg, 63kg, 67kg, and 70kg, with fighters competing in 12 pairs of bouts.

The night kicked off with a highly anticipated match in the men’s 54kg Muay Thai division, where 19-year-old Chinese fighter Zhao Zhengdong faced off against Thailand’s Supaphon. From the opening bell, both fighters engaged in a fierce exchange. Zhao landed several powerful punches and managed to knock Supaphon down twice, ultimately achieving a TKO just before the round ended, marking a victorious start for the Chinese team.

In another 54kg match, Thai fighter Janlinwen defeated Moroccan contender Soufiane.

Known as the “Iron Warrior,” Chinese fighter Gao Yuhang faced Singapore’s Li Dejun in the men’s 59kg Muay Thai category. Li adopted an aggressive strategy right from the start, forcing Gao into a defensive mode. Despite Gao’s multiple attempts to apply pressure in the second and third rounds, Li’s relentless style prevailed. In the decisive round, although Li sustained a bleed from an ear injury, he remained resilient, delivering a series of effective strikes that ultimately led him to victory and the championship trophy.

In the men’s 60kg kickboxing event, Chinese fighter Ma Qiang emerged triumphant, defeating his Thai opponent Uthidet to claim the championship.

Yang Hua, known as “Firecracker,” who boasts a professional record of 31 fights with 25 wins including 7 KOs, faced Thailand’s Chanandan and secured the championship title through his dominant performance.

The only women’s bout of the evening was the 54kg Muay Thai fight, featuring Thai fighter Suphatra taking on Malaysia’s Amissa. The match was closely contested with both women exchanging strikes effectively. In the end, Suphatra claimed victory, lifting the champion’s trophy as the two fighters embraced in a heartfelt moment afterward.

In the 70kg heavyweight Muay Thai contest, Macao’s fighter Xie Jiecheng faced off against American fighter Christopher. Christopher began the first round with powerful punches that caught Xie off guard. However, showcasing tenacity, Xie turned the tide with successive attacks, earning a well-deserved victory for the Chinese team.

The night also featured an intercontinental title bout between two Thai fighters, Khun Suk and Pansak, in the men’s 60kg category, with Pansak narrowly missing out on the title.

The battles for the men’s 63kg and 67kg international championship belts saw Thailand’s Long Santawan and Saenhong emerge victorious in their respective matches.

Song Ke, president of the IMC and IBC, highlighted the efforts of the Oriental Dragon International Organization in creating an international brand for the EWD championship through a blend of local and global engagement. This event successfully attracted fight enthusiasts from across the country.