The Furious Five: Can Niall McGreevy become the sixth international Rajadamnern Stadium welterweight champion?

For decades, Thailand's elite have dominated the division, but a select group of international fighters have managed to etch their names into the stadium's history.

Ahead of his title challenge against reigning champion Tapaokaew at RWS this weekend, Irishman Niall McGreevy has the chance to become just the sixth international fighter to win the Rajadamnern Stadium welterweight world championship.

Here's a look at the five men who achieved the feat before him.

Kozo Takeda (Japan)

Takeda became the first international fighter to capture the Rajadamnern Stadium welterweight championship in 2001, breaking new ground for non-Thai competitors.

Although his reign was brief, his victory proved that overseas fighters could conquer one of Muay Thai's most revered venues and opened the door for those who followed.

Jos Mendonça (Brazil)

More than a decade later, Brazilian star Jos Mendonça added his name to the history books.

Mendonça defeated Phetthongkam Oh-Sanitpan to claim the title in July 2013 before successfully defending it against Hideya Tanaka and Nawee EagleMuayThai, establishing one of the most successful international reigns in Rajadamnern history before vacating the belt in 2016.

Fabio Pinca (France)

Already regarded as one of Europe's greatest Muay Thai fighters, Fabio Pinca enhanced his legacy by defeating Manaowan Sitsongpeenong to become Rajadamnern welterweight champion in February 2017.

The Frenchman had long been recognised as one of the sport's elite competitors, and winning at Rajadamnern cemented his reputation on one of Muay Thai's grandest stages.

Sajad Sattari (Iran)

Iran's Sajad Sattari became the fourth international welterweight champion when he defeated Yodkhunpon MoothongAcademy in April 2023.

Nicknamed "Superman", Sattari vacated the championship later that year to pursue opportunities elsewhere, but his victory marked another landmark moment for international Muay Thai.

Erdem Dinçer (Turkey)

Turkey's Erdem Dinçer completed the current "Furious Five" by defeating Ruben La Pira in November 2023.

The bout itself made history as the first Rajadamnern Stadium welterweight title fight contested exclusively between two international fighters. Dinçer would lose the belt to Hercules Wor.Jakrawut the following month, but his name remains among the select few overseas champions to have conquered the division.

Can Niall McGreevy become number six?

Now it is McGreevy's turn.

The Irishman heads into Saturday's RWS main event already holding the WBC Muay Thai welterweight world title and with momentum behind him after an impressive run of victories.

Standing in his way is Tapaokaew, whose reign has established him as one of the division's leading names. Victory would not only see McGreevy become the sixth international Rajadamnern welterweight champion, but also write another chapter in the stadium's long history of elite Muay Thai competition.

How to watch

Fight time and how to watch RWS live on DAZN

RWS takes place on Friday, July 11, from the iconic Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Fans globally can catch all the action from the thrilling night of Muay Thai live and for free on DAZN (excluding Indonesia, Russia and Thailand).

To watch:

• Download the DAZN app or visit DAZN.com.
• Sign in or create a DAZN account.
• Select RWS from the live schedule.
• Enjoy one of the biggest nights on the Muay Thai calendar live and on demand.

DAZN is available across smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers, making it easy to watch wherever you are.