Things are about to get bloody exciting on AXN. The network is
bringing the heat of the fight back to TV screens with a brand new
series The Challenger Muaythai, and in high definition no less!
Produced by the Imagine Group and The Group Entertainment, under
supervision of the World Muaythai Council (WMC), the world's
governing body for the sport of muaythai, the reality competition
series will be set and shot in Malaysia. Whether for glory or gain,
16 world-class fighters will fight it out to win the ultimate title
of Muaythai World Champion and the grand prize of US$100,000! The
fighters have been hand picked from a selection of international
professional fighters from the WMC 128 member countries.
No one is more apt than renowned Muaythai personality Stephan
Fox as host of the series, an industry veteran with over 30 years
of experience. With his illustrious background as the Vice-Pre
sident of the World Muaythai Council, Fox will also play mentor to
the fighters and take a hands-on approach in grooming these
talents, hand-picked from the best breed of fighters around the
world. Next to him, hosting the fight nights, it will be the
gorgeous Asian tv celebrity, Sonia Couling.
From Malaysia, Thailand, to Israel and South Africa, the motley
crew of fighters trail blaze an impressive track record both in
their countries and in the international arena, with numerous
championship titles under their belts. With ages ranging from 18 to
35, the calibre of fighters is certainly unparalleled. Some have
started their training since the tender age of seven, while others
have fought The Contender Asia champion Yodsanklai and even won.
With intimidating monikers like 'The Cheetah', 'The Sniper' and
'Black Dynamite', it is clear that the boys are not in town to
play. With such high stakes, each and every fighter will not go
down without a fight!
Each week, the fighters will be subjected to a rigorous bout of
training from their two trainers Hanarong and Nugget, revolving
around the 'weapon of the week'. These include spiritual ideals
such as respect and fearlessness, as well as focusing on each
component of their body, their natural weapon in the context of
"As the entertainment destination for action and adventure,
there is no other cable channel that is a better fit for the sheer
adrenaline and thrill of The Challenger Muaythai. We are pleased to
be working with the Imagine Group for th e show, with their proven
track record in producing top-notch reality series in Asia," said
Mr Ricky Ow, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Networks,
Asia, Sony Pictures Television.
"Nothing on the planet brings yo u this close to the action… our
viewers will be on the edge of their seats," added Mr Riaz Mehta,
President and Founder of the Imagine Group.
Watch out for the titillating drama that will unfold in the
fighters' villa, as tension runs high with the progression of each
fight night and the numbers dwindle. Alliances will be forged,
blood will be shed and the fighters will be scraping through each
win by the skin of their teeth! Who will rise to the challenge and
emerge as the Muaythai World Champion? Who will overcome all odds
and walk away with USD100,000? All will be unveiled on The
Challenger Muaythai, set to premiere on AXN (Astro channel 701) and
AXN HD (Astro B.yond channel 721) in the fourth quarter of this
year and foreseeing over 400 Million spectators worldwide.
2011 Arafura Games in Australia, again was a major success for
muaythai with the stadium filled to the bursting point every
competition day, making muaythai one of the main attractions at the
The final medal tally was a big success for the host of the
upcoming IFMA World Championships as Uzbekistan was overall the
best team. Australia came at a close second and Thailand
Macau really improved in the last 12 months and received the 2011
most improved team award.
South Africa got the trophy for the most spirited team.
The best boxer was given to Artur Kodirkulov,
Uzbekistan, and the best Wai Khru went to Toby Wilcox,
winner of Oceania Junior division.
The world is looking forward to the 2013 Arafura Games and IFMA
is planning to make this a qualifying event to the 2013 Sport
Accord Combat Games, so Darwin will see the best of the best
Thank you Arafura, thank you Darwin for an unforgettable 2011