Much has changed since Buakaw Por Pramuk (as he was then known) last won the K-1 World Max Tournament in 2006, but the fighter from Surin will have an opportunity to replicate that achievement on home soil when he faces Enriko Kehl this July.

After having proved himself as one of the better fighters at his weight in Thailand’s stadiums, Buakaw burst onto the international scene by winning the K-1 World Max in both 2004 and 2006, establishing him as the best 70-kilogram kickboxer in the world.

In recent years Buakaw has made headlines for the wrong reasons when a highly acrimonious split from the Por Pramuk camp – which he had been fighting out of since age 14 – threatened to put an end to his career.

A settlement was ultimately reached whereby Buakaw would continue to pay Por Pramuk a percentage of his purses without representing them when he fights, and he has since set up his own camp, the Banchamek Gym, and seen his profile increase after starring in a number of TV commercials in Thailand.

While Buakaw’s profile is higher than it has ever been before, K-1 is not the same organization it was when he claimed those tournament wins in 2004 and 2006. After enduring financial issues and two changes of ownership, the roster of fighters is far weaker than it was during its heyday.

When the 16 fighters who would participate in the elimination tournament were first announced the names which stood out were those of Buakaw Banchamak (as he is now known) and Dutch kickboxer Andy Souwer.

Souwer was the last fighter to defeat Buakaw, beating him by a razor thin split decision after a 2009 K-1 World Max Semi Final fight which was initially ruled a draw had gone to an extra round.

Buakaw has not been beaten since, winning his last 29 fights and a fourth fight between him and Souwer would have been an intriguing prospect but unfortunately the Dutch fighter was forced to withdraw from the tournament with appendicitis.

So instead of facing Souwer, who would have been the hot favourite to reach the final, Buakaw will be taking on Kehl, a German who has beaten three separate opponents by decision to book his spot in July’s finale.

However he will come into the fight as a rank outsider because he lost to Buakaw under Muay Thai rules as recently as last December when the Thai fighter beat him by unanimous decision after a three round fight in Khon Kaen.

The K-1 World Max Final will be fought under kickboxing style rules which might be a factor in Keh’s favour but Buakaw will be very confident of extending his 29 fight winning streak and winning the competition for the third time in the process.

No information is available at present about the location of the venue or even the date of the event except that it will be taking place in Bangkok in July. For more information visit: http://www.k-1.tv/

RELATED:

VIDEO: Buakaw punches tires at the speed of smite

Muay Thai legend Buakaw is missing

Grove: Coconuts Brand Studio

Fast. Funny. Digital. We produce creativity that delights and influences customers. Join forces with us to slay buzzwords, rise above the noise, and sow the seeds of something great.