Boxer kids from Thailand

In 2011, photographer Sandra Hoyne went on vacation to Thailand, where she happened to be attending a Muay Thai tournament near Bangkok. Thai boxing (Muay Thai) is known as the "art of eight limbs", which uses almost the entire body, including elbows, knees and fists. This is one of the most difficult types of wrestling. But Sandra was struck not by the sport itself, but by the athletes: there were children from 6 years old in the ring. Sandra immediately jumped at the opportunity to create a photo project, which she called "Child Fighters."

(Total 11 photos)

1. Although many people were shocked by these photos, Sandra says that in Thailand, fighting between children is quite common. There you can see training kids at almost every step. In the photo: a fight between 7-year-old fighters. There is no minimum age to enter the ring in Thailand. (Sandra Hoyn/laif)

2. A young boxer named Bank lost the fight to his opponent Tuntong and lies unconscious in the ring. For many poor people, Muay Thai provides a livelihood. (Sandra Hoyn/laif)

3. Six-year-old Fanta after winning another fight. (Sandra Hoyn/laif)

4. Although it may look like a very brutal sport in the photos, Sandra says that little athletes rarely get seriously injured because they are not as strong as adults. In the photo: a fight between two boys. (Sandra Hoyn/laif)

5. Young boxer in the ring during a break. (Sandra Hoyn/laif)

6. The coach yells at the boy during the break. (Sandra Hoyn/laif)

7. “Few of these boys will be rewarded with fame or money as a result of their sports career,” says Sandra. In the photo: a young boxer with a bill in his mouth. The winner takes all the money collected from tourists and local spectators. Then this winning is divided, and the coach takes the most part. (Sandra Hoyn/laif)

8. A six-year-old girl in a boxing ring. (Sandra Hoyn/laif)

9. “The most shocking thing for me was to see the pressure on the children,” says the photographer. In the photo: spectators at the fight. (Sandra Hoyn/laif)

10. “This is a money making tool for parents. They have to win because their parents bet all their savings on them.” In the photo: the boys are waiting for the next fight. (Sandra Hoyn/laif)

11. Left: The coach ties the boy's gloves. Right: Tountong with a trophy after defeating Bank. (Sandra Hoyn/laif)