Buakaw vs. Stevelmans Set For Inaugural Muaythai Premier League Event, Sept. 2nd

While the details surrounding Buakaw Por. Pramuk's planned American debut at Muaythai Premier League's "Stars and Stripes" event have changed a few times, it looks as though the two-time K-1 World MAX champion will face veteran South African fighter, Warren Stevelmans at the event in Long Beach, California on September 2nd.

Buakaw was originally scheduled to face Dzhabar Askerov, though that bout was pulled from the card and summarily moved to a January 2012 card being promoted by Yokkao Boxing.

Warren Stevelmans will be a distinct underdog entering the bout under the Muaythai Premier League banner. Stevelmans, who made it to the quarterfinals of the K-1 World MAX tournament in 2008, has consistently faced top competition throughout his career and has often come up short in doing so. Despite this trend, Stevelmans has gained a bit of steam with recent victories over young prospect Mohammed Medhar and Spain's Zeben Diaz.

Though Buakaw has attracted a fair amount of criticism of late, the Thai fighter currently stands at 3-0 in 2011. Buakaw began the year with what ended up being an abbreviated bout against Thai Fight 2010 runner-up Youssef Boughanem in February. The bout ended in the first round, as Boughanem re-aggravated a shoulder injury and could not continue. Since then, Buakaw has competed twice under the Thai Fight banner, picking up decision wins against Djime Coulibaly and Gilmar China.

The Muaythai Premier League's inaugural event is set to feature a number of top fighters, including It's Showtime 73 kg. MAX champion Yohan Lidon, former King's Cup winner Yodsanklai Fairtex, and WKN 95 kg. champion Nathan Corbett. Look for further updates on the September 2nd event in the near future.