Tuff Promotions & WMC of America “Full Rules Muay Thai”
(Winner name first)
1. Daniel McDonald vs Nicolas Garcia: Unan Dec 30/27
2. Tiggran “Tiko” Maritosyan vs Carlos Ontiniano: Unan Dec 30/27
3. Matt Ortiz vs Cristian Martinez: Unan Dec 30/27
4. Gaston Bolanos vs Angel Meza: Split Dec 29/28 & 30/27 Bolanos, 29/28 Meza
5. George Amirian vs Gary Archuleta: Unan Dec 30/27, 29/28, 30/27
6. Jermaine Soto vs Beto Rodriguez: Unan Dec 29/28
7. Ky Hollenbeck vs Kenny Finister: KO 1:17 2nd Rnd via Knee to head
8. Jason Andrada vs Jessie Magusen: KO 1:40 4th Rnd via Knee to body
9. Roxy Richardson vs Sheree Halliday: Split Dec 48/47, 49/46 Richardson, 48/47 Halliday
10. Malaipet Sitarvut vs Michael Mananquil: Split Dec 48/47, 49/46 Malaipet, 48/47 Mananquil
The recently announced date for K-1 star Jerome LeBanner versus Tomas Novack of Iron Tiger in Ontario, Canada has been changed. Alin Halmagean’s protege Tomas Novack will be fighting Jerome LeBanner for the The World Professional MuayThai Federation (WPMF) heavy weight world champion Muay Thai title. The date is now July 23rd, 2010 and will be held in Reunion, France.
Another bout of the card has been announced. Brice Guidon will fight Frank Munoz of Spain for the WPMF European championship. Frank Munoz is a decorated Thai boxer of Spain with 35 wins and a Spain championship under WAKO and a WAKO bronze medalist of Europe. Brice is a decorated fighter. Brice has spent time in the Netherlands training with the famed Mejiro and has made some strides under K-1 rules bout.
June 23rd is the new date and thus far it looks like it will be a night of the heavy weights.
Saenchai Sor Kingstar, Winner of the Toyota Cup 8-man tournament
Kevin Ross has fought in high profile events during his tenure at Sitsongpeenong’s camp in Bangkok. Ross just came off a recent tour of duty at this year’s Toyota Cup 8-man tournament. Ross would give by all accounts a very good account of himself against Massoud. Ross would eventually lose by decision in the semi-final of the 8-man tournament but in general impressed all who witnessed him in the ring. Saenchai Sor Kingstar, widely regarded as the best pound for pound Thaiboxer in the world, would win all fights by finishing with a TKO or KO. But Kevin Ross’ reputation in Bangkok increased for the excellence he demonstrated in the ring.
Kevin Ross, one of the USA's standout nak muay
After the Toyota Cup 8-man, Ross was quoted as saying in regards to Saenchai:
“It would be a great honour to fight the greatest. I would rise to the occasion …that’s for sure.”
Apparently word of Ross’ remarks have reached Saenchai Sor Kingstar’s ears and Saenchai replied to the press:
“I’d probably win it with a KO punch”
It’ll be interesting to see if this match coalesces into a reality we can all eventually witness. This would almost singularly become the highest profile fight an American nak muay has ever undertaken should the fight actually happen. Kevin Ross is scheduled to participate in the Thai Fight tournament which will be broadcast with an accompanying reality TV program on Thai television.
Much thanks to Bryan Popejoy (pretty great instructor and my candidate for nicest guy in USA Muay Thai) for making this interview possible. The legendary Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj recently made his first ever United States appearance as seminar instructor. The “Deadly Kisser” as Sangtiennoi is known earned his nickname by giving his opponents a peck on the cheek brief moments before knocking his opponent out or giving them a loss.
I don’t use the adjective “legendary” lightly. Sangtiennoi has fought a virtual who’s who list of Muay Thai greats from the golden era of Muay Thai (the 1990s) including Thai and foreign opponents. Among the foreign big names are Dany Bill (by my bias the greatest foreign Thai boxer of his era), Hassan Kassrioui and Ramon Dekkers. Among the top-tier Thai talent Sangtiennoi fought were Namphon and Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth, Cherry Sor Vanich, Orono por Muangubon, and Superlek Sornisaar. In every respect Sangtiennoi’s resume is truly legendary. As a trainer Sangtiennoi would have under his tutelage current big names of Muay Thai such as John Wayne Parr, Samkor Kiatmontip (also a former opponent) and even MMA star Enson Ennoue.
The 1st and obvious question is what brings you to the United States for the 1st time?
I came to the USA for the first time to put on a Seminar, and to teach Muay Thai at my friend Bryan Popejoy’s gym, Boxing Works.
It’s said that you began Thaiboxing not because you needed the money but because you truly had a love for Muay Thai. At what age did you start and how did you become interested in Muay Thai?
Yes that’s true, my first fight was only 100 baht. I didn’t think about the money, or to make myself famous or anything, just because I love Muay Thai. I started at age 13. When I was 8 years old, I used to see all kinds of fighting, like fish fights, chicken fights, etc. So I see fighting all of the time! I wanted to fight, so I went to a gym close to my home, called Look Bangkadee Gym.
You are probably most famous internationally for your fights with Ramon Dekkers. What was the total number of times you two actually fought?
3 times: first time was in Japan, I won on points; second fight was in Lumpini Stadium, I also won on points. Third fight was in Holland, I lost on points.
Of the foreign boxers you’ve fought who in your opinion was the most difficult to fight and why?
Dany Bill. Because he had really good technique, and was tricky. He fought more like Nak Muay Thai, instead of farang. Ramon was more power and strength, Dany was more technique, like Jocky gym style, like Lerdsila, like Somluck, or like Saenchai.
Santiennoi And Dany Bill. 2 Legends Face Off
For those in the United States who may not know you’ve actually had a role in Dida Diafat’s film ‘Choke Dee’. How did this project start?
Ajarn Kimyu Sor Ploenchit called me up, and said they were making a movie. I said “who is making a movie, what kind of movie”? He said “a French Company, and it’s a movie about Muay Thai”. I asked to see the script, and I saw the role they wanted for me was a teacher, so, I took it. That was my first time for acting.
What was your fondest memory of the film?
There was a part in the movie where Dida had an important fight, if he would lose the fight, the gym owner would not want him any more. I was working the corner. In the fight, Dida was cut and bleeding, and ended up losing, but gained the fans and the camp owners respect, because he fought hard.
Choke Dee Poster, a Film Sangtiennoi Had a Role In
What was your total fight record and the time that you retired?
I fought around 200 times, but I cannot remember exactly how many wins and losses. I had a notebook, I used to keep track of everything, wins losses, how much payment, but a reporter once borrowed it for a story, and lost it! So, I don’t know for sure.
When you finally retired I often wondered what made you retire as it was just 2 years past the time you captured the Lumpinee (originally I thought it was Rajadamnern) Stadium championship. What prompted you to retire?
It was the Lumpinee title (lightweight), I was 31 years old. At 32, I opened my own gym, and was still fighting. At 33 I stopped because I was having problems with my shoulder dislocating, so I stopped.
Many fans of Muay Thai consider you to be a legend in an era when Muay Thai competition was at its best and most difficult. Who in your opinion in the modern era stands out as a great Thaiboxer? Foreign or Thai?
Of modern times, I like Buakaw. I like the way he uses his left tiip, left kick, and left knee. He is strong, and has good power, but doesn’t look that stylish.
Do feel the level of Muay Thai in Thailand has declined since you were an active boxer?
Yes, I think so. Because the gambling and the gamblers have such a control over things. It has caused the fighters to fight to please the gamblers.
Sangtiennoi And Ramon Dekkers Battle in 1 of 3 Epic Fights
Now that you have taught American students what do you think Americans need to learn more to be better at Muay Thai?
I was surprised actually, because it is so far from Thailand, but I think the people here have good technique, good form. I think the biggest problem is not enough fights here for the fighters to get experience. If the USA can have more fights, and a fighter can fight once a month or every 6 weeks, everyone will get better.
When you were actively fighting what did you consider your best asset in the ring?
I think that because I love to fight, and I knew that I had to train hard, and I did train hard, that was my best quality. I loved what I did and prepared for it.
I understand you now operate your own gym for Muay Thai. What do
you teach your boxers that separates your gym from others in Thailand?
I have been a boxer, and now a teacher, and now also a promoter. So I know the many different parts of the sport, so I can guide my fighters properly.
You’ve taught many famous students such as Samkor and John Wayne Parr. Who do you have as a student now that fans should look out for?
Farsawang Thor Sangtiennoi, who is Rajadamnern 105 lbs Champion, My Son Moses, who is S-1 Champion. I have 3 other boxers Tiankao,Thanonchai, and Palangchai, who are well known in Thailand, but I think they, and Farsawang will be more well known internationally. Because now, they are small in weight, and foreigners seem to know the bigger boxers like Nalupol, Yodsaenklai, Sakmongkol, etc. But the lighter fighters are better known in Thailand.
Sangtiennoi with award
What things will Muay Thai need in order to become a bigger sport outside of Thailand?
In Thailand there are 2 groups…one group is the gamblers, who want to keep the sport as it is, another group wants to promote the sport and the art, and get Muay Thai into the Olympics. If the second group can get this to happen, it will help Muay Thai grow around the world.
What was your proudest achievement in Muay Thai?
The first day I trained Muay Thai, my mother hit me! And the camp owner didn’t want me, either. But, I was very stubborn and never gave up. And Muay Thai has been my life, it has supported me, and taken me around the world. So, I’m more thankful for Muay Thai than proud of any one of my own achievements.
How has your time in the United States been so far?
First time here, I am surprised, because there are many old friends here, like Kaensak, Kongnapa, Saekson, Lookchang, etc. But, the country is so big, it is impossible! I thought it was more like Thailand, everything much closer together! Other than that, I like it a lot. I’ve enjoyed teaching here, and have made many new friends, and staying here is like staying with my family. Everyday, I came home to Bryan’s house, and have dinner with Tik, Tak, Net, Bryana, it is like family.
Will you visit the United States again?
I hope so, I want to come back, and I want to have my son fight here in the USA. I want to come again and stay with Bryan and teach at Boxing Works again.
Sangtiennoi in Thai Press
Do you have advice for new students in Muay Thai?
Learn to fight with proper form, and practice everyday to get your timing.
What last words do you have for your fans?
Thank you all so very much. I didn’t imagine that people would be so interested in Muay Thai, or interested in me, or knew who I was. I didn’t have internet, or anything, but was surprised that people know me and put my fights on the internet. I’m very grateful that people are interested in Muay Thai, and I hope to keep teaching Muay Thai and meeting others who love Muay Thai like I do. Again, Khoob Khun Mak Krup, Thank you all very much!
Much thanks to Bryan Popejoy, all at Boxing Works and Sangtiennoi for making this interview possible. It was truly a rare honor to interview Sangtiennoi.
And now a classic bout between Orono Por Muang Ubon and Sangtiennoi
WAMTAC (World Amateur Muay Thai Association – Canada) presents, for the first time in 1.5 years… a live Amateur Muay Thai card with over 10 Traditional Muay Thai bouts!:
DATE: Sunday, July 18th, 2010
TIME: Doors Open at 1:00 PM, First Bell is at 2:00 PM
Fight action from famous Asawindum Stadium December 20, 2009 fights. This bout brings Singkao Sor. Srisompong (in red trunks) vs. Merit Sor. Penprapa (in blue trunks) at 105 lbs at Asawindum Stadium.
Steven Banks is something of a rare quantity in Muay Thai. He’s a highly decorated athlete in other sports. Steven pursued a professional American football career in Arena League Football and has been invited multiple times to work out with NFL teams. Steven then got into MMA and rapidly compiled an 11-0 amateur record. Steven has always been a fan of Muay Thai and furthered his Muay Thai training under the tutelage of former champion Maurice Travis. Steven ‘The Panda” Banks is set for a WBC Muay Thai super heavyweight US Champion title shot at the upcoming WCK Muay Thai event in August.
You started off in professional sports with a career in football. What made you decide to try out Muay Thai?
I have always enjoyed competition. I was always interested into Martial Arts. Muay Thai just so happened to be top of my list as the Art that I wanted to learn.
Who were some of your early influences in Muay Thai?
Maurice Travis, Rammon Dekkers. I had alot of K-1 fighters that I looked up to as well: Ernesto “Mr. Perfect” Hoost, Peter Aerts, Ray Sefo, Semmy Schilt, Jérôme Le Banner, thats just to name a few…haha.
What about Muay Thai appeals to you most?
The knees and elbows. I love watching a Muay Thai fight that ends with a devastating elbow that nobody expects to happen.
Many fans may only know of you from your MMA appearances for promotions like Bellator. What can you tell fans so far about your experiences with Muay Thai so far?
I first started training under Neal Rowe in Cincinnati Ohio. When we first started training he told me that I needed to start fighting. I just laughed it off, never thinking I would make a carreer out of fighting. I ended up moving down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to train with Maurice Travis. He has taught me so much in just a short amount of time.
We talked briefly about MMA and K-1. And you said you actually prefer K-1 or Muay Thai why is that?
Its totally true. Don’t get me wrong; I like MMA but standup fighting is where its at. Muay Thai is considered to be the hardest standup art to master. You can be hit with so many different weapons. I consider myself a striker, not a cuddler (grappler). I know that K-1 brings all the best strikers in the world together. I want to be considered one of the best strikers in the world some day. To have the pretty green belt saying World Champion. WOW, that would be great! I know I will get there some day. I just got to take it one fight at a time.
Having started Muay Thai relatively recently (Since 2005) what were the most important things you learned first about Muay Thai?
Cardio, You cant be a tree and stand there. You will get cut down, even at the larger weight classes. You have to be able to move…oh and keep your hands up.
Since you’re obviously a large fighter even for a heavy weight how do you feel your Muay Thai translates into technique adapted for a much bigger person?
I think I am a fairly fast Heavy weight. Bigger fighters always try to use strength to beat their opponent. Techique will beat strength time and time again. I like to use technique rather than power because you dont burn as much energy. Remember, I’m a big guy. All big guys are lazy unless its dinner time.
Who do you train with in your team in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?
I train in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina right now. My main training partners are: Tomar Washington, Nissen Osterneck, Walker Vivian, Mike Kelley, Trevor Barnes, Jon Owens, Phillip Burnette and Parker Porter. My Personal Trainer is Keith Hare. He kicks my butt everytime we get into the gym. He is ready to go no matter what is going on.
I also go to Nashville MMA and train sometimes with Dave Herman and Ed Clay. Ed is a really good coach. He is able to point out a lot of mistakes. I will probably make it out to Las Vegas for a bit before this fight to train with Mark Beecher or make my way to Los Angeles, California to meet up with Maurice Travis for a bit. He can still kick my tail. I keep telling him I’m gonna beat him on his birthday every year.
The Panda connects to the body
What are some of the challenges of getting in good sparring being such a large fighter?
It’s tough. I’ve actually got a couple big guys here that are really good. So right now, it’s actually going really good. Since it’s such an honor to fight for the WBC Muay Thai belt, I have all kinds of friends more than willing to help me out.
Because you fight both in Muay Thai and MMA how do you adapt your style for each sport?
At first I thought it was a little tough because I like to strike and 99% of fighters in the heavyweight division like to grapple. I’m always having to worry about being taken down. I still am trying to get comfortable on the ground. It’s just not a place I like to be.
I have to ask…how did you come by the nickname “The Panda”? For some reason I cannot see you blissfully chewing bamboo in a dense Chinese forest.
Well If bamboo is like Bean sprouts then I’m for sure a Panda. I got the name “The Panda” for being big fat and fluffy. Haha just kidding. I actually fought in China in January of 2009. I used to come out to fights as “Lambchop”. For some reason the promoter didn’t like it so they announced me as The Panda. Everybody loved it. Everywhere I went, I kept hearing “PANDA, PANDA”. It was really cool. I was always told whatever nickname you are given in Asia, thats what you go by. It’s an honor for me to go by “The Panda”.
I noticed you keep a very busy fight schedule. How do you maintain your condition and stay injury free with such a busy fight schedule?
I hired a Personal trainer (Keith Hare) that has been busting my butt and getting me into good fight shape. I know that injuries come and go. I have to listen to my body. Some days my body tells me that it’s not going to do anything. If your body is saying “no”, it means “NO”. I also think being active in sports most my life, I got used to being busy all the time and I just keep pushing to keep that life style.
As a super heavyweight what do you see as your best strength even among other super heavy weights?
I think that my best strength at super heavyweight is my calmness. I’m all smiles and laughs even in a fight. I have had my face getting pounded in an MMA fight with elbows, and they were really good elbows. So I had to compliment him and said “Great Elbows”. I told him as he was hitting me with another elbow. He said “Huh thanks” and threw another one. We are pretty good friends now.
As a 4-year professional fighter what was the most important thing you learned from being a professional?
That if you’re not ready to fight at all times somebody will take your chocolate chip cookies and run away. Be Prepared to fight all types of fighters. You can’t be ready to fight someone that’s just a striker, and then Bam you’re fighting a grappler. You got to be ready for it all. Being a professional is a business. It’s business and TOTALLY FUN.
Since you have a United States title match coming up soon at WCK Muay Thai what would you regard as your greatest strength without giving away too much information?
HAHA, don’t expect to see the same fighter that you saw in Bellator. Plan on it being a war. I have seen Rick fight in the past.
What would you like to accomplish in the super heavyweight division in Muay Thai?
That’s probably the easiest question in the world. I want to fight for and win the WBC Muay Thai World Title. I want to be the best fat kid on the block. I want everybody wanting to fight me because I’m the best and they want to beat the best.
Steven Banks begins his ring walk
Do you prefer full Muay Thai rules to K-1 style rules?
I love them both. I like Muay thai Rules a little bit better because you get to clinch and elbow.
I understand you actually walk around heavier than your fighting weight of 265. How big are you when you are not preparing for a fight?
If I’m not fighting and don’t have a fight coming up. I usually walk around at around 290. I’m trying to get down to around 250 or so but I love to eat.
How does your diet change leading up to the fight?
I have to watch what I eat all the time. I’m the type of guy that will go to a buffet every chance I get. I love food and food loves me. I’m try to make sure that I’m eating enough that I’m not gonna be starving later on in the day. I never really cared for junk food. I love eating fruits and veggies. Your parents always tell you to eat all your veggies and fruit. But don’t eat the whole bag.
Leading up to your WCK Muay Thai event what can you tell fans to expect from the super heavyweight title fight and from The Panda?
What to expect…haha…no cuddling. No flying armbars…maybe a off the top rope drop kick. I hope that everybody comes out and expects a total war. I know that Rick Cheek is gonna bring it and I know that I will bring it. And no we are not talking about bringing dessert. Unless you want to bring a Carrot Cake…yum yum.
Much thanks to Steven Banks for the interview which I have to say was one of the more entertaining interviews I’ve ever had. You can keep up with Steven Banks on his official site.
The full card for the upcoming WMC card in Quiet Cannon has been released. Looks like some pretty decent match ups are scheduled for this weekend. Headlining this event is former WBC champion Michael Manaquill and Malaipet. The bout order is also on the above poster for the event. Ticket information can be found at the Tuff Promotion site or you can book your tickets early at Quiet Cannon’s site.
There has been some talk that Malaipet has an easy night ahead of him but I honestly do not agree. Though Manaquill has been absent from the fight scene last I saw of him he absolutely has the skillset to give Malaipet a more than challenging fight. There has also been some speculation regarding Malaipet’s conditioning and training overall. There will be much to prove from both. The event starts this Sunday at 2:00 pm.
Thanks goes to Julia Korkina for sharing this information. On Sept. 11th, 2010 in Minsk at the sports complex “Minsk-Arena” the Big 8 tournament will take place called Kings of Muay Thai – World Cup Thai Boxing . The event will be independently sanctioned by the World Kickboxing Network (WKN).
The tournament will involve eight premier fighters from around the world. Fighters had to win their place on the tournament by participating and winning in Continental eliminators. The right to participate in the Continental Cup is won by winning at the country level of the tournament. Supposedly this brings us to the Big 8 final tournament.
The tournament consists of professional fighters in the 67 kg tournament. There will also be WKN world champions decided on this event in April for the super heavyweight division. All fights will have full Muay Thai rules.
According to the official Big 8 tournament site the confirmed fighetrs partipating in the Belarus Big 8 are as follows:
Participants: Andrew Kulebin (honored master of sports, 15 time world champion) represents Belarus – a country organizer; Malaipet – Representative United States of America, winner of the continental qualifying tournament; Marcos – representative of the North America, the winner of the continental qualifying tournament; Sudsakorn – from Asia, the winner of the continental qualifying tournament; Mitobisi – from Africa, the winner of the continental qualifying tournament; Ruslan Kushnirenko – won the tournament, eight in Kharkov, represents Europe; Teylop Harvey – the representative of Australia and Oceania, the winner of the continental qualifying tournament; Igor Petrov – the owner of “Wild Card”, winner of the qualifying tournament of the CIS;
Title fights:
+100 Kg Alexei Kudin (5-time world champion in Muay Thai and kickboxing) and Faisal Zakaria (New Zealand), world champion in Muay Thai champion Radzhadamnern.
76 kg Dmitry Valent (4-x time world champion in the middle of professionals) and Artem Levin (RF), 5-time world champion.
57 kg Alla Ivashkevich (World champion, Europe and Asia) and the world champion from Australia.
Some very big names of international Muay Thai are on this roster and I especially look forward to the performance of Artem Levin who has consistently been the standout name for me at 76kg.
More Muay Thai action from Channel 7 stadium. Rittichai Tor. Chalermchai (in red trunks) Vs Yodkhunpon Petrajapat (in blue trunks). This bout takes place between two young nak muay at the weight of 104lbs. The orignal bout took place from the Sunday, March 8, 2009 fights from Channel 7 stadium.
The Science of 8 Limbs 