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For many years, Myanmar’s boxing enthusiasts had a single figure to support.

Currently, the list is expanding – and on Friday night at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, another one emerged.

ONE Friday Fights 139 seemed less like a regular weekly event in Myanmar and more like a turning point – the emergence of a new era, and the symbolic end of the previous era. At the center was Kyaw Swar Win, composed in the midst of the turmoil, receiving a welcome typically given to rock stars.

A 24-year-old athlete made his ONE debut in a remarkable way, defeating Japan’s Muga Seto in the second round via TKO and securing a 350,000-baht bonus for his performance. When Kyaw delivered his fourth knockdown of the match—a flying superman punch that concluded the fight—the roof of Lumpinee nearly collapsed.

The seating areas were filled with supporters from Myanmar, with flags hanging from railings and chants resounding throughout the historic venue. Kyaw remained unfazed.

I didn’t experience any pressure at all,” he stated. “The Myanmar supporters have encouraged me from the very beginning.

The response that followed was equally impressive. Kyaw was surrounded by Myanmar media behind the scenes, then overwhelmed by hundreds of fans outside the stadium as he attempted to reach the waiting van. Phones were held out for pictures. He smiled for each camera, enjoying a moment that felt greater than just a single match.

Kyaw made his way to Bangkok under significant anticipation. In his homeland, he has an impressive lethwei record of 95-1, with his sole loss occurring in an openweight match against an opponent almost 50kg heavier. However, instead of following the usual path taken by many Burmese fighters—arriving in Thailand on their own or through a Myanmar promoter—Kyaw took a different approach.

Last year, he became part of Fairtex in Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most reputable and well-known gyms, which is the training ground for several top fighters in ONE Championship. He chose not to rush into the ONE Lumpinee ring immediately, opting instead to compete under the Fairtex Fight promotion to get accustomed to Muay Thai and the four-ounce gloves.

The patience paid off.

Although I didn’t have any experience in ONE Championship, Fairtex had faith in me,’ Kyaw said. ‘Now I am able to repay them.

Head coach Prem Fairtex, who was present in Kyaw’s corner and has assisted athletes like Stamp Fairtex in achieving championship victories, was impressed—but remained cautious.

I’ll rate him a nine out of 10,” Prem said. “This was his first major performance, under pressure from the gym, the nation, and his own expectations. While people may discuss his record, today he demonstrated his true character.

He still has room for improvement – the ring movement is completely different from fighting back home,” Prem added. “But he’s one of the hardest workers in our gym. He’s the first to arrive and the last to leave.

Kyaw himself is not willing to consider the future too closely.

My primary objective at the moment is a full-time ONE Championship contract,” he stated. “I’m not thinking about the belt just yet. Taking it one step at a time.

On Friday night, the evolving nature of Myanmar’s combat sports identity became evident. Shortly after, a surprising wave of shock swept through the audience when Soe Lin Oo, the revered ‘Man of Steel’ in lethwei, experienced his first career knockout loss—unsuccessfully head-kicked by Thailand’s Worapon in the main bout.

Lowering his hands and risking danger, as he frequently does, Soe Lin Oo was caught off guard. His body collapsed, his head striking the canvas in an instant that seemed both harsh and significant.

The traditional order was declining – yet the new era was approaching.

Previously, 21-year-old Salai Htan Khee Shein contributed to the growing momentum by defeating Thailand’s Yodudon in the second round, nearly ending the match in the first. This victory occurred several months after Salai had challenged Songchainoi closely on short notice in October, a display that many people back home felt warranted the win.

After my initial defeat, I resolved to make the second opportunity a chance to improve,” Salai stated. “I am now very pleased with this moment.

Myanmar ended the night with a 2-2 record, as Nay Yine lost via decision to Khunsuk, though the scorecard seemed less important. The atmosphere at Lumpinee suggested that a change had occurred.

It has been under four months since the former ONE middleweight and light heavyweight MMA champion Aung La N Sang retired at the age of 40, concluding his career in front of thousands of devoted fans at Lumpinee, and leaving behind a legacy that encompasses national hero status and even a gold statue in his home country. The ‘Burmese Python’ has continued to be actively engaged, consistently monitoring the development of Myanmar fighters and openly supporting the upcoming generation.

In December, Aung La was present at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas when Joshua Van secured UFC gold. Later, he FaceTimed ONE atomweight Muay Thai prospect Vero Nika to inform her, “You’re next.”

On Friday, he did the same again – posting videos of Kyaw’s goal and Salai’s win on social media, and contacting Soe Lin Oo to offer comfort following his loss.

More fighters from Myanmar are being featured each week on ONE Friday Fights, with Thway Lin Htet scheduled to be the main attraction on next week’s event. However, it is Kyaw who is currently leading the way – demonstrating a fresh model for achievement by partnering with top-tier facilities, expert training, and perseverance.

When I started at Fairtex, Myanmar was a very impoverished nation, but they welcomed me,” Kyaw stated. “I aim to demonstrate that fighters from Myanmar can succeed on the global stage.

On a night when Lumpinee was filled with loud sounds, the meaning was evident.

A fresh hero has emerged – and the next phase of Myanmar’s story is already unfolding.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).