BANGKOK – The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) has announced tighter safety regulations following the death of British fighter Joseph Itai Rinomhota on Koh Samui. The decision was revealed during a press conference at the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok on April 1, 2025, as officials addressed concerns over athlete protection in the sport.
The event, titled “Not in Our Olympic Muaythai,” focused on the circumstances surrounding Rinomhota’s death and the necessity of stronger safety measures. The 30-year-old collapsed from cardiac arrest five minutes after his first Muay Thai match at Samui International Boxing Stadium on March 28. His opponent, local fighter Superlek, had landed multiple kicks to his ribs before the referee stopped the bout in the third round. Rinomhota initially left the ring on foot but was later pronounced dead at a local hospital at 11:00 p.m.
IFMA Secretary-General Stephan Fox described the incident as a significant loss and reiterated the organization’s commitment to fighter safety. “IFMA will not compromise on athlete protection, especially for youth,” he stated. Fox also announced plans to travel to Lausanne, Switzerland, to report the incident to International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, underscoring the importance of maintaining Muay Thai’s Olympic standing.
Dr. Sakchay Tapsuwan, IFMA President, emphasized that compliance with safety regulations must be ensured at all levels of competition. He noted that local organizers in Surat Thani were being questioned about whether they adhered to Boxing Committee regulations. “There are existing laws for fighter safety, but enforcement is key,” he said.
Criticism has emerged regarding Rinomhota’s matchup against a more experienced fighter in his debut bout. Observers argue that inadequate oversight may have contributed to the tragedy. Somchart Charoenwatcharawit, President of the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand, called for stricter enforcement of safety standards, particularly given Muay Thai’s Olympic aspirations. “We must prove that Muay Thai is a disciplined sport that safeguards its athletes,” he stated, urging provincial boxing offices to intensify regulatory oversight.
The press conference was attended by IFMA officials and representatives from Thailand’s boxing community, who pledged to review safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
