Sier Boat Insists Knockout Moment Was a Foul; Bunyamee Kicked Snail's Leg, But Referee's Decision Stands as Final
Bunyamee defeated Snail by first-round knockout at Khon Kaen Day on May 19, but controversy erupts as footage reveals a potential leg sweep foul that the referee cannot reverse, leaving Snail's team demanding a rematch scheduled for June 23
On May 19, following the conclusion of the Khon Kaen Day fight between Bunyamee and Snail, Bunyamee won by knockout in the first round. However, controversy surrounds the knockout moment, where Snail may have been caught by a rule violation when Bunyamee swept his leg, causing him to fall head-first and lose by knockout.
Sier Boat explained that from a distance the contact wasn't clear, but upon reviewing footage, he confirmed Bunyamee did sweep Snail's leg, which would technically constitute a foul. However, the referee has already made the final decision and it cannot be overturned. This left Snail's team frustrated. Bunyamee stated he threw a punch first before attempting a kick, denying intentional fouling. The match on the canvas has concluded with Bunyamee declared the knockout winner. Under Muay Thai rules, since Snail did not rise to continue, the referee had to stop the fight.
According to protocol, the footage clearly shows a foul occurred. Had it not been a foul, the referee wouldn't have intervened to end the match. The referee made a quick decision due to the speed of the action, so the official cannot be faulted. The decision is final.
A rematch is scheduled for June 23 under the same rules: three rounds. For the next bout, a referee with better game awareness will be needed. Non-professional fights can produce unexpected situations like this.
Bunyamee stated he accepts everything, saying the referee has decided. He clarified he didn't intentionally foul Snail, explaining he threw the punch first before attempting the kick. He expressed he wanted this single fight and then return to work, but he's prepared if needed.
Sier Boat added he wasn't defending his fighter—it was a matter of fighting momentum. He believes many people remain unsatisfied, wanting a complete 100% finish rather than the current ambiguous outcome. He noted the decision now rests with both fighters on whether to proceed with a rematch. Currently, Bunyamee is reluctant to fight again. Sier Boat indicated there may not be a second episode, though he later spoke with Bunyamee again, giving both time to decide.
