WBC Profiles: Kevin Noone  

Kevin Noone is fundamental to the World Boxing Council´s development of Muai Thai and Boxing in Asia.

Kevin is a WBC Governor, is a member of The Ratings Committee, Chairman of WBC China, Secretary General of The WBC Asia Council and Secretary General of WBC MauaiThai.

Kevin told us how it all started:

When did you firstly become interested in Muay Thai and how did you develop your career in it, which included moving to Thailand?

I first became interested in MuayThai just over two decades ago, my burning passion for the sport returned in 2012 when my family and I permanently relocated from Boston back to Bangkok. I fought in regional small stadiums over a short period of time and later moved into the administration side of the sport with the WBC MuayThai.

The Great Jose Sulaiman and WBC Vice President General Kovid Bhakdibhumi met with King Bhumibol Adulyuadez on November 22nd, 2001 when Don Jose promised to help develop the Sport globally. How is that pledge being fulfilled?

Two friends, two very endearing friends, this is how it started, and of course with that well documented meeting it set in motion a continued journey for the sport and culture of MuayThai to be promoted to a global audience under the banner of the World Boxing Council. Just over twenty years after that palace visit, the WBC MuayThai is active in over eighty-four countries and territories around the world doing an honor to the legacy of Don Jose Sulaiman.

How many WBC Muay Thai Conventions have there been and what`s been  achieved?

 The WBC MuayThai committee join the annual World Boxing Council convention where meetings are held to discuss many topics such as medical protocols, ring officials education and more. What has been achieved is a sport which was once just a national treasure is now a global juggernaut thanks in part to the World Boxing Council.

How has the WBC been able to help develop Muay Thai and its rules as well as weight stipulations?

The rules and regulations for MuayThai are quite similar to professional boxing in the fact that the ten point must system is used, the same logic and protocols are used for the referee and judges, however the rounds are different, it’s five rounds with three minutes for each. The weight categories are exactly the same as boxing, with the exception for now, of no Bridgerweight.

What fascinates you about Muay Thai?

The history, the vibrancy, the community, the respect and most of all, the elegance in the fighting styles.

Concerning Boxing, you are Chairman of WBC China. What is the potential of his vast country and it`s huge population in Boxing, and how have the two WBC Conventions helped this process?

Amateur boxing in China has always carried the brighter torch for boxing in China, yet pre-pandemic the professional boxing industry was really starting to light its own torch, with weekly regional shows and with places like Hainan Island and Macau looking to stage opulent events with big name boxers. The WBC China has built a reputable structure crowning WBC China champion across various weight classes since the birth of the new committee in late 2020. The two conventions (which I didn’t attend) I am told were of great help in bringing the culture of the WBC to China. There is lots more work to do.

Why did China come to professional boxing relatively late, and how effectively as well as enthusiastically is it embracing boxing? 

As I mentioned earlier the system of boxing in China was predominantly focused on the amateur game with Chinese sporting authorities putting a huge emphasis on the goals of medal hauls from such events as the Olympics and other regional games. The allure of professional boxing and endearment of sporting fans has been a process of trial and learning. With the leadership of the WBC, we are winning our way inwards.

What have you been able to achieve as a WBC Governor?

 Under the leadership of President Sulaiman I have been given the freedom to put my ideas and plans into fruition with a tremendous support system from the WBC head office in Mexico and the WBC Asian Boxing Council in Bangkok. For me, one of the key elements to the continued success of the WBC is communication, both internally and externally, we aim to keep the lines of communication open like a 7/11.

How would you quantify the importance of the World Boxing Council in its initiatives and innovations for Muay Thai and Boxing?  

Endless and unquantifiable in my opinion. When you think of boxing, you think of the greats like Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, Julio Chavez, and Floyd Mayweather, all incredible champions and all great ambassadors for the World Boxing Council. The allure of the green and gold shines bright. The WBC MuayThai is a global voice for the rich culture and sport of MuayThai and will continue to be a platform for those involved to showcase their abilities.

Thank you very much.