McGreevy wins Rajadamnern Stadium world title

Muay Thai fighter Niall McGreevy said the moment he made history by becoming the first Irish competitor to win the Rajadamnern Stadium welterweight world title "could not have gone any better".

The Belfast native defeated defending champion Tapaokaew Singmawynn by knockout in round two to become champion.

The fight took place at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, regarded as the home of the sport.

"I can't even put it into words, I wish I could put this feeling in a bottle and let everyone experience it," McGreevy told BBC Sport NI.

"That moment is one of the best moments of my life. I was expecting to go the full five rounds and it be a gruelling fight as that was his [Singmawynn's] style, but it could not have gone any better.

"My friends and family who were over there all screamed and shouted my name and it sounded like the stadium was full of Irish [people] which was amazing."

McGreevy had been training over at Lionheart gym on the Thai Island of Koh Samui ahead of the fight with David MacIntosh, Tony Olin and Jamie Crawford, who have been his coaches for the past 12 years.

MacIntosh and Crawford are both retired Muay Thai fighters, while Olin owns the gym where his training camps take place.

They have also helped the 27-year-old become WBC Muay Thai world welterweight champion, a title he successfully defended when he beat Arjan Hajdari by unanimous decision in Glasgow.

"Jamie and David were great fighters and great role models now and they have kept me on the straight and narrow for the whole time," he added.

"They are my inspiration and to be able to give back such a prestigious title and for them to be able to say they have achieved this in the sport by training me, I am glad I have been able to give this back to them.

"They are two great coaches and I could not have done it without them".

McGreevy has registered 24 wins, five losses and one draw so far during his career and now, he is keen to defend his new title and "solidify my legacy as one of the best".

"It has been sinking in the last few days how big a moment it is and how good an opportunity it was. I am on cloud nine," McGreevy continued.

"I want to keep doing this over and over again, as long as I keep winning.

"I am only 27 years old so I will definitely be able to ride it out and solidify my name and my legacy as one of the best to do it, so that is the goal now."