Nic Bezzina, Young Muay Thai (Doco/Photojournalism (2018))

Under the fluorescent lights of the boxing ring, the boy can barely see out beyond the elastic ropes that surround the fighting stage. The crowd that press in around him are shadowy outlines. "Satann Mueng, 12 years old, 30.9 kilograms” the announcer says. Thai boxing, or Muay Thai is no stranger to controversy. It's a rough sport that can make Western boxing look like a gentlemen' s hobby. Muay Thai fighters employ punches, kicks, knee and elbows strikes that can incapacitate the opponents. But what is even more controversial is that children enter professional boxing rings. The Thai government has made lukewarm efforts to protect children at the behest of various activist organizations, but they inevitably meet resistance from local communities. Often, these kids are the main breadwinners for their families, who live in destitute rural areas. In this context, Muay Thai is seen as a ticket out. Kids who box are admired, and keep a strict regimen that might "keep them out of trouble.

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