WBC Cares Arrives in Verona, Italy

The Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2025, taking place in Verona, Italy, from June 25th to June 29th, is far more than a mere sporting event. It’s an international celebration of Muay Thai’s culture, discipline, and spirit. For five days, this festival transforms Verona into the global epicenter of combat sports, drawing athletes, trainers, enthusiasts, and lovers of Thai culture from around the world.

As a vital part of this grand celebration, the WBC Cares program plays a fundamental role. Its mission extends beyond promoting the sport within the ring; it aims to inspire new generations, support individuals with disabilities, and create opportunities for children through the disciplines of boxing and Muay Thai. During this festival, WBC Cares will make donations to aid and uplift these crucial causes.

Yesterday, a poignant moment unfolded during the official opening ceremony, held at Verona’s historic Arena. Kevin Noone, WBC MuayThai General Secretary, and the President of WBC Cares Mexico presented a €10,000 donation to the Smile Mission foundation. This generous contribution is specifically dedicated to promoting oral and dental health in at-risk communities and developing countries.

Our WBC Cares leader shared her thoughts during the check presentation:

“We are very happy to be here on behalf of WBC Cares and WBC MuayThai Cares. We are very honored to be here, joining efforts in supporting children, as everyone’s future is in them.” — Christiane Manzur, WBC Cares Mexico President

Dr. Giampaolo Parolini, President of Smile Mission, expressed his gratitude:

“I thank the WBC for this incredibly generous act for the children of Verona. Your action will not only have local benefits; it will reach people worldwide, and for that, we are truly grateful.”

About Smile Mission Verona

Smile Mission Verona, officially known as Solidarietà Odontoiatrica Internazionale, is an Italian non-profit organization comprised of dedicated volunteers. They are committed to providing essential dental and medical care to vulnerable communities both in Italy and internationally. 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. Its mission is 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, aiming to develop and expand the sport globally. It fosters Muay Thai at all levels and weight divisions with international safety standards to ensure its growth 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, who was then WBC Vice-President and WBC Asian Boxing Council President. Shortly thereafter, the World Boxing Council established the WBC MuayThai to rate fighters globally and sanction WBC MuayThai Title events. Pol. Gen. Kovid Bhakdibhumi was appointed the WBC MUAYTHAI Global Chairman.

Since its inception, the WBC MuayThai has actively promoted the sport worldwide. To this day, WBC MuayThai operates in over ninety-five countries and territories, hosting professional, amateur, and youth Muay Thai championships across eighteen weight categories. The World Boxing Council MuayThai’s core aim remains to continue showcasing the culture and spirit of Muay Thai, from Thailand to the world.