Yimsaiyam Udonmeuang vs Yortbuangam SPB Kanetwork

•October 17, 2012 • Leave a Comment

Yimsaiyam Udonmeuang vs Yortbuangam SPB Kanetwork

More action from Thailand’s Channel 7 fights. This fight in the 126 pound division between Yimsaiyam Udonmeuang (47-12-1) and Yortbuangam SPB Kanetwork (45-10), on October 14, 2012, at the Channel 7 See stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

 

Much thanks to http://www.youtube.com/user/Boksnieuws for the upload of the fight.

Buakaw and the Infamous Boxing Challenge (For Real)

•October 16, 2012 • Leave a Comment

By Mike LNg

Buakaw as K-1 MAX champion

Buakaw’s allegedly confirmed fight with Manny Pacquaio was pretty thoroughly proven to never ever happen.  The event was reported to be authentically confirmed and made the rounds of internet blogs and Muay Thai sites the world over in a wild fire like fashion. However the supposed event has apparently caught more than one person’s attention. Among those paying attention, Manus Boonjumnong, Thailand’s most successful amateur international boxer.

Now here’s the twist of the latest development regarding the Manny Pacquaio challenge, Manus Boonjumnong,  has decided to pursue a Muay Thai career. Among his career international boxing highlights Manus, won gold at the 2004 Olympics and silver at the 2008 Games.

Manus called it day on boxing after trying and failing to get on the Thai Olympic boxing Team for a third time.

After trying Muay Thai at a recent exhibition match in his home province of Ratchaburi, Manus said he liked it. Enough so, that Manus is now moving forward with pursuing a career as a professional Muay Thai fighter.

Manus Boonjumnong does bag work

The Bangkok Post reports that Manus had a pretty active night life but now has paused that life style in pursuit of a career as a Thaiboxer.

Manus openly mocked the alleged fight booked between Buakaw Banchamek (Por Pramuk) of K-1 MAX fame and Manny Pacquaio. Pacquaio of course being widely acknowledged as among the pound for pound elite of his sport.

The Bangkok Post quotes Manus  as saying “Who will pay about 90 million baht to bring Pacquiao to fight here?”

He said it would be risky for Buakaw to face a fighter who is good at punching because he could be fragile to the weapon.

“Everybody in Thailand’s boxing circle knows that Buakaw cannot be punched,” Manus said.

“I don’t know who raised the idea of pitting him against Pacquiao.”

He then challenged Buakaw to fight him instead.

“If there is anyone who is interested in promoting a fight between Buakaw and me, I am ready to give him a few boxing lessons,” he said.

At 32 years old Manus and Buakaw are roughly close to the same age so it’d be hard to argue which of the two is more at the career peak than the other. Personally, I don’t find it likely that this fight will ever coalesce into the real thing but the freak fight fan in me wants to see it. And there you have it a *CONFIRMED* open challenge anyway.

Kulapkao Sor.Nakornsun vs Dawute Lookklongtun

•October 15, 2012 • Leave a Comment

By Mike LNg

Kulapkao Sor.Nakornsun vs Dawute Lookklongtun

Kulapkao Sor.Namkornsun(red) versus Dawute Lookklongtun(blue)at 138 lbs. at the Lumpinee Krekkrai event held on October 13th, 2012. Sadly, it looks like only of the card only two fights made it broadcast.

Much thanks goes to Youtube user banna821 for the upload!

Thai Fight October 23rd, 2012

•October 15, 2012 • Leave a Comment

By Mike LNg

Thai Fight Promo 2012 for Italy

Thai Fight is making a stop in Italy on it’s 2012 international tour. Expected to be participating on the October 23rd card is Buakaw Banchamek, who is now well established feature fighter for Thai Fight. Buakaw recently won a judgement to even fight at all, given his very public dispute with former camp Por Pramuk. The dispute eventually was resolved within the Thai legal system. Thus far, Buakaw has won Thai Fight’s 70kg tournament last year and has two wins under the Thai Fight banner this year. Buakaw won those matches in definitive fashion.

The first round of Thai Fight 2012 tournaments will be open on October 23, 2012 at Chanchai Acadium, Bangkokthonburi University. It will be followed by a second round on November 25th  2012 in Nakhon Ratchasima. The finals will be held on December 16,2012 and will be held at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok. The October 23, 2012 event will feature notable Thai nak muay Singmanee Kaewsamrit in the 67 kg division and Buakaw in the 70 kg division. It will be telecast live from 1:20PM onwards on Thai Channel 3. So for sure a stream is going to be available to view for those of you that need little sleep.

There will be two tournaments held in two weight categories of 67 kg and 70 kg. The 67 kg weight category will be a 8-man single elimination style tournament and the 70 kg weight category will  also be in the standard 8-man tournament format.

It’s hard to say the Thailand based Thai Fight promotion hasn’t helped raise the profile of international Muay Thai, obviously it has. But there seems to be a desire or perfunctory requirement to mismatch in regards to Buakaw’s opponents.  Though certainly his opponent in Michael Piskitello in France was a very live opponent way back from their 2011 meeting. Certainly, with relatively softer competition Buakaw will invariably shine and mete out a crushing loss to his opponent. Though any fight is never a foregone conclusion, I would like to see Buakaw be better matched.  Ultimately, it does Thai Fight and international Muay Thai little good for Buakaw to dole out summary loses to opponents that in my opinion are not of his caliber. In fact it makes it look like to an extent that is what international Muay Thai could come to represent. And in at least my own opinion these uneven matches do little to enhance Buakaw’s legacy in the sport.

What should raise more than one eyebrow internationally is that Buakaw will not fight any Thai opponent. Muay Thai Focus revealed the details in a very telling article detailing the statement from Thai Fight’s promotional representative here.

Finally, the card does seem to have been gathered into something resembling a final version of what is to come. Here is the card as announced by Thai MuaySiam Club website.  I do add the caveat that the card is of course subject to change and revision.

In the 8-man 67kg tournament:

1. Singmanee Kaewsamrit vs. Rachid Boumalek

2. Medhi Zatout vs. Shawn Cangelosi

3. Andrei Kulebin vs. Crice Bousoukou

4. Adaylton Pareira De Frettas vs. Houcine Benoui

In the 8-man 70 kg tournament:
1. Buakaw Banchamek vs.  Mauro Serra
2. Choi Woo Yeong vs.  Nishikawa Tomoyuki
3. Shannon King vs.  Antero Hynynen
4. Vital Hurkou vs.  Fares Bechar

Yokkao Extreme From October 13th, 2012

•October 14, 2012 • Leave a Comment

By Mike LNg

Sections for the 2013 Yokkao finalists continued yesterday from Bergamo, Italy. The weight classes in contention were the 65 kilograms/143 lbs. weight class and the 70kilograms /154lbs weight class.

Yokkao as you may already know is an interesting amalgam of business ventures in combat sports.  Yokkao is a promoter of Thaiboxing events who have built some alliances internationally including New York, United States based promotion Take-On. Take-On will serve as the means of selecting American fighters to participate in Yokkao events. The scale of events that Yokkao seems to be intent on bringing to the Italian Muay Thai scene and internationally looks good. On a 100% precursory look, I like it.

Yokkao is also an equipment supplier for Muay Thai and have also offered sponsorships to high profile fighters in Muay Thai, perhaps the best known being Buakaw Banchamek (formerly Por Pramuk).

The results were as follows:

*** YOKKAO EXTREME SELCTIONS semi-final -65kg results ***
Calogero Palmeri won by points vs Alessandro Ramazzotti
Luca Negosanti won by TKO (elbow cut) vs Michele Gnocchi

*** YOKKAO EXTREME SELCTIONS semi-final -70kg results ***

Gabriele Nanosetti won by points vs Yemen Guitni
Andrea Cristofanini won by KO (round 2) vs Arnold Lokumu
If you missed the action live you can still catch up and view all the fights from the stream on the official ustream Yakkao site. And what better price is there than free really to catch Muay Thai fights?

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/muaythaicombat

Lion Fight 7 Quick Results

•October 14, 2012 • 2 Comments

By Mike LNg

Lion Fight 7

For me personally Lion Fight 7 exceeded my expectations.  And in truth Lion Fight exceeded them because for me on paper the matchups to be frank looked a bit mismatched in terms of experience. Despite or maybe because of it the night proved to be exciting and more than one shock in the outcome occurred on the way to the event’s end. In turn respect is due to the late fight assignments fighters took and especially to those who traveled away from home and their comfort zone to make the fights.

Without any further caveats it was a good card and the fights spoke for themselves. Here’s how I saw it.

 From the pro card results:

Coke Chunhawat defeats Adrian Morilla via TKO (Knee to Body) at 2:24 of Rd. 4

Coke Chunhawat now training with the team at Woodenman Muay Thai looked sharp and brought beautiful timing.  To me at least it was apparent Coke was by far the harder hitting of the two. Coke landed multiple hard right kicks and was dominant in the clinch. With few and increasingly fewer counters coming back from Morilla Coke wins by knee to the body stoppage.

Andy Singh defeats Anthony Castrejon via Unanimous Decision and wins the WBC Muay Thai 118lb National Title.

It was immediately apparent that Andy Singh at fight time was visibly the smaller fighter of the two.  Early on it looked like Anthony Castrejon was going to win with well-timed shots that physically moved Singh when they connected.  Andy Singh however grew busier and built up a steady lead in points.  A good win from Andy Singh of the Pinpoint Muay Thai camp from the east coast.

Tiffany Van Soest defeats Jeri Sitzes via Unanimous Decision and wins the WBC Muay Thai International Title.

Early on both fighters seem to be feeling each other out without one specifically edging the other. By the second round Sitzes seem to press more and gained a slight margin. Round 3 moving on Tiffany began pressing and gaining a margin on Sitzes. The keys to me was Van Soest’s brilliantly timed strikes and movement.Van Soest connected well and often and oftentimes received very little offense in return.

Gregory Choplin defeats Joseph Valtellini via Unanimous Decision.

Joseph Valtellini came in with a comparatively modest fight record of 6-0 with 6 KOs. Against Gregroy Choplin’s 60+ fight record filled with good competition and notable wins it was obvious Valtellini was the underdog. Valtellini fought hard and fought well and actually appeared to have hurt Choplin.  En route to a win Choplin inflicted an ugly knot over Valtellini’s eye.  To Valltellini’s credit he fought on and was always a live opponent.  I also feel there should be some credit due to Valtellini’s corner who actually knew how to properly use an end swell. Despite being a live opponent Choplin leaves the ring with a deserved unanimous decision.

Eddie Walker defeats Joe Schilling via KO at 2:13 of Rd. 2

Easily this was the shock of the night.  Eddie met Joe in the center of the ring but was easily outscored by Schilling through the majority of the fight. Schilling landed knees and good scoring kicks. With both opponents up against the ropes in round 2 it certainly looked as if Schilling was going to close the deal and add yet another win onto his fight resume when Walker found his range between Joe’s arms and connected with a short right that created the fight ending KO.

From the amateur undercard:

Jason Andrada defeats Victor Perez via Split Decision and wins the USMTA Tri State Title

Miranda Cayabyab and Genesis Bravo fight to a Majority Draw

Josh Shepard defeats Jose Hernandez via Split Decision

Jonathan Parsons defeats Niko Ruiz via Split Decision to win USMTA Tri State Title

Steve Ault defeats Mike Gordon via Split Decision

Guilliaume Kerner Vs. Coralie

•October 13, 2012 • Leave a Comment

By Mike LNg

Guillaume Kerner in action

Guillaume Kerner is known internationally as the blond angel of Muay Thai. Guillaume was one of the earliest pioneers of Muay Thai in France and achieved high water marks in the sport before becoming a full time trainer in Muay Thai.  Among those accomplishments Guillaume was the French champion 1984-85-86-87-88, The European champion 1988-89, World champion in Bangkok, Thailand in 1994 and the world champion in Los Angeles, California in 1995. Today Guillaume is still actively passing on the art and sport of Muay Thai with his own Team Kerner gym in France.

For more information on Guillaume Kerner you can check this interview I conducted with a while back.

Here is a fight with Guillaume Kerner in action against Coralie for the French Muay Thai championship in 1987.

Best of Siam 2: Coming to Paris Soon!

•October 12, 2012 • Leave a Comment

By Mike LNg

Damien Alamos seems to be moving from strength to strength with each fight.  Damien Alamos has the rare distinction of not only being the very few farangs to fight and win the Lumpinee Stadium title, he successfully defended it a 2nd time against Aranchai Pran 26. And in my opinion Damien Alamos won in a very no doubts left fashion.

He was scheduled to rematch Houcine Bennoui at Time 2 Fight in Tours, France on October 6, 2012 but the fight was cancelled in order for Alamos to face Diesellek Aoodonmuang at Lumpinee on October 12, 2012. This was a bit of revisit and reportedly their first encounter was a war. The second one resulted in a loss for Damien and will give him likely impetus to make his next fight a victorious one.

Singkao or the White Lion as Damien is nicknamed will be kept busy by all appearances when he next returns to fight on the Best of Siam 2 card in Paris, France. The card will be brought to you by 2 legends of the sport in France’s own Jean Charles Skarbowsky and Krongsak Prakong Boranrat.

Scheduled to participate in the fight card thus far are as follows:

 Saenchai PKSaenchaimuaythaigym vs Damien Alamos

– Sam-A vs Yetkin Ozkul

– Prakaiseng vs TBA (possibly Sittichai Sitsongpeenong)

– Petchmonkong Petchfocus vs Bobo Sacko

– Steve Zaidi vs Raphael Illodra

– Brian Denis vs Mikael Peynaud

Yes it is that Sanchai! Sanchai was and is widely regarded as the world best pound for pound fighter in Muay Thai.  To say this is an incredibly anticipated matchup is an understatement. If this fight is half as good as it looks on paper it will be nothing short of epic and forever memorable.

Also returning on the card will be a name not seen in a year in the international Muay Thai scene: Farid Villaume Vs. Antoine Pinto.

Farid Villaume is known for his very Thai style of fighting and cut his teeth both in Thailand and internationally with a career of over 100 fights and over 80 KO victories.  He will be returning to the ring at the age of 37 to fight Antoine Pinto also known as Antoine Siangboxing. Pinto has been fighting mostly out of Thailand but has also fought in Chinese promotion I-1.

Pinto will enter the ring 16 years Villaume’s junior. Villaume brings a resume full of high level experience to the fight but is also bringing a year off of activity and a significant age difference.

This could become an even more exciting card as it develops and matches are solidified but still for best of Siam’s sophomore try it’s hard to put a much more impressive card of international and Thai talent.
View the trailer for Best of Siam 2 below:

Michael “Chase” Corley Chasing Muay Thai

•October 11, 2012 • 5 Comments

By Mike LNg

Michael Corley

Michael “Chase” Corley is a man of sparing words but has been one of the busiest people in Muay Thai from the USA and internationally. Michael and I have been in touch for literally years and I had always been chasing him for an interview opportunity. From those early days of contact Michael has fought repeatedly in Thailand including Lumpinee Stadium, on television under the Muay Thai Challenger tournament show, and against fellow American Nak Muay Ky Hollenbeck
under the Glory World Series banner. Now settling into his role as coach and teacher Michael is focused on developing the next generation of Muay Thai in Houston, Texas. Michael’s relative business in Muay Thai has been with relatively little fanfare for glory seeking among the media(such as it is) and accolades. Michael has generously granted me some of his time to answer my questions and add insight into one of the busiest men in the American Muay Thai world.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Starting with the obvious question: how does a person from Spring, Texas hear about and begin in Muay Thai?

I got started doing amateur Boxing in my junior year in high school. I was hooked the first day. After that first workout I told my basketball and baseball coaches I was going into boxing and that was that. I used to drive 45 minutes across town everyday after school.

I met Yves Edwards at a golden gloves tournament and invited me out to his gym which was only 10 minutes from my house. He introduced me to MMA and I took a liking to Muay Thai. Knowing that, he recommended I see Saekson Janjira. So I would drive up to Dallas and train and participate in smoker events.

Having trained both in the USA and under one of the most acclaimed Muay Thai camps in the world, Fairtex what to you is the biggest difference in the styles of training?

It’s the national sport there. You got trainers that eat, sleep, Muay Thai’d it their whole life since they were able to walk. You got the local Thai fighters that have hundreds of fights. If your around that everyday you are going to get better and get better fast. I got tossed around in the clinch by 14 yr olds when I first got there.

You’ve been a part of some of very big and high profile Muay Thai events internationally.  What was the most exciting international event you were a part of and why?

When I was in Thailand probably it was the Toyota Cup. It’s a big money tournament and is broadcast all over Thailand. It was exciting because they get all 8 fighters in the ring and draw out of a hat for who you fight. That will get your nerves going. It could be Aikpracha Meenayotin or some guy from Australia you’ve never seen before. All the fights are done in one day too and hat’s pretty exciting to me. I wish there would be more one day tournaments like that.

When you were a part of Muay Thai Challenger how did you feel about being scrutinized basically 24 hours a day?

I fought Colossa the first episode so I wasn’t there long enough to answer that haha! It was pretty funny seeing other fighters getting mad at the producers and staff. Me and a couple other guys were real chill and just sat back a lot and laughed. I would always have to redo interviews because I’m not really controversial, and they would want me to comment on fighters etc…

What was the most rewarding part of being a cast member and fighter on Muay Thai Challenger?

It opened a lot of doors for big fights. I also got to see and train alongside some of the best in the world. All of the guys on the show were good people and I still talk with a lot of them today.

Another thing that was rewarding was something personal and that was going back to the finale and fighting Colossa again. It never aired, but I came back and gave him a much better fight than the first one I did in the first episode. Most from the show didn’t want to fight him at the finale. I flew myself out there just to show that I am better than what I showed in the first episode. I lost but it was rewarding personally.

After fighting many full rules Muay Thai fights was it difficult adjusting to modified rules in Glory World Series?

Not really. I got caught. Wish it wasn’t so early, I think it could have been an exciting fight.That was just the worst fight of my life. I think I landed a jab and a low kick haha. I tried some new diet for my cut and I was weak. You’ve seen the video I’m pale and sick looking haha.

I take nothing away from Ky Hollenbeck. He’s my friend and I got nothing but respect for him. He’s a multiple time world champion and a hard hitter. He hit me hard right on the temple and it was goodnight Irene. I hope he does well in the next round!

Do you prefer the tournament format or a single fight?

I like the tournament. Ive done 6 tournaments over my career in Muay Thai, that’s part of the reason I got up to 28 fights in 3 years. Two one day tournaments and 4 over multiple dates. I just have a mindset at one day tournaments where I am NOT losing my first fight in this thing! I won a World Muaythai Council (WMC) Super 8 first fight by KO and got a KO win in my first fight of the Toyota Cup, too. The second round matches…not so good.

What so far has been your most rewarding fight experience?

It would actually be from a loss. When I fought at Lumpinee. The Thai I fought had a lot more experience and opened up two nasty cuts on my head and he tee’d off on my lead leg. It was the most grueling and hard fight I ever had. It went all 5 rounds. I was hurting so bad after the fight, but had the biggest smile at the same time.

Michael Corley scores on Vuyisile Colossa

You’ve been a part of many organizational aspects of Muay Thai including running a branch camp for Fairtex in Thailand.  What do you think is the most important thing for traveling Muay Thai students to know about training in Thailand?

Just cause you fought a fisherman or a tuk tuk driver you are not the “man”, a “Kru”, “Ajarn” or an expert in Muay Thai haha.

In all seriousness, just respect the culture. I’ve been blessed to have traveled across the world and you have to respect the ways of the land you’re visiting. Every place is different, so do a little research on customs, culture etc…

How much of a culture shock did you experience training in Thailand?

Not much. The only culture shock is the falang price on things! Thailand, as a lot of South East Asian countries have a 2 price system. Locals price and tourist price. Even though I was living there and had Thai ID I still got the tourist price! It gets to be expensive when your living there and not on vacation.

You’ve also been involved in the International Federation for Muay Thai Amateur’s efforts in the United States.  How do you feel about the United States’ involvement and development within IFMA?

We have the fighters. We just don’t field our team with its full potential. Muay Thai is growing everywhere. There is no reason why our USA team shouldn’t fill every weight class male and female for the IFMA tournament. We don’t have government backing like a lot of the top countries at the tournament, so the USA fighters have to come up with a means to fund their trip. That also keeps are numbers low, too.

What things would you like to see changed or improved upon in that program?

Within 3 years we should have qualifying tournaments for spots on the team. Until then, have a board of respected coaches, promoters, and media help select the team until we are able to hold qualifiers. We need to give ample time to coaches and athletes to prepare themselves physically and financially for the tournament. Lastly, we need people at the top live Muay Thai. Someone who truly loves this art and wants to grow.

How do you feel about International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur (IFMA )including so many professional high level athletes?

It’s the best tournament in the world period. There are so many high level athletes that you’ve heard of and never heard of. Including Artem Levin, Miriam Nakamoto, Kem Sitsongpeenong, etc…Countries like Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, and of course Thailand. These countries bring their country’s best.

Now that you are focusing less on fighting in Muay Thai and more on educating and training in Muay Thai you have relocated to Houston, Texas to teach. Is it true there is very little Muay Thai there?

It’s the 4th largest city in the USA and there is only one gym that teaches just Muay Thai. Most of the gyms here are MMA. There are some credible instructors here but they teach at MMA schools.We do have a lot of quality boxing gyms here though.

What sort of challenges do you have teaching Muay Thai in a place where Muay Thai is less known?

It’s challenging just driving the point that Muay Thai is it’s own thing. Also, trying to tell the 80% that come into the MMA gym that I have no intention of doing MMA. I fight Muay Thai, and Muay Thai is it’s own sport and art. People think its just a piece to MMA.

You also successfully promoted a fight card featuring Muay Thai. What things did you do to ensure your event’s success?

I had a seminar with Kru Bob Perez, Cyrus Washington, and myself for like 10 bucks! We just wanted to raise awareness of Muay Thai in general and promote the event. Every year I bring in top guys to keep Muay Thai fresh in peoples minds here in Houston. Cyrus has been in a couple times, Kevin Ross, and I hope to bring out more.
I also did the matchmaking for the event and really took my time with it alongside Collin Cantrell. I knew that this card was a BIG deal. If it flopped or the fights were bad Muay Thai competition in Houston would be extinct. I got some good guys and gals for the card and they all performed well!

Another problem was that the state used to make the amateur fighters wear shin pads and elbow pads. Legacy Fighting Championship puts on top level events at nice venues. I knew that if we put a bunch of padded fighters in the Houston Arena Theatre the crowd would lose it. So before we got together we made sure no shin pads! We ended up doing full rules for the amateurs. Elbows, Knees, and no pads.

How important is it for success in those events to grow Muay Thai?

Huge! Thank you to Mick Maynard, the founder of Legacy for taking a chance. If this show flopped Muay Thai would be done here in Houston. It was a great show and the fans loved it.We are hoping to do another one early 2013.

Michael “Chase” Corley

What sort of difficulties do you face developing Muay Thai in the USA because Muay Thai is largely a bi-coastal phenomenon in the USA?

Here in Houston finding fighters that do just Muay Thai. A lot of the fighters also do MMA so that can mess with scheduling of events. There just needs to be an outlet for people that want to do just Muay Thai, and that’s what I’m trying to build here in Houston.

Overall in the USA, fighters just need to realize that this is a passion sport. 98% of the fighters in USA Muay Thai have some other sort of income whether it be teaching or something totally unrelated. The pay isn’t good and the pain is great.

Now that you are winding down fighting in Muay Thai what led you to the decision to move away from fighting in Muay Thai?

Ever since I moved back to Houston I haven’t won in Muay Thai. Granted my last few fights have been against world champs. Vuyisle Colossa 2 times, Marco Pique, and Ky Hollenbeck. I just know that I was a much better Muay Thai fighter when I was living it in Thailand. Since I’ve been back I have to hunt down training partners, drive a long way to get a proper pad holder etc…where as in Thailand it was in my backyard. As long as I am in Houston it will tough for me to hang with the top dogs.

Even though you are now less active in Muay Thai you are not done with combat sports altogether and will now be fighting professionally in boxing.  What led you to that decision?

I haven’t fought in the USA since 2008. I have been fighting in other peoples’ places for 4 years. I’ve been booed in 8 countries. I want to have the crowd on my side for once. I started with boxing here in Houston and that’s the way I want to leave it. I don’t have world class Muay Thai training camp or a gym full of Muay Thai training partners, but I do in Boxing so I am going to take advantage.

I got a great trainer and facility here at Lou Savarese’s Gym in Houston, and I’m going to give it my all.

Will you ever fight in Muay Thai again?

I am sure I will…I’m only 27 (turn 28 in Dec.) If I get the opportunity for a solid camp I’m sure Ill give it a go again. It’s just hard being back in Houston. I say that…but if a promoter threw a big name at me I’d probably jump on it.

What sort of legacy would you like to build in Muay Thai and in the United States?

Everybody can’t be a champion in this game or everybody would do it. I just want to be known as a guy that didn’t back down from a fight. Short notice and always in someone’s backyard was my M.O.

My new thing is to try and grow Muay Thai in the USA. I want to give back by helping with the USA IFMA Teams, continue helping Legacy FC put Muay Thai shows in Houston, seminars, etc…whatever I can to help.

Much thanks goes to Michael “Chase” Corley for granting this interview! Check out Chase’s highlight reel below!

Kem Sitsongpeenong vs Kongjak Sor. Tuantong

•March 17, 2011 • Leave a Comment

By Mike LNg

Kem Sitsongpeenong

Kem Sitsongpeenong fights Kongjak Sor Tuantong at Omnoi Stadium on March 12th, 2011.  The bout was for the Isuzu Tournament held for the 1347-150 lbs weights. Though Kem now fights internationally here is one of his more recent bouts in Thailand.

Much thanks goes to original uploader banana821.