Muay Thai Fighters Confirmed for the 2025 WBC Annual Convention in Bangkok

The World Boxing Council  has announced the participation of several Muay Thai stars as special guests at its 2025 Annual Convention, to be held in Bangkok from November 30 to December 5.

Shannon Gardiner: Australian fighter Shannon Gardiner has become one of the most prominent figures in modern women’s Muay Thai. In 2023, she captured the WBC Muay Thai Super Featherweight World Title and successfully defended it in February 2024 against Italy’s Lena Nocker in Perth. She holds a professional record of 10-1.

Youssef Boughanem: Belgian-Moroccan Youssef Boughanem is one of the most successful foreign fighters in Muay Thai history. Based in Thailand since a young age, he achieved what few non-Thais ever have — winning titles at the sport’s most prestigious stadiums, including Lumpinee, Rajadamnern, and Omnoi. In 2015, he won the Thai Fight 72.5 kg tournament and later became WBC Muay Thai Middleweight World Champion. With over 200 professional fights, Boughanem is renowned for his aggression, power, and technical mastery, cementing his legacy as a true international legend of Muay Thai.

Miriam Nakamoto: American fighter Miriam Nakamoto, born in Hawaii, began her Muay Thai career at 23 and quickly became one of the most dominant athletes on the women’s circuit. With an undefeated record of 14-0, she captured world titles from the WBC Muay Thai, WMC, and WPMF, as well as a gold medal at the 2009 IFMA World Championships. Known for her sharp technique, powerful knees, and precise combinations, Nakamoto retired from professional Muay Thai as an undefeated world champion and a historic figure in the sport.

Liam Harrison: Hailing from Leeds, England, Liam Harrison is one of the greatest Western Muay Thai fighters in history. He began training at 13 and made his professional debut before turning 15, building a career filled with world titles, including those of the WBC Muay Thai, WMC, and WPMF at 147 pounds. Known for his aggression, powerful low kicks, and trademark left hook, “The Hitman” made his mark in Thailand and across the world. Today, he continues to inspire the next generation through seminars and training programs.

Fabiano Aoki: Fabiano “Cyclone” Aoki, born in Brazil and trained in Japan, is one of the top heavyweight Muay Thai fighters of his era. In 2012, he captured the WBC Muay Thai World Title by knocking out Argentina’s Cristian Bosch in Bangkok with a spectacular flying knee. He also held the WPMF World Title and was recognized for his refined technique and physical strength. After retirement, Aoki became a WBC Muay Thai ambassador and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023. He now runs his “Cyclone Muay Thai” academy in Arizona, where he trains the next generation of fighters.

The convention will take place at the prestigious Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park in Bangkok, and this year’s edition will be historic — for the first time ever, the WBC will officially integrate its Muay Thai branch into the main event, uniting both worlds of combat under one roof.

The fifth edition’s agenda will include seminars, networking sessions, an awards ceremony, and a gala night. Attendees will not only hear firsthand from athletes like Brandon Adams but also take part in discussions about the future of boxing and the safety of the sport.