Yokkao Explained

YOKKAO
Logo Alt:YOKKAO Boxing
Type:Private
Industry:Muay Thai, Kickboxing Brand
Founded: in Bangkok, Thailand
Founder:Philip Villa, Doungjaj Tananan
Hq Location:Bang Sao Thong District
Hq Location City:Samut Prakan
Hq Location Country:Thailand
Area Served:Worldwide
Products:Boxing equipment, sporting equipment, clothing, accessories
Services:Manufacturer, Muay Thai Events, fighter management
Owners:-->

Yokkao Boxing is a Muay Thai brand headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand.[1] [2]

History

YOKKAO was founded in Bangkok on 1 January 2010 by Philip Villa[3] and Doungjaj Tananan. It began by producing Muay Thai shorts and training equipment. In February 2011, YOKKAO started the YOKKAO Fight Team which sponsors Muay Thai Fighters around the world. The earliest line-up of the fight team included Buakaw Banchamek, Yoddecha Sityodtong, Jordan Watson, Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee, Saenchai P.K. Saenchai, Dzhabar Askerov, Cedric Muller and Liam Harrison.[4] They also partnered up with Muay Thai camps such as Sityodtong.

In November 2011, the company started Muay Thai fight promotion by holding preliminary selections where winners would go on to fight at the first major YOKKAO fight event. The show was titled YOKKAO Extreme and took place on 21 January 2012 at the Forum di Assago in Milan, Italy.[5] [6] [7] [8] The fight events were later briefly titled Muay Thai Combat Mania YOKKAO due to the partnership with Muay Thai Combat before, shortening to the current name with the 9th event on 24 May 2014.

On 11 October 2014, YOKKAO World Titles for 65k g and 70 kg were introduced at YOKKAO 10 & 11. Pakorn defeated Greg Wootton while Jordan Watson took a KO win over Mickael Piscitello to become the first YOKKAO World Champions at 65 kg and 70 kg respectively.[9]

YOKKAO has held fight events in Italy, UK, Hong Kong, China, Argentina, Australia, Mexico and Thailand.[10] [11] [12] [13] [14]

YOKKAO signed more fighters into its team over the years including Singdam Kiatmoo9, Pakorn PKSaenchaiMuayThaiGym, Tetsuya Yamato, Manachai, and Yodchai.

On 1 January 2019, YOKKAO updated its logo design.[15]

In November 2020, YOKKAO founder, Philip Villa announced over social media the signing of Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon and Sakaengam Jitmuangnon under a 3-year sponsorship deal.[16]

In February 2021, YOKKAO signed female Muay Thai champions Duangdawnoi Looksaikongdin and Aida Looksaikongdin as well as transgender fighter, Nong Rose Baan Charoensuk.[17]

In March 2021, YOKKAO signed Glory Kickboxing world champion, Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9.

Business model

YOKKAO has training centers around the world through partnership in local gyms. Locations include Australia, Canada, Argentina, the UK, the Republic of San Marino, Croatia, Bahrain, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.[18] [19]

In September 2013, YOKKAO announced the start of YOKKAO fight events in the UK.[20] The events started formally with YOKKAO 8 on 8 March 2014, at the Macron Stadium in Bolton, UK. The stadium has since become a regular venue for YOKKAO events in the UK.

In early 2016, the company opened the first YOKKAO Training Center in Bangkok. It's located in the centralised district of Sukhumvit and is the official training camp for the YOKKAO fight team.[21]

In February 2017, YOKKAO was featured on CNN for using social media in driving the brand's global exposure.[22] [23]

In July 2017, the company announced the establishment of an YOKKAO warehouse in Republic of San Marino.

On 29 October 2018, YOKKAO hosted its first WBC title fight where Manachai fought against Julio Lobo from Brazil for the vacant WBC Muay Thai world welterweight title on YOKKAO 34 in Hong Kong. Manachai won the fight by decision to clinch the championship belt.[24] [25] [26]

On 8 April 2019, YOKKAO announced that it will host its official event for the first time in Sydney, Australia.

On 18 April 2019, YOKKAO announced the launch of its fighter management branch, YOKKAO Agency.

On 27 July 2019, YOKKAO held its first Ireland event in Dublin where Singdam fought against Craig Coakley for the WBC Muay Thai Diamond Super-Lightweight title.[27] [28] [29] [30] Singdam won the fight via decision to clinch the WBC diamond belt.[31]

Past events

EventDateVenueLocation
89YOKKAO 50University of Bolton Stadium Bolton, England
88YOKKAO 49University of Bolton Stadium Bolton, England
87YOKKAO in da ClubThe Big Club Turin, Italy
86YOKKAO 48University of Bolton Stadium Bolton, England
85YOKKAO 47University of Bolton Stadium Bolton, England
84YOKKAO Next Generation & KidsUniversity of Bolton Stadium Bolton, England
83YOKKAO 46PalaRuffini Turin, Italy
82YOKKAO 45PalaRuffini Turin, Italy
81YOKKAO Next GenerationPalaRuffini Turin, Italy
80YOKKAO KidsPalaRuffini Turin, Italy
79YOKKAO Fight NightVia Caselle Bologna, Italy
78YOKKAO KidsPalasport di Sant'Agnello Naples, Italy
77YOKKAO 44University of Bolton Stadium Bolton, England
76YOKKAO 43University of Bolton Stadium Bolton, England
75YOKKAO 42National Basketball Arena
74YOKKAO 41National Basketball Arena Dublin, Ireland
72YOKKAO 40Australian Technology Park
71YOKKAO 39Australian Technology Park
70YOKKAO Next Generation PhuketBangla Boxing Stadium
69YOKKAO 38University of Bolton Stadium Bolton, England
68YOKKAO 37University of Bolton Stadium Bolton, England
67YOKKAO Next Generation KidsPalaRuffini Turin, Italy
66YOKKAO 36PalaRuffini Turin, Italy
65YOKKAO 35PalaRuffini Turin, Italy
64YOKKAO Next Generation PhuketBangla Boxing Stadium
63YOKKAO Next Generation KidsTurin
62YOKKAO Next GenerationTurin
61YOKKAO Next GenerationBologna
60YOKKAO 34Hong Kong
59YOKKAO 33Hong Kong Hong Kong, China
58YOKKAO 32University of Bolton Stadium
57YOKKAO 31[32] University of Bolton Stadium Bolton, England
56YOKKAO Next Generation PhuketBangla Boxing Stadium
55YOKKAO Next Generation ScotlandOn-X Linwood Sports Centre
54YOKKAO Next Generation KidsBarnsley Metrodome
53YOKKAO Next Generation SydneyMarrickville Town Hall
52YOKKAO Next Generation KidsBarnsley Metrodome
51YOKKAO Next Generation SouthamptonOceana Southampton Southampton, England
50YOKKAO UK Open 2018Barnsley Metrodome
49YOKKAO Next Generation KidsGrangemouth Sports Complex
48YOKKAO 30Macron Stadium
47YOKKAO 29Macron Stadium
46YOKKAO Next Generation ScotlandOn-X Linwood Sports Centre
45YOKKAO Next Generation KidsBarnsley Metrodome
44YOKKAO Next Generation KidsBarnsley Metrodome
43YOKKAO 28Macron Stadium
42YOKKAO 27Macron Stadium
41YOKKAO 26Hong Kong
40YOKKAO 25Hong Kong
39YOKKAO 24Macron Stadium
38YOKKAO 23Macron Stadium
37YOKKAO 22Hong Kong
36YOKKAO 21Hong Kong
35YOKKAO 20Macron Stadium
34YOKKAO 19Macron Stadium
33YOKKAO Next Generation UKMacron Stadium
32YOKKAO Next Generation ThailandSisaket Boxing Stadium
31YOKKAO Next Generation UruguayColegio San Juan Bautista
30YOKKAO Next Generation MexicoArena Xalapa
29YOKKAO Next Generation MelbourneMeat Market
28YOKKAO Next Generation ThailandBIG C Surin
27YOKKAO Next Generation ThailandKhorat Yamo Khorat, Thailand
26YOKKAO Next Generation MexicoArena Xalapa
25YOKKAO Next Generation SydneySrg YOKKAO Training Center
24YOKKAO Next Generation ThailandMBK
23YOKKAO Next Generation ThailandMBK
22YOKKAO Next Generation ThailandMBK
21YOKKAO 18Macron Stadium
20YOKKAO 17Macron Stadium
19YOKKAO Next Generation UKMacron Stadium
18YOKKAO Next Generation ThailandMBK
17YOKKAO Next Generation ThailandMBK
16YOKKAO 16Metropolitano
15YOKKAO 15Macron Stadium
14YOKKAO 14Macron Stadium
13YOKKAO 13Macron Stadium
12YOKKAO 12Macron Stadium
11YOKKAO 11Reebok Stadium
10YOKKAO 10Reebok Stadium
9YOKKAO 9Xinyang Football Stadium
8YOKKAO 8Macron Stadium
7YOKKAO 7Pattaya World Boxing Stadium
6YOKKAO 6Pattaya World Boxing Stadium
5YOKKAO 5Pattaya World Boxing Stadium
4YOKKAO EXTREME 2013Forum d'Assago
3Muay Thai Combat ManiaPattaya World Boxing Stadium
2Muay Thai Combat ManiaPiazza S. Martino
1YOKKAO EXTREMEForum d'Assago

Champions

Current champions

WeightChampionSinceTitle defenses
align=center-align=center-align=center-align=center-
align=center-align=center-align=center-align=center-

-65kg

DateChampionEventVenueNotes
5 Liam HarrisonYOKKAO 27Macron Stadiumdefeated Kevin Burmester in title defense (round 2 KO by leg kick)
4 Liam HarrisonYOKKAO 24Macron Stadiumdefeated Rayan Mekki in title defense (round 3 TKO by ref. stoppage)
3 Liam HarrisonYOKKAO 17Macron Stadiumdefeated Tetsuya Yamato over vacant title (previous title holder Pakorn lost the belt after 3 straight losses) (split decision)
2 Pakorn PKSaenchaimuaythaigymYOKKAO 13Macron Stadiumdefeated Liam Harrison in title defense (unanimous decision)
1 Pakorn PKSaenchaimuaythaigymYOKKAO 11Macron Stadiumdefeated Greg Wootton to be crowned inaugural YOKKAO world champion (unanimous decision)

-70kg

DateChampionEventVenueNotes
5 Jordan WatsonYOKKAO 28Macron Stadiumdefeated Pongsiri PKSaenchaimuaythaigym in title defense (round 2 KO by head kick)
4 Jordan WatsonYOKKAO 23Macron Stadiumdefeated Sorgraw Petchyindee in title defense (unanimous decision)
3 Jordan WatsonYOKKAO 18Macron Stadiumdefeated Sanny Dahlbeck to regain title (unanimous decision)
2 Sanny DahlbeckYOKKAO 12Macron Stadiumdefeated Jordan Watson to be crowned new YOKKAO World champion (round 4 TKO by 3 knockdowns)
1 Jordan WatsonYOKKAO 10Macron Stadiumdefeated Mickaël Piscitello to be crowned inaugural YOKKAO world champion (round 3 TKO leg injury)

Training center

YOKKAO Training Center Bangkok is the official YOKKAO gym located in the downtown of Bangkok, Thailand. It was opened in 2016 when it became the home and training camp of the YOKKAO Thailand Fight Team. The gym is also opened to the public for training.[33]

YOKKAO Training Center Bangkok has hosted professional fighters and celebrities for Muay Thai training including UK Muay Thai fighter, Liam Harrison, Joe Jonas and Cole Whittle of American pop band DNCE,[34] and fashion model Mia Kang.

Fight team

Agency fighters

Notable alumni

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Muay Thai looks to the future. MSN.
  2. News: The Muay Thai brand using social media to take the fight to its rivals. CNN. 14 February 2017. 15 May 2017. Sarah. Karacs.
  3. Web site: 2020-09-03. Yokkao Founder Philip Villa: Passion, Intuition, Vision. 2020-09-12. Muay Thai Citizen. en-US.
  4. News: Yokkao Extreme. Muaythaitv. 2018-05-04. en.
  5. News: Yokkao Extreme 2012: Buakaw Por Pramuk vs Dzhabar Askerov. 2011-09-04. Muay Thai Blog - News, Articles, Videos of Muay Thai, K1 and MMA. 2018-05-04. en-US.
  6. Web site: Yokkao Extreme promoter Stefania Picelli talks about her upcoming venture with Yokkao Boxing - Muay Thai Authority. 2011-07-01. Yokkao Extreme promoter Stefania Picelli talks about her upcoming venture with Yokkao Boxing - Muay Thai Authority. 2018-12-13.
  7. Web site: YOKKAO EXTREME - Muay Thai - 2012 FORUM ASSAGO MILANO - 21 Gennaio. www.k1rules.com. 2018-12-13.
  8. Web site: Muay thai. win.ilguerriero.it. 2018-12-13.
  9. News: Yokkao 10 & 11 highlights: the Power of a Dream! - MMA Plus. Reid. Roberto. 2014-10-28. MMA Plus. 2018-05-04. en-US.
  10. Web site: World Muaythai Council » Yokkao 25 and 26 in Hong Kong. www.wmcmuaythai.org. en-US. 2018-05-04.
  11. News: Yokkao 9: Muaythai vs Shaolin Kung Fu. 2014-04-25. Muay Guy. 2018-05-04. en-US.
  12. News: Yokkao 16 set for Argentina on November 13th. Aripez. Steven. 2015-08-27. Muay Thai Authority. 2018-05-04. en-US.
  13. Web site: STEFANIA PICELLI CO-ORGANISATRICE DES YOKKAO EVENTS PREND LA PAROLE. www.muaythaigalaxy.com. fr-fr. 2018-12-13.
  14. Web site: Yokkao, lo show dei record!. Veniero. Angelo. 2018-10-14. Fighting Zone Italia. it-IT. 2018-12-13.
  15. Web site: YOKKAO Debuts Brand New Logo. 2019-01-02. Muay Thai Citizen. en-US. 2019-01-02.
  16. Web site: 2020-11-24. Rodtang Jitmuangnon Signs Sponsorship Deal With YOKKAO. 2020-11-27. Fight Record. en-GB.
  17. Web site: 2021-02-22. Philip Villa Signs Transgender Fighter Nong Rose to Yokkao Fight Team. 2021-03-18. LA Progressive. en-US.
  18. News: Bad Company are sponsored by Yokkao. - Bad Company. 2017-05-18. Bad Company. 2018-05-04. en-US.
  19. Web site: Join KFit to experience your favourite activities near you.. Asia. KFit. access.kfit.com. 2018-05-04.
  20. News: Yokkao and Stefania Picelli sign a multi-year contract with Supershowdown to held Yokkao events in UK!. 2014-03-21. Muay Thai Blog - News, Articles, Videos of Muay Thai, K1 and MMA. 2018-05-04. en-US.
  21. News: Gym Review: Yokkao Training Center Bangkok - Muay Thai Citizen. 2017-12-04. Muay Thai Citizen. 2018-05-04. en-US.
  22. Web site: The Muay Thai brand using social media to take the fight to its rivals. Karacs. Sarah. 2017-02-14. CNNMoney. 2018-12-13.
  23. Web site: How Social Media is Driving this Sports Brand - MMA Public Relations. 2017-02-21. Everything-PR: Public Relations, Marketing and Social Media News. en-US. 2018-12-13.
  24. Web site: Manachai險勝盧保奪WBC泰拳金腰帶. 東方日報. zh-hk. 2018-12-13.
  25. Web site: Manachai Claims WBC Title With Win Over Julio Lobo. 2018-11-01. Muay Thai Citizen. en-US. 2018-12-13.
  26. Web site: Vidéo YOKKAO 33 & 34 : MANACHAI champion du monde WBC, victoires pour SUPERLEK, SINGDAM et Abdelnour ALI KADA. Muaythaitv. fr-FR. 2018-12-13.
  27. Web site: Craig Coakley faces Singdam at the first Yokkao Muay Thai event in Dublin. Kane. Mick. 2019-04-28. FIGHTMAG. en-AU. 2019-09-26.
  28. Web site: Singdam vs Coakley title bout to headline Yokkao 41-42 The Fight Nation. Tan. Kay. 2019-07-24. en-US. 2019-09-26.
  29. Web site:

    WBC MUAYTHAI (OFFICIAL WEBSITE)::

    . www.wbcmuaythai.com. 2019-09-26. 2 November 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191102180555/http://www.wbcmuaythai.com/previous_news_select.php?id=436. dead.
  30. Web site: Fight Preview: Singdam vs Coakley WBC Diamond Title Bout. 2019-07-21. Muay Thai Citizen. en-US. 2019-09-26.
  31. Web site: Singdam Captures WBC Glory in Ireland. siamfightnews. en. 2019-09-26.
  32. News: Joe Craven vs. Jake Purdy set for Yokkao's October event - Fight Record. 2018-05-04. Fight Record. 2018-05-04. en-GB.
  33. Web site: YOKKAO Training Center Bangkok - 2020 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos). 2020-10-27. Tripadvisor. en.
  34. Web site: DNCE Joe Jonas and Cole Whittle meet YOKKAO Team in Bangkok!. 2020-10-27. YOKKAO. 30 November 2018 . en-US.