Papthawee Duangcharoen, better known as Milli, Thailand’s trailblazing rap sensation, stepped out of the recording studio and into the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium for her first-ever professional Muay Thai fight today.
Facing Chinese fighter Jiduo Jishi at the Fairtex Fight event, Milli’s debut was a bold crossover moment, blending music, martial arts, and raw determination. Though she lost by points in a closely contested match, Milli’s performance won the hearts of fans and showcased her grit as she promoted her new album, Heavyweight.
Milli, a 22-year-old cultural icon, first skyrocketed to fame as a teenager on The Rapper 2 and cemented her status with hits like “Phak Kon” and “Sud Pang.” In 2022, she made history as the first Thai solo artist to perform at Coachella, famously eating mango sticky rice on stage. Her love for Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport, was evident when she appeared in a walkout for ONE Championship fighter Tawanchai PK Saenchai. Now, Milli has taken her passion to the next level, trading beats for punches in a professional fight that doubled as a promotional spectacle for her album.
The Fairtex Fight event, broadcast on Channel 7HD and online for free, drew massive attention, with fans eager to see if Milli’s charisma and stage energy could translate to the ring. Her journey was documented in a five-episode YouTube series, MILLI TO THE RING, which began airing on April 19 via YUPP!, her record label. The series captured her intense training at Fairtex Academy alongside Muay Thai stars like Junior Fairtex and Stamp Fairtex, revealing the blood, sweat, and even spit that marked her preparation.
Under her fighting name, “Amnuayjit Sitthilaekphai,” Milli entered the ring with a fiery determination. Her opponent, Jiduo Jishi, was a formidable Chinese striker, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash. The three-round amateur Muay Thai bout was a test of Milli’s physical and mental toughness, especially given her limited combat sports experience compared to many fighters who train from childhood.
In the first round, Milli showed promise, landing a solid body kick and delivering powerful knees from the clinch, a hallmark of Muay Thai’s “Art of Eight Limbs.”
However, Jishi’s technical precision and experience began to shine through in later rounds. Milli’s speed and punching power needed refinement, as observers pointed out, but her heart was undeniable.
The fight went the full distance, with Milli standing tall for all three rounds—a feat she later said left her “touched and proud.” The judges awarded Jishi the victory by points, but the score was razor-close, and Milli’s performance was widely celebrated. Thai media outlet Thairath Sport called it a “win for the fans’ hearts,” while Khaosod Online highlighted her emotional post-fight comments: “I’m so happy, just to fight is a blessing.”
Post-fight, Milli shared that global music star Jackson Wang, who reportedly watched the bout, had offered her encouragement. “Many people asked why I’d fight at this age when others start young,” she said, reflecting on her unconventional path. “I hope I can fight again.” Her debut sparked polarized reactions.
Some purists worried about Muay Thai becoming a platform for influencers like Boxing has become, but others, like combat sports outlet LowKickMMA, commended her “sincere fondness for the sport” and bravery in facing a “violent battle.”
With millions of Instagram followers and 1.2 million monthly Spotify listeners, she brought unprecedented attention to Muay Thai, especially among younger audiences. Her single “One Punch” and the Heavyweight album tie-in amplified the event’s reach, blending Thailand’s musical and martial arts heritage.
While Milli’s primary career remains music, her debut suggests she’s not done with Muay Thai. Whether she returns to the ring or focuses on her next chart-topping hit, Milli has proven she’s unafraid to step into uncharted territory, and has a history of trying different things such as a stand up comedy show in the past.
For now, fans can relive her journey through MILLI TO THE RING on YouTube or catch highlights of the Fairtex Fight event.
