Jean-Christophe Van Ghyseghem, trainer of the Brussels Fighters team hosts the 2007 Benelux thai boxing championship. The dedicated sportsman works mainly with young people from his rundown inner-city neighbourhood, offering them a way to vent their frustrations while building up their character. (work in progress)
Youssef 'AK47' Boughanem at the Friends Gym during training for the Benelux Muay Thai Championship. Youssef, a friendly young man with Moroccan roots, says boxing helps him to be a better muslim, staying in focus, and out of trouble.
VOJ0126602 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. Benelux championship Feb. 24 2007.
VOJ0127024 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. Benelux champion's belt.
VOJ0126604 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. Warming up before the fight.
VOJ0127028 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. Doctor Kadija Baddich examines Naim Dahou before he enters the muay thai boxing competition at the Palais du Midi.
VOJ0126606 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. Before the fight starts, the contestants are weighed and examined by a doctor.
VOJ0126605 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. Jean-Christophe Van Ghyseghem, trainer of the Brussels Fighters team hosts the event. He works mainly with young people from his rundown inner-city neighbourhood, offering them a way to vent their frustrations while building up their character.
VOJ0126613 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. Simba Warrior Stéphane Onipogui gets ready for his fight.
VOJ0126609 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi.
VOJ0126610 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. Stéphane Onipogui leaves the ring after winning his fight.
VOJ0126611 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi.
VOJ0126608 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. Before the fight, Youssef 'AK47' Boughanem performs a traditional (buddhist) Wai Kru, paying respect to his teachers, his ancestors and god.
VOJ0126614 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi.
VOJ0126615 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. In between rounds, the trainer and his aide check up on their fighter's general condition, cooling him off where needed.
VOJ0126607 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi.
VOJ0127025 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi.
VOJ0126612 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi.
VOJ0127027 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. Edgar N'Zunga mercilessly closes in on his opponent.
VOJ0126617 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi.
VOJ0126616 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. Sanae Jah, thai boxing champion of Morocco 2005.
VOJ0127029 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi. After his victory, claiming the title of Benelux champion 2007, Edgar N'Zunga of the Friends Gym is carried around by his crew.
VOJ0127032 © Jo Voets
Thai boxing gala at the Palais du Midi.
VOJ0126603 © Jo Voets