By Mike LNg
Asawindum Stadium
With the protests ongoing Asawindum is one of the safest and best places to see live Muay Thai in Thailand.
By Mike LNg
Buakaw Por Pramuk recently completed his part in the movie ‘Yamada’. According to Muaymag Buakaw was not brought back not due to a contract dispute or what was reportedly Buakaw’s decision to pursue international Muay Thai bouts. Earlier it was reported that Buakaw would leave K-1 MAX if he did not win another K-1 MAX title notably confilicting reports later came out. Buakaw was quoted as saying:
“Mostly, I played action parts more than dialogue but it was not very difficult. I enjoyed this work. After the completion, I am on training to prepare for the match in London, England on Saturday 29 May, this year. In “MSA Muaythai Premier League”, I have to fight Jordan Watson, England boxer in a major match. However, this fight is just my warm-up program while I am waiting for K-1 organizer in Japan to confirm if they will include me in the next tournament”
Muaymag goes on to say Buakaw was not brought back due to FEG’s financial tightening of the belt and has lost many sponsors.
Piyarat Wachirarattanawong,the new promoter of Petchyindee Boxing Promotion explains why K-1 declined.
In fact, our country is the origin of muaythai but Japanese has modified it. Lately, we planned to organize “M-1” tournament in the next year after discussion with 2 big sponsors, Toyota Motor Thailand and Charoen Phokapand Company Limited (CP). They are ready to support this thoroughly. Therefore, we start with the preparation of pilot M-1 stage on Friday, 2 July, this year in Nakhon Pathom. Channel 7 will broadcast live. It will be a marathon-boxing match, “M-1 Tournament”, with 65 kg specification. Saenchai Sor Saenchai (Sor Kingstar), the great boxer, is the major player. The best foreign fighters from 7 countries over the world have been selected for the matches like K-1. They have to dress with suit and necktie, looking like a world-class event. There are champion belt and abundant rewards. The great response from boxing fans is expected.
Buakaw following his UK appearance is apparently also booked to fight in a future installment of Henan, China’s Wu Lin Feng series. I can’t help but wonder maybe all this activity with the film is proving to be a distraction for Buakaw. I hope not and look forward to what he can do in the UK and in China.
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By Mike LNg
Van Damme and Somluck Kamsing at a press conference
A while back I brought up the reportedly done deal between Jean Claude Van Damme and Somluck Kamsing to meet and fight under modified Muay Thai rules. Van Damme went as far as to officially confirm the upcoming fight as a reality that is set to coalesce October 2010. The rules stipulate no elbows and 2 minute rounds instead of the usual 3 minute rounds. To hype the fight and no doubt generate more income Van Damme also mentioned plans for a reality show in a press conference. The press conference held by Van Damme would confirm Van Damme’s training efforts have already started in preparation for his bout with Somluck.
It looks like the United Kingdom’s I TV has agreed to develop the reality show in association with Van Damme. Van Damme said at the moment he is deciding which of his family members will appear on the show. I TV is the biggest commercial television network in the UK. The ITV Network is made up of 15 regional licences, providing television to viewers across the UK. No word has come out on the availability of international broadcasts of the Van Damme Reality television program yet. Also no details were available on when the show will even begin broadcasting at this time.
Van Damme is an action film actor known for his Hollywood blockbuster films like Time Cop, Blood Sport and Kickboxer. Somluck Kamsing is known for his many Muay Thai fights and for capturing a gold medal for Thailand in international boxing. Somluck to the present still occasionally fights in Muay Thai matches.
Digital Spy reported on this topic with some interesting quotes from an un-named insider.
It should prove interesting to see how serious the training is and what kind of work out regimen a 50-year old Hollywood actor can muster up for a real fight. I’ll follow this up until the fight happens if it indeed does. Thanks for reading.
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By Mike LNg
Asawindum Stadium
Daofire Sitjakung Vs. Kongfar Sor. Werapon from the Asawindum card of Sept.9,2009. Daofire is in red and Kongfar is in blue. Check out the interview with rising Star Petpayu Pinsinchai here.
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By Mike LNg
Another excellent card brought to you by Team Nasser K. This one comes relatively soon on June 5, 2010.
Nasser Kacem brings a new La Nuit des Challenges. In the 8th 2010 edition of the Thai boxing event some of Nasser’s best fighters are represented in Fabio Pinca, Yohan Lidon, Abdallah Mabel and Karim Houccine. Three of the fighting competitors are among the most recognized champions of France and three of them: Fabio Pinca, Yohan Lidon and Abdallah Mabel all three world champions in their respective weight categories in MuayThai.
Also some very impressive Thai talent will be flown in to fight: Singmanee Srisompong Sor, Rajadamnern Nine times Champion and the World Muay Thai Council (WMC) World Champion at Super Lightweight (140 pounds). Singmanee is matched up against Fabio Pinca.
Diesellek Rungruangyon will be macthed against Yohan Lidon. Disellek is a champion of Rajadamnern champion and the IKF MuayThai World Champion at middleweight.
Mabel “The Black Panther”Abdallah will fight against Walid Haddad. Haddad is the2X winner of the tournament TK2 (2007 and 2008). This fight is a rematch of their original meeting in 2008 at l at St.Fons. Mabel won the first match up.
Abderahmane Penda, Intercontinental MuayThai Champion will also have a revenge match against Rahaoui Mohamed from the Young Guns show of February 2008.
Karim Bennoui will fight Xavier Bastard the European Muay Thai champion.
At the time of this writing La Nuit des Challenges card has the following matchups under full Muay Thai rules:
Super-Fight
( Full Muay Thai Rules )
Yohan Lidon VS Diesellek Rungruangyon
Fabio Pinca VS Singmanee Sor Srisompong
Abdallah Mabel VS Walid Haddad
Abderahmane Penda VS Mohamed Rahaoui
Karim Bennoui VS Xavier Bastard
Yuksel Ayaydin VS TBA
Aziz Alikada VS TBA
Nabil Elouissi VS TBA
Seyed Bensaada VS TBA
I am very curious who else will be on the card and if perhaps more Top Thai talent will be matched against the French Thai boxers. Nonetheless this looks like this will be a very good one!
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By Mike LNg
WCK Muay Thai returns to Los Angeles, California and the vacant WBC Muay Thai United States National Super Welter Weight Title will be decided between Baxter Humby and Harris Norwood. Baxter has over the years won the IMTC world Muay Thai champion title among many other world championship titles and has competed consistently nationally and internationally. Harris has 27 wins, 11 losses and is a two time Shidokan champion. Shidokan is the event accurately called the triathalon of combat martial arts including grappling and kickboxing.
Also on the card Joey Pagliuso will fight Shane Oblonsky who recently had a victorious journey to Henan, China on the Wu Len Feng event. In the USA Pagliuso has been establishing a reputation as a heavy handed fighter with dangerous power in either hand.
Artem Sharoshkin is a strong California amateur and will be matched against Ozzy Venegas with the winner claiming the IAMTF U.S.A. National title. All bouts will be under full Muay Thai rules.
Baxter Humby Versus Harris Norwood
The rest of the fight card is as follows:
WBC Muaythai United States Super Welterweight Title, 5 Rounds
Baxter Humby vs. Harris Norwood
IKKC Muaythai Welterweight Bout, 4 Rounds
Joey Pagliuso vs. Shane Oblonsky
IAMTF United States Welterweight Title, 5 Rounds
Artem Sharoshkin vs. Ozzy Venegas
IAMTF California Cruiserweight Title, 4 Rounds
Dave Nielsen vs. Jason Rzepka
IAMTF Welterweight Bout, 3 Rounds
Chris Minor vs. Roy Corona
IAMTF Welterweight Bout, 3 Rounds
Beto Rodriguez vs. Prudencio Portillo
IAMTF Female Lightweight Bout, 3 Rounds
Tiffany van Soest vs. Jamie Scolastico
IAMTF Super Cruiserweight Bout, 3 Rounds
Steve Kuo vs. Robert Wendinge
IAMTF Welterweight Bout, 3 Rounds
Artee Panghongkeow vs. Richard Cortez
IAMTF Super Featherweight Bout, 3 Rounds
Robert Zatarain vs. Johnathan Puu
IAMTF Middleweight Bout, 3 Rounds
Christian Martinez vs. Ernie Gutierrez
IAMTF Super Lightweight Bout, 3 Rounds
Tigran Martirosyan vs. Jimmy Hendrickson
The fight night starts at 8 p.m. Parking is free. Tickets are priced at $40-$100. For tickets please call 1-877-446-7962. You can also visit WCK Muay Thai’s site for more details. Good to see the amateurs being developed by WCK Muay Thai on their return to Los Angeles.
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By Mike LNg and Saul Khan
Petpayu Pinsinchai
Petpayu Pinsinchai is a young, fast rising nak muay from Pinsinchai Muay Thai gym in Bangkok, Thailand. Petpayu has headlined many cards from the Thai Channel 9 broadcasts from Asawindum stadium. Asawindum stadium is also operated by General Sawake, owner and chief instructor at Pinsinchai Muay Thai gym. Petpayu is becoming known for producing devastating knockouts in Muay Thai using punches and elbows.
Saul Khan as current resident and one of the few foreign nak muay present at Pinsinchai provides us with a conversation with the young stand out at Pinsinchai. Saul Khan will be fighting at the upcoming Naksu event held at Asawindum.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How long have you been training at Pinsinchai?
I have trained at Pinsinchai Muay Thai gym for 2 years.
What do you like most about the Muay Thai style?
It makes me strong and powerful, and it’s not dangerous as people say. Knees make it a strong style.
I have mostly seen your fights on Asawindum programs for channel 9. Have you fought in other stadiums?
Yes I have fought at Rajadamnern stadium one time and at Lumpinee stadium 4 times. My favorite stadium is Lumpinee.
Recently Pinsinchai gym announced that they’d be opening to the public and to foreigners for the first time. How do you feel about training farang students?
Many boxers come here from around the world to train with me. Foreigners would be my favorite to train.
I recently saw your devastating knockout of Mongkonchai Kor. Kawinchai by elbow. Do you favor elbows as a technique?
Yes, but my favorite weapon is my powerful punches with both left and right hands.
Saul has told me that you once out lifted a 98kg power lifter. Can you tell us how that contest happened?
It was not a contest. I could perform better than the power lifter because of the length of time I have been training has made my body very strong.
What makes Asawindum Muay Thai gym different than other camps?
The owner of the camp, General (Sawake) Pinsinchai has 50 years of experience in Muay Thai. He trains us himself very extensively every day.
I’ve heard you also have some interest in competing in international boxing. What do you like most about international boxing?
I prefer international boxing to Muay Thai. I like the offensive and defensive skills. The fights are easy compared to Muay Thai and I can have a longer career than Muay Thai. And I want a long career as a fighter.
What fights do you have coming up?
On the30th of May, 2010 I will fight against Chalaamthong, 118 lbs at Asawindum stadium. The card will be broadcast on Channel 9.
What sort of style best describes your Muay Thai? Technical or more power dependent?
I prefer a hard punching style that is also technical. I enjoy hitting them and not being hit in return.
How is it training and living so far from your home and family?
I think about it only a little bit.
What are some of the things you do to help Asawindum every day in addition to fighting and training?
Every day I sweep the yard clean, I water the plants and trees around the gym. I bring coffee and tea for the General and I help massage the other boxers.
What would you do if another camp asked you to fight for them?
I would say “no” absolutely.
Why would you say no so strongly?
I love and respect the camp and the General. I learn a lot of new techniques from him and if I left maybe I could not learn and become stronger.
What are your aims in Muay Thai?
I want to become the Lumpinee champion at my current weight (118lbs).
What are your aims in international boxing?
I would like to become a champion and to fight overseas. I also would like to see England and fight there.
Who are people you look up to in international boxing?
I like Manny Pacquiao’s style. I hope one day I can meet him.
Thanks goes out to Saul Khan for the hard work at translations and transcribing this interview and to Petpayu for taking the time to answer questions. Pinsinchai Muay Thai Camp also owns and operates Asawindum stadium, the stadium fights are shown live every sunday throughout Thailand on National TV, Channel 9 from midday. These fights are also broadcast to 157 countries around the world via satellite. Any inquiries about training can be made to Pinsinchai can be made at PINSINCHAIMTC@GMAIL.COM
Here is a clip of Petpayu Pinsinchai Vs. Mongkonchai Kor. Kawinchai from November 2009 card at Asawundum Stadium.
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By Mike LNg
Famous Asawindum stadium
More action from Asawindum! Petmai Lookboonmee vs Nernapa Krungthep-Alaiyon. Petmai Lookboonmee vs Nernapa Krungthep-Alaiyon from the Asawindum card of 12-20-2009. Petmai’s in red and Nernapa is in blue.
By Mike LNg
I don’t often pay much credence or attention to seminars offered by almost anyone from fighters, teachers or anyone regardless of who or what they offer. But recently I got news of a coming summer camp that struck me for its uniqueness and truly legendary status of the coaches involved. The prospect of spending 3 months in Thailand at Jockey Gym with 3 true legends of Muay Thai is something very worthy of attention.
Jean Charles Skarbowsky
This summer of 2010 the 3 French legends of Muay Thai Jean Charles Skarbowsky, Dany Bill and Stephane Nikiema will reconvene to hold their annual training. The oldest gym in Thailand, Jockey Gym will be the site of the summer camp.
Jean Charles Skarbowsky is a 4 times European champion, world champion 2000-2005, and winner of A1. Skarbowsky retired in June 2006 after a long and illustrious fight career that included Muay Thai, K-1 and who spent most of his competitive life climbing the ranks at Rajadamnern stadium. Some of the notable opponents Skarbowsky has fought are Fuji Chalmsak, Nonthanon Por Pramuk, John Wayne Parr, Robert Kaenorrasing, among many others.
Danny Bill is a 7-time world champion of Muay Thai noted for his slickness and precision timing. Bill became a 7-times Muaythai World champion with his first championship won at the tender age of seventeen. Among some of Danny Bill’s accomplishments he became: 1988 French Cadet Muay Thai Champion, 1989 French Junior Muay Thai Champion 1990, French Senior Muay Thai Champion and from 1993-1999 7-time World Muay Thai Champion. After retiring in 2006 Danny is known as a reknown hip hop producer (and yes in my opinion Danny can brings the beats as well as he could fight) but his legacy in Muay Thai is now truly legendary. Danny Bill is regarded by many fans of Muay Thai (myself included) as perhaps the best farang fighter in Muay Thai ever.
Danny Bill with world title belts.
Stephane Nikiema won titles of France champion, European champion, World champion and even the belt of Lumpinee. Nikiema would retire in 2004 after compiling a record of over 87 wins. Nikiema also had the rare distinction of actually being a foreigner training Thais such as Somluck before the Olympic boxing matches and Robert Kaenorsing. Perhaps the best known student of Nikiema’s is Jerome LeBanner of K-1 fame. Nikiema is best known for his clinch techniques which can be witnessed in the way LeBanner expertly threw Don Frye to the ground in one of the earlier K-1 Dynamite events. Prior to Nikiema LeBanner’s expertise in the clinch was some what limited.
Stephane Nikiema lands on Orlando Wiet
Last year the camp attracted twenty students and this year the 3 legends once again invite students to spend the summer with them training authentic Muay Thai. Jockey Gym in their over 60 years of existence have included such champion Muay Thai boxers as Somluck, Saenchai, Leudsila, and Kaoklai Chaowalit.
The 3 promise not to hold back on information and promise to show techniques not normally accessible for casual visitors of Muay Thai gyms in Thailand. It’s also said that the environment of the summer internship will be both intensive in learning but fun and relaxed on weekends.
For any interested (and I know I am) you can contact them at stagejockygym@hotmail.fr for details on the seminar.
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By Mike LNg
Good news! It looks like the rumor on Muaymag is just that rumor and all reports of Slamm’s demise are premature to say the very least.
Slamm! Logo
While Mike Polanan does indeed have businesses he operates in Europe and South America he is not only not done with Slamm but busy promoting new shows with a full calendar ahead.
Slamm’s next show is coming July 4, 2010 in Holland. Then another event will be held in Suriname August 29, 2010. Another card will be held in Rotterdam the end of September. And Holland Versus Thailand will be return in November. At the end of the year Slamm will again return to Suriname. Good to hear they’re still at it. Muay Siam got it wrong and I also repeated the rumor. Apologies to Slamm and all parties involved.
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The Science of 8 Limbs
The Science of 8 Limbs 