Welcome to the world of Lethwei - Myanmar's brutal, bloody but exciting traditional boxing action

Fighters Htun Linn Aung (left) and Nay Htoo Htoo competing in the ring during a traditional Myanmar boxing Lethwei tournament at Pyi Thar Lin Aye pagoda in Hlaingbwe township in Karen state. The spectacle of almost-no-holds-barred traditional Myanmar boxing known as Lethwei, considered one of the most aggressive combat sports in the world -- with fighters eschewing boxing gloves for thin gauze bandages wrapped around hardened knuckles -- draws huge crowds in the eastern border state of Karen. - AFP

YANGON, March 12 (AFP): After Hlaing Htet Aung landed another vicious kick to his opponent's chest, the referee called a stop to the bout of traditional Myanmar boxing, the crowd cheered and the ringside band ended their tune with a flourish.

The 22-year-old strutted victorious from the ring at the end of a five-day traditional Lethwei tournament, now in front of big crowds again following the pandemic.