An inspiration female Muay Thai boxer nicknamed ‘Killer Beauty' told how she started the sport when she was 14 - taking part in competitive fights just two months later.

Manatsawee Sitchansing, now 17, began the tough sport to keep fit but was given her first bout shortly after. She said she 'enjoyed it' and the pay helped her parents pay for her school tuition fees in Bangkok.

The teen fighter easily became well-known in the ring and earned up to 2,000 baht per fight or a little more than 40 GBP. She also sold street food to help support her family.

Manatsawee, also known by her nickname of Vivie, said: ‘I'm a small girl and I don't look like a boxer so I get many insults from people. They say I'd worry about being pretty but when I fight I do my best.

'I started when I was 14 and then fought against other women two months later. I was ready.'

When she started out, Vivie was paid 300 baht a fight and had a raise of up to 2,000 baht as she quickly became known for having a pretty face for a Muay Thai boxer.

However, when the pandemic struck the country in March 2020, she lost her sole source of income and also started selling pork skewers outside the boxing camp. The income from the barbecue helped her family survive the pandemic but more opportunities came her way when she was offered to be an apprentice at a recording company.

She said: 'I never mind the insults and people can think whatever they want to but I will just keep going. Now I am hoping to also become a singer to show more of my talents.'

Muay Thai is a martial art and combat sport that combines the use of fist, elbows, knees, and shines to strike an opponent while standing up.

VIDEO TRANSLATION FOR SUBTITLES

1.35 I started boxing when I was just 14 years old. I didn't think anything, I thought I only wanted to exercise. When I tried fighting in my first match, I found that I like it so I continued

1.44 When I first started it was with a boxing gym teacher

1.56 That gym was in a public park so I went and took classes and they taught me

2.05 I practiced for two months and went for my first fight. In competitive matches I fight against women but when I practice, I do it with men

2.14 I received an award and certificates but in the future I'm not quite sure yet whether I'll make this as my main occupation

2.27 For women, when we grow up our body is weak and the appearance has to be soft and feminine. But right now boxing is my main job and my life's goal is to take part in the national championship.