All five continents will be represented in the under-23 finals ©IFMA

The global reach of the sport was on display as the under-23 semi-finals took place at the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) World Championships in Bangkok.

Fighters from all five continents booked their places in gold medal bouts at Central World Convention Hall in the Thai capital.

This proves the "clear universality" of the IFMA, the governing body claimed.

Countries which booked finalists included Morocco, Egypt and Algeria from Africa.

Europe will be represented by Sweden, Hungary, Greece, Portugal and France.

Notably there will be no athletes from hosts Thailand in the under-23 finals.

The World Championships will continue until May 12 ©IFMA
The World Championships will continue until May 12 ©IFMA

However, Palestine, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia did qualify for Asia.

United States will represent the Americas and Australia qualified for Oceania.

Neutral athletes - Russian-born fighters being allowed to compete without their flag - also qualified.

The Championships are due to continue with the senior semi-finals.

The World Championships will conclude on Friday (May 12).