Just four weeks after defeating Saenchai, Buakaw was eager to return to the ring, this time against Nayanesh Ayman in the headlining bout at Rajadamnern Stadium. The two had previously fought at Kunlun Fight 69 when Buakaw stopped the Congo-born Spanish fighter in the opening round with a massive left hook.
This time around, the fight didn't end prematurely but wasn't much of a challenge either for the Thai legend. Ayman had no real answer for Buakaw's constant pressure and was hurt multiple times throughout the 3-round fight. Buakaw scored a knockdown in the first round, but Ayman kept himself away from too much trouble by constantly tying up the Thai fighter. A circumstance that frustrated Buakaw the longer the fight went on. After three rounds, all judges scored the fight in favor of Buakaw.
The fight itself was advertised as Buakaw's last kickboxing in Thailand. Antoine Pinto asked him about it after the fight, but Buakaw himself wasn't so sure anymore.
"In fact, as I have said before: This time is the last time... maybe I will come back and fight in kickboxing at Rajadamnern Stadium again. It depends on RWS, if we will talk about a plan or agreement in the future… I think this time I will change my preparation to fight in a different style."
Next up for Buakaw is a boxing fight against Manny Pacquiao in the first quarter of 2024. Details are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
