In a highly anticipated event, Thailand’s Ladyboy Nong Rose, also known as Nong Rose Baan Charoensuk competed in another Muay thai bout. However, her bout was cut short as she was stopped by Bryan Moura in the second round via technical knockout (TKO).
The bout, which took place on May 24th marked a significant milestone for Ladyboy Nong Rose, who has been a prominent figure in Muay Thai circles in Thailand.
The fight began with both feeling each other out, but it was Moura who dictated the pace, landing solid shots and knee strikes that left Ladyboy Nong Rose reeling. In the second round, Moura’s relentless pressure and precision striking proved too much for the Thai fighter.
As the commentator noted, “Solid knee to the midsection by Brighton, going for the elbows… No cuts though, ladies and gentlemen. They’re answering the eight count.” However, Ladyboy Nong Rose’s valiant effort was ultimately halted when Moura landed a devastating combination, prompting the referee to stop the fight.
Despite the defeat, Ladyboy Nong Rose’s courage and determination have earned her widespread respect and admiration. Unlike many other competitors, Rose opts to compete against men.
“When I started fighting (as a girl), I was afraid that people would not accept me,” she said previously.
“In my village everyone knew me so it was easy,” she says. “But outside the city, some boxers looked at me wrong and said that trans people could not win.”
A leading Muay Thai brand signed Nong Rose Baan Charoensuk to their fight team under a three-year sponsorship contract in 2021, as part of their mission to support the sport and its fighters. Nong Rose has an impressive record of over 300 fights and is a champion in various categories. She made history as the first transgender fighter to compete and win at the prestigious Rajadamnern Stadium after it changed its dress code in 2017.
“I knew I was trans even before I started boxing. That’s why my uncle, who’s an ex-boxer, trained me since I was in kindergarten. He didn’t want me to become a Katoey,” Nong Rose said, explaining how it all started back in the day.
From the age of 14, despite not knowing how any of her fans would react, wearing makeup had become an everyday thing:
“I was trying to present myself as a male then. I’d only put makeup on when I was at home, wrapping towels around my head to look girly. I never did that stuff when I went to school.”
“But at fourteen, when I was starting my Mathayom-2 year, I decided to wear makeup, both at school and the gym. It was mainly to cover up the scars I had from a road accident, which broke my arms, legs, and shoulders, and disfigured my face.”
“The first time I wore makeup for a fight was in Phimai. Most people already knew me because I was a regular fighter there. Of course, they were really surprised that I was wearing makeup. Me? I was a total wreck, even more than usual.”
“At first I was really concerned about getting scars. But then I realized that I’d never gotten one in a fight, so my confidence grew. To be honest, I no longer think much about my face when I step into the ring. My sole focus is to win the fight.”
