World Muaythai Council

World Muaythai Council

Abbreviation	WMC
Formation	1995
Headquarters	Bangkok
Location	Thailand
Region served	Worldwide
Membership	National associations
President	General Chjetta Thanajaro
General Secretary	Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan
Vice President	Stephan Fox
Sport Director	Charissa Tynan
Website	Official website

The World Muaythai Council (WMC) is the sole recognized professional sport governing body for the art and spirit of Muaythai, both in Thailand and around the world and is one of the oldest and the largest professional sanctioning organizations of Muaythai in the world for the sport. The organization was set up in 1995 by parliament resolution, and is incorporated by the Royal Thai Government and sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand, under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (Thailand). The Council has been charged with the responsibility for the expansion of Muaythai worldwide. This involves supporting youth interest and athletes to learn the skills of Muaythai and to assist in the pursuit of excellence in the art. The Council’s primary objective is to maintain and promote excellence in the art of Muaythai. This is predominantly as a cultural art-form, in addition as a form of self-defence and a popular ring-sport. Together with the above stated aims, the WMC has the government’s directive to regulate all Muaythai competitions worldwide, this in accordance with the government-approved Articles of Association. ^[1][2]

Royal Patronage

On August 20, 2014, Muaythai and the World Muaythai Council received official Royal Patronage from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. All government departments, sport and culture ministries, sport authorities, and all major Muaythai stadiums and promoters were invited to the historic event. PDG. General Saiyud Kerdphol, General Wimon Wongwanich the former President of WMC, General Chetta Thanajaro the current President of WMC, Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan IFMA President and WMC General Secretary, Khun Kajorn Prowsree Vice President of the Amateur Muaythai Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Stephan Fox Vice President of WMC and General Secretary of the IFMA, and so many other notable VIPs were also in attendance. Over 20 representatives from the different embassies in Bangkok also came to witness the ceremony, along with representatives from the United Nations, and many other organizations. Along with Royal Patronage, the WMC logo was changed to include the Royal Insignia of His Majesty.^[3]

History

Set up by parliament resolution, the WMC is incorporated by the Royal Thai Government and sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand, working together with the highest sport authorities of all member countries around the world to regulate all aspects of the art and sport of Muaythai. The inauguration meeting was held in 1995 at an appropriate venue, the United Nation Conference Centre with representatives from 39 countries attended. Presently there are 120 member countries registered with the WMC. The Executive Board and various committees ranging from technical and rules, refereeing and judging, medical, finance, youth, women, press and public relations, business and legal; all were democratically elected.^[2]

TV Coverage

The World Muaythai Council has also been involved in many TV programs in cooperation with IOM, DreamWorks and television producer Mark Burnett. These collaborations have seen the release of shows such as the Contender Asia as well as the Emmy-nominated reality show, ‘The Challenger Muay Thai,’ in which the WMC was the sanctioning body.^[4][5][6]

Current champions

Male world champions

Weight Class	Champion	Date Won
Super Heavyweight	Paul Slowinski	June 14, 2014
Heavyweight	Artem Vakhitov	June 14, 2014
Cruiserweight	Vacant	–
Super Light Heavyweight	Vacant	–
Light Heavyweight	Dmitry Valent	December 13, 2013
Super Middleweight	Alim Nabiev	November 19, 2016
Middleweight	Vladimír Moravčík	April 23, 2016
Super Welterweight	Buakaw Banchamek	June 14, 2014
Welterweight	Sansatarn Sor Suradej	July 3, 2016
Super Lightweight	Ekkarit Mor.Krungthepthonburee	June 14, 2014
Lightweight	Pakorn Sakyothin	June 14, 2014
Super Featherweight	Vacant	–
Featherweight	Vacant	–
Super Bantamweight	Takadai	March 30, 2014
Bantamweight	Vacant	–
Super Flyweight	Vacant	–
Flyweight	Takashi Senchaijimu	June 8, 2014
Light Flyweight	Vacant	–
Mini Flyweight	Vacant	–

Male european champions

Weight Class	Champion	Date Won
Super Heavyweight	Vacant	–
Heavyweight	Vacant	–
Cruiserweight	Vacant	–
Super Light Heavyweight	Vacant	–
Light Heavyweight	Vacant	–
Super Middleweight	Aziz Ali Kada	September 21, 2013
Middleweight	Micael Longin	November 30, 2013
Super Welterweight	Vacant	–
Welterweight	Morgan Adrar	April 5, 2014
Super Lightweight	Vacant	–
Lightweight	Vacant	–
Super Featherweight	Vacant	–
Featherweight	Vacant	–
Super Bantamweight	Vacant	–
Bantamweight	Vacant	–
Super Flyweight	Vacant	–
Flyweight	Vacant	–
Light Flyweight	Vacant	–
Mini Flyweight	Vacant	–

Female world champions

Weight Class	Champion	Date Won
Super Middleweight	Vacant	–
Middleweight	Tracy Lockwood	August 12, 2013
Super Welterweight	Geraldine O’Callaghan	August 12, 2012
Welterweight	Vacant	–
Super Lightweight	Valentina Shevchenko	April 28, 2012
Lightweight	Claire Haigh	August 12, 2012
Super Featherweight	Justine Kish	November 30, 2012
Featherweight	Taehiran Chommanee	August 4, 2016
Super Bantamweight	Vacant	–
Bantamweight	Sofia Olofsson	November 25, 2016
Super Flyweight	Vacant	–
Flyweight	Vacant	–
Light Flyweight	Rika Matsumoto	June 8, 2014
Mini Flyweight	Vacant	–
Pinweight	Miyauchi Ayka	March 30, 2014

Female european champions

Weight Class	Champion	Date Won
Super Middleweight	Vacant	–
Middleweight	Vacant	–
Super Welterweight	Vacant	–
Welterweight	Vacant	–
Super Lightweight	Vacant	–
Lightweight	Jennifer Colomb	November 30, 2013
Super Featherweight	Vacant	–
Featherweight	Vacant	–
Super Bantamweight	Vacant	–
Bantamweight	Sofia Olofsson	September 3, 2016
Super Flyweight	Vacant	–
Flyweight	Barbara Bontempi	May 30, 2015
Light Flyweight	Vacant	–
Mini Flyweight	Vacant	–
Pinweight	Vacant	–

References

1. Green, Thomas A. (2010). Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation. ABC-CLIO. p. 323. ISBN 978-1-59884-243-2. Retrieved 2013-04-11.
2. "World Muaythai Council". Wmcmuaythai.org. Retrieved 2015-07-29.
3. "SportAccord News". Sportaccord.com. Retrieved 2015-07-29.
4. "The Challenger Muaythai". Axn-asia.com. Retrieved 2015-07-29.