Muay Thai struggles to strike the right balance

Child fighters

The sport's authorities are also looking to clamp down on the involvement of children in bouts.

Regular paid fights have long been one route out of poverty for children from rural Thailand, but the death of a 13-year-old in a bout in 2018 caused outrage in the kingdom.

Youngsters can earn hundreds of dollars a fight from promoters and gamblers, but the bouts often take place outside the regulatory frameworks and without protective equipment.

Fox said the IFMA is working "to ensure that there are no more child fights".

"This is one of our concerns," he added.

The push for better standards comes as the sport seeks to progress along the path to the Olympic Games.

Last year the International Olympic Committee (IOC) formally recognized the IFMA, which has nearly 150 member countries and regions.

It was an important milestone, but Fox said the sport had work to do on equality, youth development, governance and other areas.

"Everybody dreams of the Olympics," he said.

"Hopefully one day, the dream will become true for the next generation. For now, one step at a time."