New history made! An Irish boxer knocked out a famous Thai fighter with an elbow strike at the RWS event, earning a double bonus of 700,000 baht.
Following the RWS event on Saturday, 11 July, in the main event, Tapao Kaew Singmawin, the long-reigning Rajadamnern 147-pound champion, was knocked out in the second round by Niall McGreevy, the rising star challenger from Ireland, instantly crowning Niall as the new champion.
In the first round, the champion controlled the fight, delivering heavy strikes and leading on two judges' scorecards 10-9, with the third favoring the challenger. In the second round, Niall used his taller frame to press forward, landing a short elbow strike that sent the champion flipping onto his back, receiving an eight count and unable to continue. The referee immediately stopped the fight mid-second round, making Niall the new champion.
As the match ended, Niall broke down in tears on stage, openly expressing his joy and pride. Along with the championship belt, he was awarded a double bonus of 700,000 baht from RWS in recognition of his spectacular knockout.
This victory set several new records: first, Niall became the first Irish boxer to win the Rajadamnern championship belt, the world’s premier Muay Thai ring title.
Furthermore, Niall became the first fighter in five years to knock out Tapao Kaew (in big gloves). The last time Tapao Kaew lost before the final bell was in late 2020 to Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon. Niall's performance truly lived up to his status as the new champion of the division.