Now serving as interim featherweight world champion of GLORY, the world's premier stand-up combat league, Petch is back home in Thailand to present his title belt to the Royal Thai Navy in tribute to their heroic life-saving efforts during the recent Tham Luang cave rescues.
In late June, thirteen members of the 'Wild Boars' junior football team became trapped in the Tham Luang cave network on Thailand's northern border. On July 10, in a difficult and very dangerous operation that began weeks earlier, Navy SEALS of the Thai Royal Navy completed the rescue of all twelve young players and their coach.
Just ten days later, Petch was fighting for the GLORY interim world title at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with his heart heavy and his mind on the cave rescue and the example that it set for him.
Now, he's presenting his new title belt to the Thai Royal Navy and dedicating it to the memory of Lt. Commander Saman Kunan, a former Thai Navy SEAL, who lost his life in a flooded tunnel as he made a return dive from visiting the 'Wild Boars.'
"I feel honored to dedicate this belt to the Navy SEALS of the Thai Royal Navy," Petch says.
"They showed so much heart and courage. They showed the world how strong and courageous the Thai people can be.
"Their story gave me the courage and strength to face my own challenge and win this world title belt. And with the support I receive from my country, I feel like I can face every challenge like this and win."
Petchpanomrung Kiatmookao, title challenger, defeated Kevin Vannostrand, former interim champion by judges' score of 47-46, 46-47, 48-45.
Petch now has the right to challenge world champion Robin van Roosmalen, who has been sidelined with an injury. The winner of that fight, the date for which will be announced shortly, will be the undisputed world featherweight champion of the world.
On the same fight card in New York City, experienced Thai-based, French Muay Thai practitioner Victor Pinto (75-29, 23 KO) edged American Nate Richardson (11-3, 5 KO) following a hard-fought three rounds.
"He was pressing so much that I had to use my boxing," said the No. 10- ranked featherweight. "I'm climbing up the rankings and hopefully in the future I can get a title shot."
Pinto defeated Richardson by judges' scores of 29-28, 28-29, 29-28.
Photo shows: Petchpanomrung Kiatmookao (second from left) presents his new title belt to the Thai Royal Navy, Rear Admiral Apakorn Youkongkaew, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command