FRENCH CONNECTION TV7 STADIUM
FRENCH CONNECTION TV7 STADIUM
Special report by Serge TREFEU (2025)
Bangkok’s renowned TV7 Stadium is one of the four largest Muay Thai stadiums in Thailand, alongside Lumpinee, Ratchadamnoen, and Omnoi Stadium.
Founded many years ago, it is owned by the prominent promoter Peerapong Theeradejpong, better known as Mr. Chun Kietpetch, who holds a 50% stake, with the other half controlled by the military. The director of TV7 Stadium is Mr. Pariwat Setthabut.
The unique feature of TV7 Stadium is its location within the studios of one of the country’s largest television networks, Channel 7 (TV7). The studios are situated behind the former Northern Bus Terminal (Moo Chit), directly opposite Chatuchak Park. While its capacity is more modest than Lumpinee Stadium (6,000 seats) or Ratchadamnoen Stadium (5,000 seats), TV7 Stadium can still accommodate nearly 3,000 spectators.
And despite its smaller capacity, it’s packed every Sunday afternoon, its only day of operation. Because no true Muay Thai fan, nor any bettor, wants to miss the weekly TV7 show.
The atmosphere at Stadium TV7 is unique.
The crowd, more compact than at Lumpinee and Ratchadamnoen, creates an electric atmosphere, and the intensity rises in tandem with the bettors, seamlessly integrated into the audience, shouting their wagers and predictions with every exchange.
On TV7, you never see mediocre fights. Only top-tier bouts are scheduled. To have the honor of stepping into this ring, and even more so in the main event, a boxer must already have solid experience in Bangkok’s major stadiums.
But there are also the young guns of the ring, hungry fighters determined to prove their worth to the most influential promoter on the Thai circuit, Mr. Chun Kietpetch. They offer the public ferocious matches and give their all in the TV7 ring.
Winning the TV7 belt is a major achievement, a crowning achievement for many Thai fighters!
Less internationally renowned than the legendary Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpinee Stadium, the TV7 Stadium nonetheless fully deserves its status as a “Mythical Stadium” of Muay Thai.
The biggest names in the sport have competed there, and for decades, this ring has shaped as much as it has revealed Thailand’s finest warriors.
Fighting here is not just a source of pride, it’s one of the most challenging and respected milestones in a nak muay’s career. Foreign fighters who have had the opportunity to compete in this renowned stadium are few and far between.
French fighters have long enjoyed a special relationship with Stadium TV7, as many have had the honor of being invited over the years, a privilege very few foreign nak muays can claim.
The first foreign fighters to compete in this stadium were a team of French fighters in 1982, consisting of Jocelyn Faye, Jean-Pierre Mieckaze, Patrick Brizon, Philippe Cantamessi, and François Kappeler.
On August 8, 1982, the first France vs. Thailand match took place at the TV7 Stadium in Bangkok. Patrick Brizon (Rest in Peace), Philippe Cantamessi, Jean-Pierre Mieckaze (Rest in Peace), Jocelyn Faye, and François Kappeler fought, and their bout was broadcast live on Thai Channel 7. After hard-fought battles, Philippe Cantamessi and François Kappeler won their match, while Patrick Brizon, Jean-Pierre Mieckaze, and Jocelyn Faye lost on points.
A year later, in 1983, a Dutch team challenged the Thais in the TV7 ring, including the legendary Rob Kaman, who lost to the formidable Lakchart Sor Prasatporn!
In 1994, the adventurer of ring, French European champion Mourad Djebli, had the honor of facing a Thai champion at the TV7 Stadium. Mourad Djebli fought some tough battles in Thai rings against the fearsome Jomhod Kiatadisak and Channarong!
Then, one of the first foreigners in history to step into the TV7 Stadium ring and fight there multiple times was David Hergault, a Frenchman living in Thailand. David Hergault was known in Thai boxing rings as David Singpatong.
In the 1990s, after defeating the Southern champion in Phuket and then the Northern champion in Bangkok at Lumpinee Stadium, he caught the attention of the renowned promoter Chun Kiatpetch, who decided to give him his chance. David Singpatong then achieved the feat of fighting three times in the legendary TV7 Stadium ring!
Several years after David Singpatong’s era, two other Frenchmen would etch their names into the history of Stadium TV7.
On April 26, 2009, multiple world champion Yohan Lidon, a true legend with 20 world titles in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and K-1, had the opportunity to face Thai fighter Karuhat Eakchumpon in the ring at Stadium TV7. After an intense fight, the Frenchman lost on points.
But on August 30, 2009, in the same stadium, he faced Spanish champion Joseph-Nicolas Garcia Nguere, whom he defeated by knockout. Yohan Lidon then returned to the TV7 stadium on August 29, 2010, for an explosive duel against the formidable Kongjak Sor Tuantong (Rajadamnern Champion, Omnoi Champion, WMC World Champion). This time, he lost by TKO in the fourth round. But the Frenchman would get his revenge a few months later in France, where he defeated Kongjak.
On that same August 30, 2009, Fabio Pinca, another French fighter, set the ring ablaze at Stadium TV7. At the time, Pinca was training with Yohan Lidon at the renowned Saint-Fons Gym, the famous Team Nasser Kacem.
Fabio Pinca delivered a superb performance against Danthai Siangmanasak, a fight that ended in a draw. But a few months later, in France, the Frenchman won by knockout in the rematch, securing the WBC Muay Thai world title in the process.
Over the years, Fabio Pinca would become one of the biggest names in Western Muay Thai, facing the best Thais of his time and achieving a historic feat by becoming the first Frenchman to conquer the belt at Ratchadamnoen Stadium in 2017.
Another Frenchman also distinguished himself between the ropes of the TV7 Stadium, the French champion Tarik Benhfik (WAKO World Champion), had the honor of fighting in this formidable ring during the 2000s.
On March 6, 2011, it was the young Frenchman Damien Alamos who, in turn, thrilled the TV7 Stadium. Brilliant in the Thai circuit, he was offered by the famous promoter Chun Kietpetch a fight for the TV7 belt against the Thai Aphisak KT Gym, then ranked No. 8 at the Rajadamnern Stadium.
But at the last minute, officials decided the title would not be at stake, without explanation. A typically Thai mystery, as those familiar with the intricacies of Muay Thai would say.
No matter. That evening, Damien Alamos delivered a masterclass.
Technically gifted, precise, and physically tough, he dominated Aphisak in every aspect and deservedly won on points.
His uncle and coach in France, Rodrigo Alamos of the Impact Aquitaine Gym, traveled specifically to coach him. The victory, achieved with intensity and emotion, became an unforgettable moment shared with the family.
A year later, on February 10, 2012, Damien Alamos made history in golden letters.
He became the second foreigner in the world to win the legendary Lumpinee Stadium belt, after Frenchman Morad Sari in 1999. That night, he defeated Thai fighter Kongfah Uddonmuang for the 140-pound title. And the feat didn’t end there, he went on to successfully defend his belt twice, cementing his status as a French legend in the world of Muay Thai!
On May 21, 2011, in France, during the “Clash of Legends” show organized by promoter Rachid Saadi, world champion Yetkin Ozkul, a Turkish fighter who had been living in France for many years and a true terror of European rings, was offered an unprecedented opportunity to fight for the intercontinental Stadium TV7 belt in -61 kg.
The event is historic, as it’s the first time that renowned Thai promoter Chun Kietpetch, co-owner of the TV7 Stadium with the army, has authorized a TV7 title fight between a Thai fighter and a foreigner, and moreover, outside of Thailand. Yetkin Ozkul faced none other than the formidable Seeoui Sor Sunantachai (TV7 Champion). Yetkin Ozkul dominated the Thai champion, emerging victorious after a hard-fought battle and becoming the TV7 Intercontinental Champion!
During the 2000s, several world-renowned foreign champions also had the rare privilege of stepping into the ring at Stadium TV7.
Among them was the legendary Soren Monkontong, an iconic figure in Australian Muay Thai, who fought five memorable bouts there, including one against the formidable Thai champion Orono Por Muang Ubon, whom he defeated on points.
Spanish Joseph-Nicolas Garcia Nguere also made a strong impression with three appearances, including a very impressive victory against Australian champion Soren Monkontong. And the great Spanish champion Wanmario Juan Martin (2 times).
Other foreign fighters have had the honor of being featured on TV7, such as the formidable Russian Dzhabar Askerov, the Italian Claudio Amoruso, the Scot Stefen Fairtex, the Belgian Nico Verezen, the South African Daniel Mashamaite, and the Korean Not Jaigel, each having fought in this prestigious and selective stadium.
Finally, in 2010, the future legendary champion, the Moroccan-Belgian Youssef Boughanem, who would later become Lumpinee, Rajadamnern, and Omnoi champions, also left a brilliant mark on Stadium TV7 by defeating the Thai champion Thepsutin Pumpanmuang (Champion of Thailand).
It wasn’t until the early 2020s that a foreign fighter stepped into the ring of Bangkok’s famous Stadium TV7 again.
After more than twelve years without any foreigners in its ring, three wonder boys French brothers and Muay Thai prodigies revived this fantastic page in the stadium’s history, Isaac Mohamed alias Petchnung Petchmuaythai, Kaïs Mohamed alias Petchsong Petchmuaythai and Nahyan Mohamed alias Petchsam Petchmuaythai.
Having lived in Thailand since childhood, they regularly compete on the Thai circuit, with the same high standards, intensity, and discipline as local fighters.
In June 2023, Petchnung became the first foreigner to step into a TV7 ring since Damien Alamos (2011), in a fight broadcast live on TV7. At just 17 years old, he fought to a draw against the Thai fighter Phetpasak Sor Salachip.
One month later, on July 30, 2023, Petchnung definitively entered history by becoming the youngest foreigner to win a major title in Bangkok, conquering the Ratchadamnoen Stadium belt in the 108 lbs division, after a terrible battle against the Thai Phetpasak Sor Chalasit, also aged 17 years.
Petchnung then continued a series of high-level bouts at Stadium TV7 with a points loss to Singdam Kiatfueng, a victory against Nitikorn JP Power, and another loss to Singdam Kiatfueng. Then, he delivered a superb performance by knocking out the terror of the ring, Praewprao PetchyindeeAcademy (Rajasthan Champion at 108 lbs and 115 lbs, WBC and WMC World Champion)!
On Sunday, April 14, 2024, the second brother, Petchsong, entered the TV7 Stadium at just 16 years old.
He won decisively by knockout in the 3rd round, thanks to a devastating right hand that knocked out the 20-year-old Thai fighter, Chatri Rongream Saynoi.
He then confirmed his rise to prominence at TV7 Stadium with a points victory against Omsin Singhaklonglan (November 2024), followed by a resounding knockout on January 5, 2025, against Dongphupha Dabchan Kongprab.
The youngest of the three brothers, Petchsam, is also among the few foreign children to have had the privilege of fighting at the TV7 Stadium.
He stepped into the TV7 ring at just 14 years old in early 2023, losing on points to Jamesak Saenthongkhakek, also 14 years old.
But Petchsam bounced back immediately with victories against Matchanu Sor Suphato (May 2023), then Kulabkhao Sor Bunyarak (September 2023), and a first-round knockout victory on April 14, 2024, against Phetmeuangsuea Por Mongkhon thanks to a devastating series of low kicks.
On July 28, 2024, he made history. At 15 years old, Nahyan Mohamed, aka Petchsam, became the first foreigner in history to officially fight for a TV7 title in Bangkok. He faced Monphraram Sit Petchchalukan for the TV7 belt at 102 lbs, losing by a very narrow margin after a hard-fought battle.
A month later, he got another shot at a TV7 title, this time at 105 lbs, but lost on points to the other French prodigy of the moment, Alek Singha Mawynn, also known as Sandro Bosi.
Petchsam quickly returned even stronger to the TV7 ring with a knockout victory against Denmuangchan Por Mongkhon in 2024, and in 2025, a points victory against Petchnopdet Noppadech Muay Thai and another knockout victory against Rachaan Sor Somnuk!
After securing two prestigious victories at Stadium TV7, against Silachai Dabchan Kongprab and then Phetniwat Sor Charuwan by knockout on September 22, 2024, the young Frenchman Sandro Bosi made Muay Thai history.
At just 15 years old, Sandro Bosi, also known as Alek Singha Mawynn, became the first foreigner ever to win the legendary TV7 Stadium belt in Bangkok.
For the first time since the creation of TV7 Stadium, a title fight pitted two foreigners against each other, and what’s more, two Frenchmen: Sandro Bosi and Nahyan Mohamed. A historic all-French clash for the TV7 belt.
In this titanic duel, Alek Singha Mawynn secured the victory on points, becoming the TV7 105 lbs champion and etching his name into the pantheon of Thai Muay Thai!
This achievement is all the more exceptional given that Sandro Bosi has lived and fought exclusively in Thailand since the age of six, having grown up immersed in the purest Muay Thai culture.
Two months later, on November 17, 2024, the young prodigy proved that his victory was no fluke.
In his first title defense, he confidently dominated the formidable Thai fighter Yiamyut Por Mongkolin, retaining his TV7 title with panache.
On March 30, 2025, Sandro Bosi embarked on a monumental new challenge, to capture a second Stadium TV7 title, this time in the 108 lbs weight class. Facing Neungsayam Sor Dechaphan, Alek delivered an exceptional performance, demonstrating remarkable technical and mental maturity for his age.
But while the entire stadium, both Thai and foreign spectators, saw his victory as a foregone conclusion, the officials rendered a verdict that will be remembered as one of the most controversial decisions in Stadium TV7 history, awarding the victory to Neungsayam Sor Dechaphan…
On February 16, 2025, Isaac Mohamed, also known as Petchnung Petchmuaythai, once again captivated Muay Thai fans at Bangkok’s renowned TV7 Stadium. Following a controlled victory against Thotsakan Changnakhonsi, he continued his string of impressive performances.
On September 7, 2025, he defeated Dinnuethong Muedphong 191. Then, on November 23, 2025, an exceptional opportunity presented itself, a fight for the TV7 title at 118 lbs.
Facing Thailand’s Petchsangwan Sor Samankarnment, Isaac Mohamed dominated the ring in an intense and strategic battle, winning on points.
With this victory, Isaac Mohamed becomes only the second foreigner in history to win the prestigious TV7 title, after Frenchman Sandro Bosi, who won the 105 lbs title in 2024.
At just 19 years old, this new TV7 trophy confirms his status as a ring prodigy and cements his place among the young French legends of Muay Thai. An exceptional performance that marks a new chapter in the history of Muay Thai in Bangkok!
French fighters have amply demonstrated that the “French Connection TV7 Stadium” is very real, with memorable exploits that remain etched in Muay Thai history.
But foreign talent doesn’t stop there. Among the young prodigies currently making their mark in the highly exclusive TV7 circuit is Jozef Molnar (Slovak), also known as Joseph Jitmuangnon, who has fought around a hundred times in Thailand and often puts on a show in Bangkok stadiums. One of his last fights took place at the TV7 Stadium in July 2025, where he lost on points to the TV7 154 lbs titleholder, Petchsamart Petchkiatpetch.
Among the young foreign talents who are currently shaking up the hierarchy of the Thai circuit, there is also the ring prodigy Elijah Hinzman, aged only 14. Born to an American father and an Indonesian mother, and having lived in Thailand since his early childhood, Elijah trains in the biggest camps in Bangkok, notably the FA Group Gym and the Teeded99 Gym.
In 2024, at just 13 years old, Elijah Hinzman became the first American-born fighter to step into the ring at TV7 Stadium. He won by knockout, before confirming his dominance a few months later with a victory by referee stoppage, demonstrating impressive maturity for a fighter of his age!
Also, Alfie Pearse (United Kingdom), nicknamed Alfie Sor Dechaphan, faced Petchsamart Petchkiatpetch on January 12, 2025, for the TV7 title at 154 lbs. He thus became the first British boxer to compete for this prestigious title. He lost on points but made a lasting impression with his courage and technique.
Cypriot champion Michael Savvas, WBC and WMC world champion and two-time winner of the Hilux Revo Marathon tournament, has also fought twice at TV7 Stadium.
In 2024, he made a name for himself by knocking out Rungsangtawan Sor Parrat at TV7 Stadium.
After two bouts for the prestigious Rajadamnern Stadium belt in the 135 lbs weight class against champion Samingdet Nor Anuwatgym, against whom he lost on points, Michael Savvas returned to the TV7 ring.
On June 22, 2025, he faced Superlek Jitmuangnon (the reigning TV7 135 lbs champion) and lost on points after an intense fight.
Xavier Gonzales (Spain), also known as Xavier Sor Dechapan, who also competes in the ONE Championship, fought twice at TV7 Stadium in 2025, winning by knockout and losing by decision, establishing himself as a major player on the Thai circuit in Bangkok.
Also, the Hungarian Zsombie Németh, who fights under the name Zsombie Manopgym, competed at the TV7 stadium in 2021 at the age of 15, defeating Rittidetlek Wor Wannathawee on points.
The fighter Dionatha Tobias is the first Brazilian fighter to have competed in the TV7 Stadium ring. On September 1, 2024, he faced the formidable Thanek Naiaethasala, who defeated him on points.
The ring prodigy, Italian Alessandro Sandra, the first European to win a Thai championship belt in 2022, fought twice at TV7 Stadium in 2025.
On June 6, he fought to a draw against the immense champion Phet Phu Thai Or Mor Jor Nakhonpanom (TV7 Champion, Lumpinee Champion, Rajadamnern Champion, Thai Champion), and on November 16, he defeated the star Kongsuk Sitsarawatseua (Lumpinee Champion at 118 lbs and 122 lbs, Thai Champion at 115 lbs and 118 lbs, TV7 Champion at 135 lbs)!
