Verona Welcomes the World: Amazing WBC Muay Thai Festival Promises Cultural Exchange and Giving Back

Verona, Italy – June 24, 2025 – With just one day remaining until its official commencement, the Amazing Muay Thai World Festival 2025 is poised to establish Verona as the global epicenter of Muay Thai from June 25th to 29th. This significant international event is expected to draw over 900 athletes from 72 nations affiliated with the World Boxing Council (WBC), alongside a substantial contingent of coaches, staff, and enthusiasts.

Today, a press conference convened at the Palazzo Barbieri to outline the festival’s agenda, including match schedules, WBC Cares initiatives, workshops, and the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage that will accompany the Amazing WBC Muay Thai Festival.

Major General Thanapol Bhakdibuhmi– WBC Muay Thai President

“Welcome to the festival. It is an honor to host this incredible festival in Verona. We will witness the passion, discipline, and honor of athletes from across the globe. This event embodies cultural exchange and friendship, and we thank Verona for welcoming us to this remarkable city. We will celebrate the passion, spirit, and honor of WBC Muay Thai, and we invite all spectators to be part of this historic cultural exhibition.”

Luisa Ceni – Verona´s Councillor for Social Policies

“We are incredibly excited to be a part of this monumental movement. We extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone for their presence and for allowing us to contribute to this significant global platform. The cultural exchange this event will foster is truly remarkable.

Giuliano Occhipinti – Promter locale & Muay Thai Verona

“This project, conceived in June 2023, is finally ready for its grand presentation ¿. The opening of the Arena di Verona and the return of sporting events to this venue are of paramount importance. Nine hundred and forty athletes from across the globe will participate in this event. We will experience diverse global cultures, alongside workshops and culinary showcases. The social aspect is particularly vital for this region. We are also pleased to announce  an outstanding collaboration between Smile Mission and WBC Cares, a WBC initiative dedicated to assisting those in need.”

Kevin Noone – WBC MuayThai Secretary General “On behalf of WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman and WBC Cares Mexico Chairman, Christiane Manzur, I wish to express the immense pride we all share in being part of this historic endeavor. The Amazing Muay Thai Festival will transcend mere combat; it will foster an unprecedented cultural interchange involving over 900 fighters from around the world. We are also delighted to partner with the Smile Mission in Verona, and we are very happy to contribute to Verona’s wonderful community. The WBC Family is committed not only to fighting but also to building cultural bridges and giving back.”

Major General Thanapol Bhakdibuhmi– WBC Muay Thai President

“Welcome to the festival. It is an honor to host this incredible festival in Verona. We will witness the passion, discipline, and honor of athletes from across the globe. This event embodies cultural exchange and friendship, and we thank Verona for welcoming us to this remarkable city. We will celebrate the passion, spirit, and honor of WBC Muay Thai, and we invite all spectators to be part of this historic cultural exhibition.”

Max Baggio – WBC Muay Thai Italy

“Our thanks go to the city of Verona. The setting is fantastic. We discussed the significance and the challenge of bringing so many people from so many countries to Verona and we can now confirm the presence of more than nine hundred athletes in Verona. I invite everyone to be part of this magnificent event and to experience the immense passion we all share for Muay Thai.

About Smile Mission Verona

Smile Mission Verona, officially known as Solidarietà Odontoiatrica Internazionale – is an Italian non-profit organization of dedicated volunteers committed to providing essential dental and medical care to vulnerable communities both in Italy and abroad. Founded in Verona on June 29, 2005, Smile Mission’s core belief is that access to oral health is fundamental to overall well-being and social dignity.

About WBC Muay Thai

The WBC MuayThai was established in 2004 under the World Boxing Council (WBC) as a non-profit organization, with a mission to develop professional Muay Thai worldwide, as an affiliated division of the WBC, adhering to the rules set by the Board of Boxing Sport (Office of Professional Sports) of the Sports Authority of Thailand.

WBC MuayThai was created to facilitate and sanction professional Muay Thai competitions to develop and expand Muay Thai worldwide and to foster Muay Thai at all levels and weight divisions with international safety standards for the development of Muay Thai as a world premier fighting art.

On November 26th, 2001, His Majesty, the King of Thailand, held a historic audience in Hua Hin, Thailand, with World Boxing Council President Dr. Jose Sulaiman and Pol. General Kovid Bhakdibhumi, WBC Vice–President and WBC Asian Boxing Council President.

A short time later, the World Boxing Council established the WBC Muay Thai to rate fighters worldwide and sanction WBC MuayThai Title events. Pol. Gen. Kovid Bhakdibhumi was appointed the WBC MUAYTHAI Global Chairman.

Since its inception, the WBC MuayThai has promoted the sport of MuayThai worldwide. To this day, the WBC MuayThai is active in over ninety-five countries and territories, hosting professional, amateur and youth MuayThai championships across eighteen weight categories.

The World Boxing Council MuayThai’s core aim is to continue to showcase the culture and spirit of MuayThai, from Thailand to the world.