MK-born fighter Liam Cunningham has won a top ranking European Muay Thai title after beating world number 10 Perrault Andrany.
Liam, ranked number 10 in the UK, was billed as the main event at last Saturday’s fight event at Bletchley Leisure Centre as he and Andrany, from Madagascar, fought for the WBC European Title.
Muay Thai, which is also called Thai Boxing, is a martial art combat sport. The tough event is known as the ‘art of eight limbs’ as it involves boxing combined with the use of the competitors’ elbows, knees and shins.
“It’s pretty full-on but great fun to watch,” said Liam. “The referee keeps the match full of action – you’re not allowed to stall the fight for example, and if you go down you have to get straight up again.
“Muay Thai is seen as an art – it’s really technical and is becoming more and more popular. I think in five to 10 years it will be one of the biggest spectator sports.”
Despite receiving a cut to his head Liam, who grew up in Newport Pagnell, went five rounds against world ranked Andrany to win by a judges’ unanimous decision.
“I’ve had my head glued up now and I’ve currently got swollen ankles but I’m absolutely buzzing about winning the fight and becoming European champion. That’s what has made the pain easier to deal with.”
The 23-year-old has only been fighting for two years and is already two-time British champion. Now he has his sights set on his next scheduled fight, in February 2025, although he hopes a further bout might be arranged for December this year.
