Niall McGreevy continued his rise through the Rajadamnern World Series welterweight division on Saturday night in Bangkok, earning the biggest win of his RWS career to date with a composed and intelligent performance over former Lumpinee and Channel 7 Stadium champion Choojaroen.
Coming into the bout, this was viewed as a major step up in competition for the Irishman. Choojaroen is one of the more experienced and respected names in the division, a fighter with years of high-level stadium experience against elite opposition. But from the opening round, McGreevy looked entirely unfazed by the occasion.
This was McGreevy’s third appearance under the RWS banner following previous victories over Peemai and Erdem Dinser, and it was by far his most impressive showing so far.
For the entirety of the fight, McGreevy looked calm, patient, and in control. Rather than chasing the action recklessly, he stalked Choojaroen intelligently, cutting distance without overcommitting and forcing reactions from the Thai veteran. There was very little wasted movement throughout the contest, with McGreevy showing a level of composure and maturity that continues to separate him from many fighters in the division.
His shot selection was one of the standout aspects of the performance. McGreevy found repeated success with the low kicks early, using them not only to score but to gradually open up opportunities upstairs. After establishing the threat to the legs, he began mixing in head kicks across the first and second rounds, keeping Choojaroen constantly guessing. The variety in attack made it difficult for the Thai to settle into any rhythm.
In close range, McGreevy also looked sharp with his elbows, timing entries well and showing confidence exchanging at short distance against a fighter renowned for his experience in traditional stadium Muay Thai.
What stood out most, however, was the control of the fight’s tempo. McGreevy never looked rushed. Even during exchanges, he remained composed and disciplined, fighting with the confidence of someone who believed he belonged at this level long before the opening bell rang.
Against a fighter as accomplished as Choojaroen, that kind of performance sends a strong message to the rest of the RWS welterweight division.
What’s next for Niall McGreevy after defeating Choojaroen?
Before Saturday’s victory in Bangkok, McGreevy sat at number 11 in the RWS welterweight rankings. Defeating a former Lumpinee and Channel 7 champion, however, is the kind of win that almost certainly pushes him significantly closer toward the top end of the division.
The immediate question now becomes matchmaking.
A fight against number 9 ranked Nuenglek Jitmuangnon would make a lot of sense stylistically and competitively. It would give McGreevy another recognised Thai opponent while allowing RWS to continue building him steadily through the rankings. Nuenglek’s aggressive, forward-pressure style could also create the type of high-tempo fight that suits McGreevy’s countering and long-range weapons.
Another possible option is Saenpon Sor Sommai, currently sitting around the number 6 position in the division. That would represent a major leap toward title contention, but after the Choojaroen performance, it no longer feels unrealistic. McGreevy has now shown he can handle experienced Thai stadium fighters without looking overwhelmed, and RWS may decide to accelerate his climb.
Higher up the rankings, the division is currently stacked with elite names. Khunhanlek of Superbon Training Camp sits near the very top of the welterweight rankings, while Petchthongchai Sor Sommai remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the division overall.
At this stage, McGreevy may still be one or two wins away from those matchups, but Saturday’s performance changed the conversation entirely. Prior to Choojaroen, he was viewed as an exciting foreign prospect with potential. After Choojaroen, he looks like a legitimate contender emerging in the RWS welterweight division.
Perhaps the most impressive part is how quickly he appears to be adapting to elite-level Thai opposition. Across victories over Peemai, Erdem Dinser, and now Choojaroen, McGreevy has looked increasingly composed under the RWS lights, showing not just physical ability but a growing understanding of pace, scoring, and control within high-level stadium Muay Thai.
If that progression continues, it is difficult to imagine him staying outside the top end of the rankings for much longer.