Concern over Thai youth 'prize-fighting' Campaigners in Thailand have voiced their concern at the growing number of children as young as seven being involved in Muay Thai prize-fighting in rural parts of the country. According to reports, as many as 1,000 youngsters are being injured in full contact fighting at country fairs and local towns, with gambling adults often goading the children into knocking each other out. The bouts typically last for three rounds, each of two minutes. The fights and the gambling that surround them are illegal, but local organiser Daab Dech, who is also a regional policeman, played down the seriousness of the sport, saying: "Each round only goes on for 2 minutes, and if I see one of the kids can't defend himself, I'll stop the fight." For the youths, victory brings the promise of a route out of poverty, and eventual fame as a fighter in Bangkok. The damage that can be sustained by these young fighters whilst their bodies are still developing can be devastating, as Dr Adisak Plitponkarnpim, a researcher from Mahidol University in Bangkok, explained. There are two main types of injuries that happen to children. The first is immediately obvious from a knockout and can have longer term effects on the brain. "The second is a milder injury, which is not so obvious, but the children will start to show symptoms, like memory loss," he said. However, as well as brain damage, the potential to damage the pituitary gland is substantial. The gland produces growth hormones, and is a common point of impact for the kicks and punches of Muay Thai. As a result, many of those involved in boxing from a young age suffer severely stunted growth.