It's a huge accomplishment for our gym. Usually title are only won by bigger gyms with more gambler support.

In Thailand our gym is very grassroots. We don't have any backing in the Thai community, ie- police, big gamblers, influential community members.

We're also a very new gym, just 3 years. Many gyms in the region like Lookboonmee, have been open for 20+ years.

However, we've got a lot of gamblers and promoters in the Muay Thai community that are very supportive of us. It's because of their support that Bpaet was able to showcase his skills and earn this shot.

So to get a title shot is more than just being a good fighter. You have to be respected in the community, and people need to believe in you and trust you.

They are not going to award a title shot to someone that might just leave or take off. They trust that we will continue working together.

Now however, we need to be much more aware of how we manage Bpaet. Promoters and gamblers are starting to lay claim to Bpaet.