World at ladyman kick-boxer's feet

Tuesday night fights will never be the same again. Teenage transvestite kick-boxing sensation Parinya Kiatbusaba has dazzled Bangkok - winning his first major bout just two days after stepping off the train from the poor northern mountains.

A smiling flurry of lip-stick and glittering eye shadow, he pummelled journeyman pro Pongsak Sor Bunma into submission with punches, kicks and chops to the head in five rounds of traditional Muay Thai.

A promising pro career flattened, Pongsak sat stunned between rounds as corner-men combed the gelled locks of a pouting Parinya.

The katoey (ladyman) took the psychological offensive from the outset, taunting his opponent with a hip-swinging warm-up to stirring Thai drums. One of Thailand's most prominent transvestites, singer Mam, crooned from his corner.

The sellout 4,000-strong crowd at the Lumpini Stadium had never seen anything like it, egging Parinya on to victory with increasingly favourable odds as Pongsak's grogginess degenerated to stupor.

'I had a big fight today and I proved that I can do it like a man, even though my feelings deep inside are very feminine,' Parinya said afterwards.

Veteran promoter Song Kanjanachoosuk sat smugly alongside, booking appearances and crafting a trip to Las Vegas, safe in the knowledge he has come up with something not even Don King has thought of.