Boxing Match

It all starts in the kitchen with Mom:

A good meal is essential and plenty of sleep during the day since the match takes place during the night when the weather is finally cool enough:

The match begins with a ceremony called “Wai Kru” which pays respect to the trainer and spirits. I was honoured to be called into the ring to bless our boxers with flower garlands and incantations:

Then the match commences:

I think I got sprayed with sweat but it was all worth it and trophies were presented:

The boxer in the centre was later selected to box in Japan !