1.
GV Thai boxer bowing ZOOM OUT TO Japanese karate expert bowing to spectators
0.08

2.
CU Spectators
0.11

3.
GV First round action (5 shots)
0.45

4.
GV Contestant at half time (2 shots)
0.51

5.
GV Second round action and karate man counted out (3 shots)
1.17



Initials BB/1717 NPJ/AW/BB/1726


SPORT: KICK BOXING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: A Thai kick-style boxer and a Japanese karate expert fought against each other in the Lampini Stadium in Bangkok last week, to decide which technique was the most effective. The Match, which was billed as the first of its kind, attracted more than ten-thousand spectators, including many from Bangkok's Japanese community.

The fight was arranged to settle endless debates in Bangkok over the various merits of the two styles. The Thais claimed that their kick boxing, which uses swift kicks to the body and head followed by accurate frontal boring with gloves, was the more devastating. The Japanese naturally defended their karate which relies on hand chops and arm locks.

Nongkai of Thailand (wearing the short) and Katsushiro Monoe (wearing the karate "fuku" with black belt) had weighed in with only one pound (half a kilogramme) difference between them. However Monoe was almost a head shorter, and this was probably a big disadvantage.

The Thai kick boxer won the first round on points, and came out fast in the second round with a series of accurate kicks and blows, forcing his Japanese opponent into the corner. Moments later, an accurate kick left the Japanese on the mat where he remained for the count of ten.

This was the second victory for Thai kick boxing against other Asian martial arts. A Chinese kung fu expert was also beaten recently by a Thai kick boxer.