Chang Beer has announced that it has signed on as the title sponsor of the 2012 season of Friday Night Fights, featuring Muay Thai Kickboxing. Muay Thai has grown in popularity in the United States, and Chang is leading the charge to reach more athletes and audiences in the U.S. Chang, the official sponsor of Thailand’s most renowned boxing stadium, Lumpinee, is a longtime supporter of Muay Thai. The brand’s longstanding association with the sport makes this title sponsorship a natural next step.
“We are thrilled to help bring Muay Thai to the attention of Americans and increase awareness of Thai culture across the country,” says Pat Graney, President of International Beverage USA. “Both Chang Beer and Friday Night Fights Muay Thai have the same mission: to spread Thai pride and enjoyment. There is no better partner for our brand.”
The Friday Night Fight series began in 1997 at the Church Street Boxing Gym showcasing a variety of fighting styles including Muay Thai Boxing, Amateur Boxing and White Collar Boxing, and is the longest running Muay Thai show in the United States. In 2009 the series began to focus more on the sport of Muay Thai, and starting in 2011, Muay Thai was promoted exclusively, rebranding under the name Friday Night Fights Muay Thai. The 2012 season will feature a dozen events beginning in January and will mark the debut of West Coast events, with two slated for Spokane and Seattle, Washington in March.
“A Muay Thai fighter holds a position of honor in Thailand, and Chang’s symbolism of Thai culture makes it the perfect brand for this prestigious title,” says Justin Blair, President of Friday Night Fights. “We are excited to expand our partnership with Chang and are flattered to be the exclusive event series sponsored by Chang in North America. As a leader in the sport, we feel that the recognition by a reputable company based in Thailand is an incredible validation of our ability to deliver authentic Muay Thai to the American public.”
