Muay Thai boxers fight in the Buriram province of Isan, Thailand on June 28, 2012. Muay Thai is deeply entwined with the history of Thailand itself, developed from the need for hand-to-hand combat centuries ago as a form of defense from perpetual invasions from neighboring countries.

Students from 96 Penang, a Muay Thai boxing camp, rest during their daily training session in Bangkok on June 26, 2012. The gym, located under an expressway overpass in a run-down slum area, has a fine reputation for developing and preparing fighters. Most of the students are sent by parents from Isan, a rural region in northeastern Thailand, in the hopes their sons will become good fighters and can help the family financially as many come from poor backgrounds.

A student from 96 Penang, a Muay Thai boxing camp, prepares for a daily training session in Bangkok on June 26, 2012.

Students from 96 Penang, a Muay Thai boxing camp, grapple during a daily training session in Bangkok on June 26, 2012.

Students from 96 Penang, a Muay Thai boxing camp, rest after a daily training session in Bangkok on June 27, 2012.

A young Muay Thai boxer celebrates a win in the ring on June 28, 2012. Boxers range between eight to 25-years-old and compete in different categories.