MUAY THAI

The country's top Muay Thai fighters will box at Lumpini stadium on Friday.

For the first time ever, the top two competing stadiums will cooperate to produce a fight card.

The 10-bout card has been jointly organised by Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen stadiums in an attempt to revive the martial art's plunging popularity and help boost the sport hit by the economic downturn.

Normally, the boxers do not fight at each other's stadiums.

Friday's event is led by Sanchai Sor Kingstar, who is considered the best pound-per-pound Muay Thai fighter at the moment. He will take on two opponents in the 130-pound division.

Pethbunchu F.A. Group and Saketdao Petphayathai will take turns to fight Sanchai during a five-round bout.

Ratchadamnoen promoter Songchai Rattanasuban said organisers wanted to join hands to solve the problems in Muay Thai.

The revenue and number of fans at both stadiums has decreased significantly over the past few years due to lacklustre fights as well as economic and political problems.

"This will show our unity to fight the crisis," he said.

"In my 33 years as promoter, this is the biggest event. Thai and foreign fans will surely see exciting fights."

The organisers have invested about 2.5 million to stage the event with 1.7 million baht being spent on fighters' fees.

Lumpini promoter Piyarat Wachirarattanawongse said proceeds from the event would go to people hit by violence in the South.

"We hope this will be the beginning of fans returning to the stadiums," he said.

The return leg will take palce at Ratchadamnoen stadium on August 6.