A legendary rivalry has reached its final chapter. Muangthai PK Saenchai brought down the curtain on Seksan Or Kwanmuang's illustrious career with a third-round TKO victory in their bantamweight Muay Thai fight of The Inner Circle 30 on September 11.
Their sixth and final clash ended when Muangthai landed his signature elbow in the third round, forcing the referee to wave off the contest.
Seksan, 37, removed his gloves and placed them in the centre of the ring, marking his retirement from competition in the most poignant fashion. The warrior who compiled more than 200 career wins and 10 ONE Championship victories, holding a 4-2 record in this very rivalry, walked away from the sport with his head held high.
For Muangthai, 32, the victory returned him to winning ways and added another chapter to a 208-48 career record built on multiple Muay Thai World Championship accolades. But the result brought feelings far more complex than simple satisfaction.
"I had previously mentioned I didn't want to fight him again since we've already fought so many times. I ultimately decided to take it to honor him. Opportunities like this don't come around often. It was a huge honor that he chose me, and it becomes a big part of my history too," he said.
The bond between the two rivals runs far deeper than their six fights suggest, and Muangthai found it impossible to separate the competitor from the friend in the aftermath of what had just unfolded.
"Honestly, I couldn't even feel fully happy about the win. It was such a mixed feeling because he feels like a brother to me. Even when we weren't scheduled to fight, we'd message each other on Facebook all the time," he explained.
As Seksan placed his gloves in the ring and said goodbye to the sport, Muangthai paid tribute to a man he considers one of Muay Thai's true greats.
"He's a true role model for so many younger fighters. A warrior who never takes a step backward and gives it his all every single fight regardless of win or loss. Seeing him hang it up is bittersweet. I'm genuinely happy for him," he added.
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