Fighting for a Pittance

Boxing matches with children starting at six years in Thailand.

Thai boxing (Muay Thai) ranks among the world´s toughest and most violent martial arts, often connected with fighters sustaining serious injuries. Muay Thai secures the income of numerous Thais, so even children fights for the amusement of tourists and betting locals are common in Thailand´s arenas. There is no minimum age for the boxers. For a pittance they will go to their physical and mental limits. Only a few fighters achieve the status of an idolized boxing champion and earn big money as a boxing professional. Usually in their mid-twenties the boxers´careers end and Muay Thai fighters retire.

Bank, 7 years, wants to become a famous boxer. His father in the background is his trainer.
The fighting hall. 15 boys, starting at the age of 6, and one girl are getting boxing lessons.
The coach binds a boy the boxing gloves.
The bedroom of boxing coach Biau and his two sons Bank, 7 years and Benz, 8 years.
Boys are waiting for the upcoming boxing match.
The coach prepares a young boxer for the next fight.
Bank hits Tountong in the face.
Family members are watching the boxing match.
Bank has lost the boxing match against Tountong and is lying unconscious on the ground.
Tountong with a trophy after he has won the boxing match against Bank.
The coach shouts at a boy during the break of the fight.
After the boxing match the winner goes around and collects money from tourists. But he is not allowed to keep the money, most of it takes the coach.
Fanta, 6 years, after she has won a boxing match.
A boy is making exercise. In the front the trainer is drinking whiskey with his friends and the father of the boy.
A boy is praying before the fight.
© Sandra Hoyn