Phyo Kay (R) of Mandalay Division fights Soe Tint of Ayeyarwady Division in their 67kg C-grade final at Aung San Indoor Stadium on July 14. Pic: Hein Latt Aung

KAYIN State reinforced its reputation for producing fearsome fighters on July 14 by sweeping all major titles in the Myanmar kickboxing state and division tournament at Aung San Indoor Stadium in Yangon.

Kayin fighters lifted the State and Division Cup and won the title shields of all three fighting grades – A, B and C – at the 13-day tournament, which is designed to spotlight lesser-known boxers.

Although participants from previous years’ editions are not allowed to re-enter the tournament, the outcome of this month’s event was a repeat of 2006 when Kayin fighters won titles in all nine weight divisions.

“We’ve won all the titles (shields and cups) nine consecutive times since the tournament was started because our men are very experienced in fighting. They are used to fighting every month throughout the country and they received good training all the time,” said U Saw Kyaw Thein Tu, the Kayin team’s manager.

Twenty-five out of the 28 Kayin fighters reached the July 14 final, with 15 fighters clinching gold medals.

U Saw Kyaw Thein Tu said the team’s reputation preceded it, and this intimidated some opponents.

“Some men from other provinces are better than us but they get afraid and nervous when they meet our Kayin fighters because we’re a big team composed of experienced fighters,” he said.

Aside from the Kayin squad, one of the standout performers at this year’s event was Mandalay kickboxer Phyo Kay, who won the 67kg “C” category. A heavy hitter, 16-year-old won fans’ support with a series of quick knockouts.

“I have received boxing training since I was six years old. When I was 14 I dropped out of school to get pro-fessional training,” he said.

“I am preparing to become Myanmar’s heavyweight champion.”
Phyo Kay said he planned to continue training in Japan.

“I think I will be the “A” level champion in the next year. Then I will challenge Myanmar’s number one,” he said, referring to Kayin heavyweight Lone Chaw.