On February 12 at the sold-out Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, the Rajadamnern World Series embarked on its first international expansion.
"This is the best timing for RWS to expand globally." Sarun Ladawon, Chief Marketing Officer of RWS, expressed his enthusiasm. When asked about the crowd being so packed that the stadium had to sell additional standing seats, he answered, "It's a good start."
The event featured a 7-on-7 Thailand against Japan night of fights, but all eyes were on the historic headliner: Nadaka Yoshinari's quest to unify the Super Flyweight Rajadamnern Stadium title and etch his name in the annals of Muay Thai as the first non-Thai to win the honors in three different weight classes.
PRAEWPRAO VS. NADAKA YOSHINARI
With total domination, Nadaka made the toughest test of his career look completely outmatched. In the first round, the Japanese star hurt Praewprao on the rope with a combination of knees, elbows, and left low kicks, dropping the Thai champion to the canvas. The fight then turned one-sided with Nadaka pivoting around the ring and easily outstriking Prawprao, who could not match Nadaka's agility and strategic maneuvering. Despite encouragement from his corner, the Thai champ could only chase after the Japanese star in vain, while Nadaka, being well ahead on the scorecards, maintained a commanding lead throughout the fight. He then earned a clear decision victory, becoming the first non-Thai Rajadamnern stadium champion in three divisions.
Having just made history, Nadaka already had his sights set on the next challenge: the fourth-division title fight against Kumandoi, another pound-for-pound great in the sport. RWS hinted that it plans to match Nadaka with either Kumandoi or Khunsueklek next.
Kumandoi recently captured his Rajadamnern title in January from Pangtor. He ventured into kickboxing last year, upsetting Shiro, before losing to Toki Tamaru at the RISE World Series 2023 - Final Round in December. A fight with Kumandoi would give the Japanese star another history-making opportunity. However, Kumandoi was recently hospitalized due to a motor accident and ongoing recovery may delay a confrontation with Nadaka.
Khunsueklek is riding an incredible 39-fight undefeated streak, one of the longest, if not the longest in stadium Muay Thai history. A match-up between him and Nadaka would see him putting his own 30-fight undefeated streak on the line.
RAJADAMNERN WORLD SERIES JAPAN
MAIN CARD
(ic) Nadaka Yoshinari def. Praewprao (c) – Unanimous Decision (50-44 x 3)
Lamnammoonlek Or. Atchariya def. Renta Wor. Wanchai – Unanimous Decision (30x27 x 3)
Comeback T.K. Yuttana def. Ryota Mawatari – Unanimous Decision (30x26 x 3)
Samingdet Nor. Anuwat Gym def. Yota Shigemori – Unanimous Decision (30x27 x 3)
Petchmai Siadam Mhooprara Rajadamnern def. Mike Joe – Unanimous Decision (30x27 x 3)
Isannua Chotbangsaen def. Nagasawa Samual Kiyomitsu – Unanimous Decision (30x27 x 3)
Saya Ito def. Nongmin Tor. Songkiate – KO in R2
