One of muaythai’s biggest annual events is set to break with tradition this year when the Queen’s Cup features male bouts it was announced in Bangkok on Monday during a joint press conference for the Queen’s Cup and the Thailand vs Challenger Series.

Following an agreement between Elite Boxing and the Queen’s Cup’s organisers, One Songchai Promotions led by legendary muaythai promoter Songchai Ratanasuban, four high-profile international male fights will be included in the Queen’s Cup fightcard this year as part of Elite Boxing’s Thailand vs Challenger Series.

The joint event is sanctioned by the World Muaythai Council (WMC) which was represented at the press conference by WMC President, General Chetta Tahanajaro and Vice President, Stephan Fox. Elite Boxing’s managing director, Toli Makris, and One Songchai Promotions’ female muaythai promoter, Pariyakorn Ratanasuban, appeared on behalf of the event’s co-promoters.

Presiding over the press conference, local celebrity Sonia Couling introduced local dignitaries Seksan Narkwongs, Santi Phookwanmuang, Jansuda Rakpolmuang, and Thawee Ampornmaha, who also expressed their support for the co-promotion.

Adding to the international flavor of the event, some of muaythai’s top male and female fighters were also present at the press conference. Nonsai Sor Snayakorn of Thailand, Fabio Siciliani of Italy, Antuan Siangboxing of France and Saiyok Pumphanmuang of Thailand are among fighters who will be representing nine different nationalities at the event.

Traditionally the main event in the muaythai calendar for female fighters, the Queen’s Cup has been held at Sanam Luang on Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday (August 12) every year since 1996. The televised event attracts up to 100,000 spectators to the open air muaythai extravaganza.

The Queens Cup Thailand vs Challenger Series will be held on 12 August 2010 at Sanam Luang in Bangkok. The six Queen’s Cup fights begin at 7pm and the four Thailand vs Challenger Series fights are scheduled to start from 10pm.

More details can be found at www.eliteboxing.com