Vero Nika

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Vero Nika
Vero Nika in June 2022
BornVerow
(1996-07-15) 15 July 1996 (age 27)
Moe Bye tract, Pekon Township, Shan State, Myanmar
Native nameမူဘယ်ရောနီကာ[1]
Other namesKayan Leopard (ကယန်းကျားသစ်)[2]
Vero V.Rujirawong (เวโร ว.รุจิรวงศ์)
Saokraeng Loomsalawin (สาวแกร่ง ลุ่มสาละวิน)
ResidenceChalong, Phuket, Thailand
Height1.64 m (5 ft 4+1⁄2 in)
Weight53 kg (117 lb; 8 st)
DivisionBantamweight
StyleLethwei, Boxing, Muay Thai
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofPekon city, Shan State, Myanmar
TeamTiger Muay Thai
TrainerLuangnin
Years active2017–present
Boxing record from BoxRec
You may need rendering support to display the Burmese script in this article correctly.

Vero Nika (Burmese: ဘရော်နီကာ) is a Burmese Lethwei and Muay Thai fighter.[3][4] She is one of the most successful female Lethwei fighters in the sport.[5] In 2022, amid unrest in Myanmar because of the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, she started competing in Muay Thai in neighboring Thailand. She reached the no.1 spot in the female world rankings at 53 kg according to World Muay Thai Organization,[6] and became Thai Fight Kard Chuek Champion.

Early life[edit]

Vero Nika is the daughter of U Nay Win and Daw Mu Theint. She was born in East Kahpu, a small village north of Moe Bye.[7] She is a Christian and an ethnic Kayan, and was named after Saint Veronica. After her fights she can sometimes be seen carrying the flag of the Karenni and/or Kayan people.[8] When she was young she had to help her mother sell the alcohol she made herself. Her father was sick so she would get up early before school and deliver around town while missing some time at school. Vero Nika is the fifth child out of six,[9] and they relied on the Roman Catholic monastery in Pekon for their education.[10]

Fighting career[edit]

Boxing[edit]

At the age of 16, when she was in 9th grade, she was determined to become a fighter.[11] Her parents did not approve of her new hobby but she was committed to succeed. With some borrowed money she left for Naypyidaw to start her training.[12] Since she mainly spoke in the Padaung language she had trouble understanding those who spoke Burmese. While in training that gradually improved. She continued to attend school but was forced to choose between education or sports a year later.[10] Her boxing career lasted from 2013 to 2017 in which she participated in the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore, and partook in several national championships claiming at least two gold medals in the process.

Lethwei[edit]

In 2017, Vero Nika started her Lethwei career because there weren't enough fights in boxing.[3][13] After being scouted by International Lethwei Federation Japan (ILFJ) promoter Yoshiyuki Nakamura in May, she participated in their Frontier event. She faced pro-wrestler Nanae Takahashi in a three round contest for the ILFJ Frontier Championship belt.[14][15]

On 15 November 2017, Vero Nika faced Julija Stoliarenko in Lethwei Grand Prix Japan 2017 in Tokyo. Stoliarenko's low-kicks caused a fracture in Vero Nika's tibia and she had to retire from the fight.[16] Stoliarenko won the Japan Lethwei World Title by TKO.[17][18][19]

In October 2018, a mix-fight card was held in Thailand with both Lethwei and Muay Thai bouts featured. The Lethwei portion of the show was also narrated in Burmese by the ringside announcer. Vero Nika faced Hongthong Liangprasert in the first of three encounters in her career. Due to a cut in round two, the fight was stopped and Vero Nika won by TKO.[20]

At the Air KBZ sponsored championship in 2018, Vero Nika once more fought Hongthong Liangprasert, this time for a chance to win the accompanying belt especially created for that match.[21] The fight ended up a draw however, so the belt was up for grabs again in January where she fought Wanida Yucharoen. This time around she won the fight and is officially crowned the Myanmar champion.[22][12]

In August 2019 she faced multiple-time Muay Thai champion Sawsing Sor Sopit at the 4th Myanmar Lethwei World Championship event.[23] This was a clear step up in competition and the fight was much anticipated.[24] Despite her many elbows and kicks it ended in a draw after 4 rounds.[25]

By 2020, Vero Nika was one of the most frequently seen fighters and had been booked in 8 fights in 2019 of which 6 materialized.[26] Vero Nika has previously expressed that it is difficult to get fights because there are very few native female Lethwei fighters.[12]

Muay Thai[edit]

While fighting she has been able to support her family to a certain extent, but the low income had kept her from committing to her career. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when fights were scarce, aside from helping her family in the farming business, Vero Nika temporarily took on the role of trainer at Phoenix Myanmar Lethwei Gym in Yangon.[7] Vero Nika's venture into Thailand started when a client who visited the gym suggested that it would be easier to get fights abroad and helped her get into contact with Tiger Muay Thai. After two encounters with Dangkongfah at Muay Hardcore, she was invited to Thai Fight. By the time she had her third fight, they had signed her to a 3-year contract.[2]

While fighting in Thailand she did not expect to have any support because of the situation back home and so many people having a hard time to survive. She felt she had fled and was having a good time while her countrymen weren't. She revealed that her victories were the good news they needed back home and support from fans and media has been constant ever since.[27][11]

On 17 April 2022, Vero Nika defeated her opponent Thailand's Yimsiam in just 30 seconds of the first round. She was then promoted to the no.1 spot in the female world rankings at 118lbs/53KG according to World Muay Thai Organization.[6]

Personal life[edit]

Vero Nika loves to sing and is also known by her nickname "Fighting Idol".[14][10] In 2018, she appeared on the third season of Myanmar Idol. She survived until the Green Mile, where she was eliminated. Sometimes she has a hard time when thinking of her family back home and the struggles they face. She confides in singing and listening to her favorite songs from home.[2]

Titles and accomplishments[edit]

Championships and Awards

  • Lethwei
    • Air KBZ Grand Final Myanmar Championship (60kg)[7]
    • 2019 Female Fighter of the Year[5]
  • Muaythai
    • Thai Fight Kard Chuek 2023 tournament champion (54kg)
    • Thai Fight Kard Chuek 2022 tournament champion (53kg)
    • World Muaythai Organization (WMO) No. 1 Ranked Women Bantamweight (53kg)[28]
    • World Boxing Council (WBC) Muay Thai No. 1 Contender Women Bantamweight (53kg)[29]
    • 2022 WMO Female Fighter of the Year

Lethwei record[edit]

Lethwei record
18 fights, 9 wins (9 (T)KOs), 1 loss, 8 draws
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2020-01-15 Win Thailand Petchsaifah Sor.Sommai (68th) Kayah State Day Loikaw, Myanmar KO 1
2020-01-04 Win Thailand Plaifah Mhooping Aroijungbei Mandalay Rumbling Challenge Fight Taungoo, Myanmar KO 2
2019-11-03 Draw France Miriam Sabot (6th) Air KBZ Aung Lan Championship Yangon, Myanmar Draw 4 3:00
2019-08-18 Draw Thailand Sawsing Sor Sopit Myanmar Lethwei World Championship 4 Yangon, Myanmar Draw 4 3:00
2019-04-20 Win Thailand Prakayrat Wongsuta Zin Kyaik Buddha Pujaniya Festival Zin Kyaik, Myanmar KO 2
2019-03-20 Draw Thailand Hongthong Liangprasert Mon-Myanmar-Thai Challenge Fights Lamaing, Ye, Myanmar Draw 4 3:00
2019-01-09 Win Thailand Phettae Kulabdamgym (27th) Karen New Year Celebration Hpa-an, Myanmar KO 2
2019-01-04 Win Thailand Wanida Yucharoen Independence Day Challenge Fights Taungoo, Myanmar TKO 1
Wins Air KBZ Championship belt
2018-12-16 Draw Thailand Hongthong Liangprasert Air KBZ Grand Final Myanmar Championship Yangon, Myanmar Draw 4 3:00
For Air KBZ Championship belt
2018-10-28 Win Thailand Hongthong Liangprasert Diamond Super Fight Samut Sakhon province, Thailand TKO 2
2018-09-13 Draw Japan Marina Kumagai Lethwei in Japan 9: Kodo Tokyo, Japan Draw 5 3:00
2018-08-19 Draw Belarus Elena Mishchuk Myanmar Lethwei World Championship 3 Yangon, Myanmar Draw 4 3:00
2018-03-25 Win Thailand Jompaneng Sitpusoy Kom Ning Lethwei in Thailand Samut Sakhon province, Thailand KO 2
2018-03-01 Win Thailand Prakayrat Wongsuta Kyaik Kelasa Stadium Lamaing, Ye, Myanmar TKO 3
2018-01-04 Win Myanmar Mway Pway Ma Mandalay Rumbling Challenge Fight Taungoo, Myanmar KO 3
2017-11-15 Loss Lithuania Julija Stoliarenko Lethwei Grand Prix Japan 2017 Tokyo, Japan TKO 2 0:45
For ILFJ Women's Featherweight World Championship
2017-08-20 Draw Costa Rica Mónica Brenes Myanmar Lethwei World Championship 2 Yangon, Myanmar Draw 4 3:00
2017-06-16 Draw Japan Nanae Takahashi Lethwei in Japan 4: Frontier Tokyo, Japan Draw 3 3:00
For ILFJ Women's Featherweight World Championship[36]
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Muay Thai record[edit]

Muay Thai record
17 Wins (9 (T)KOs), 2 Losses, 0 Draws
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2024-02-25 Loss Thailand Fahsai Or.Yutthachai Thai Fight: Phimai Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand Decision 3 2:00
2024-02-04 Win Thailand Nongbew Tor.Thepsutin Thai Fight: Rajabhakti Park Hua Hin district, Thailand TKO 1
2023-12-24 Win Thailand Phayasingha Sor.Sommit Thai Fight: Luang Pu Thuat Ayutthaya, Thailand TKO 1
Wins 2023 Thai Fight Royal Cup -54kg title
2023-11-26 Win Iran Zahra Shokouhi Thai Fight: Bang Kachao Phra Pradaeng district, Thailand Decision 3 2:00
2023-10-29 Win Thailand Phayasingha Sor.Sommit Thai Fight: Sethi Ruea Thong Ban Mi district, Thailand Decision 3 2:00
2023-06-18 Win Vietnam Triệu Thị Phương Thủy Thai Fight: Luk Luang Phor Sothorn Chachoengsao, Thailand TKO 3
2023-05-21 Win Thailand Aomsin Srithong Gym Thai Fight: 100 Years Rajabhat Korat Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand KO 1
2023-04-22 Win Italy Ester Viola Thai Fight: Rome Genzano di Roma, Italy Decision 3 2:00
2023-02-05 Win Brazil Yuly Alves Thai Fight: Luang Phor Ruay Saraburi, Thailand Decision 3 2:00
2022-12-24 Win Greece Fani Peloumpi Thai Fight: Metropolitan Police Bureau 100th Anniversary Bangkok, Thailand KO (Right cross) 3
Wins 2022 Thai Fight Royal Cup -53kg title
2022-11-20 Win Argentina Daniela Lopez Thai Fight: Vana Nava Hua Hin Hua Hin district, Thailand Decision 3 2:00
2022-10-16 Win Brazil Mariana Bernardes Thai Fight: Vajiravudh Bangkok, Thailand KO (Left hook to the body) 2
2022-06-26 Win Thailand Plaifah Sor.Nittaya Thai Fight: Sisaket Sisaket, Thailand KO 2
2022-05-29 Win United States Angela Chang Thai Fight: Nakhon Sawan Nakhon Sawan, Thailand Decision (Unanimous) 3 2:00
2022-05-08 Win Iran Sanaz Feizollah Thai Fight: Sung Noem Sung Noen, Thailand KO 1
2022-04-17 Win Thailand Yimsiam Komin-Furniture Thai Fight: Pathum Thani Pathum Thani, Thailand KO 1
2022-03-20 Win Thailand Petchsarocha Looksaikongdin Thai Fight: Lampang Lampang, Thailand Decision (Unanimous) 3 2:00
2022-02-26 Win Thailand Dangkongfah Smartheartpowerpackgirl Muay Hardcore Thailand Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2022-01-08 Loss Thailand Dangkongfah Smartheartpowerpackgirl Muay Hardcore Thailand Decision (Split) 3 3:00
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Amateur boxing record[edit]

Result Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
Win Myanmar Ngu War Oo 3 December 2016 Myanmar Yangon, Myanmar 2016 Myanmar National Boxing Championship
Loss Thailand Tassamalee Thongjan DEC 3 (3) 8 June 2015 Singapore Expo Hall 1, Tampines, Singapore 2015 Southeast Asian Games semi-final
Win Singapore Nurshahidah Roslie DEC 3 (3) 6 June 2015 Singapore Expo Hall 1, Tampines, Singapore 2015 Southeast Asian Games quarter-final
Win Myanmar May Ye 28 February 2015 Myanmar Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium, Naypyidaw, Myanmar 4th Myanmar National Sports Festival final
Win Myanmar Naw Ohn Mar Soe 25 February 2015 Myanmar Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium, Naypyidaw, Myanmar 4th Myanmar National Sports Festival quarter-final
Loss Myanmar Hkatta Su Hlaing 4 March 2013 Myanmar Naypyidaw, Myanmar 2013 Union Cup Games

References[edit]

  1. ^ "ကယန်းသမီးပျို လက်ဝှေ့မယ် မူဘယ်ရောနီကာ". Mizzima (in Burmese). 8 November 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2023. သူ့နာမည်က "မူဘယ်ရောနီကာ" ဖြစ်ပါတယ်
  2. ^ a b c ""မွေထိုင်းကို နံပါတ် ၁ ဖြစ်ချင်တယ်" ကယန်းကျားသစ်မယ် ဘရော်နီကာနှင့် DVB မေးမြန်းချက်". Burmese DVB (in Burmese). 21 April 2022.
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  5. ^ a b Matthew Carter (2 January 2020). "2019 Lethwei World Awards". Lethwei World.
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  8. ^ "Thai Fight မွေထိုင်းလက်ဝှေ့ပွဲတွင် ကယန်းလက်ဝှေ့မယ် ဘရော်နီကာက အမေရိကန်လက်ဝှေ့မယ်ကို အနိုင်ရ". Burmese DVB (in Burmese). 29 May 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
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  10. ^ a b c Thiha, Soe (11 March 2017). "စိတ်ကူးအိပ်မက်များဖြင့် ခွေးသံတရှဲရှဲ ကြိုးစားနေသည့် လက်ဝှေ့မယ်လေး ဘရော်နီကာ (ရုပ်သံ)". Burmese DVB (in Burmese). Retrieved 15 August 2022.
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  19. ^ Abhishek (2 July 2022). "What is the nationality of Julija Stoliarenko?". Media Referee.
  20. ^ Lin, Aye Kay (3 November 2018). "မြန်မာ-ထိုင်း ရိုးရာလက်ဝှေ့ပြိုင်ပွဲ ဘရောနီကာ(မြန်မာ)က မေ့တိုင်းချန်ပီယံ ကုန်ထောင်း(ထိုင်း)ကို အလဲထိုးနိုင်" (PDF). Myanma Alinn (in Burmese). p. 12. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
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