As many of you may know by now the Gotti Promotion event Apocalix never happened. On the eve of the event happening Gotti seemingly disappeared with the sponsor money and fighter purses unaccounted for. The remainder of the event’s promotional team were left to deal with the aftermath including angry fighters and their teams.
One official statement has coalesced from BMP chief Andrea Scalo who was responsible for PR and public communiques on Gotti’s behalf. What follows is my attempt at Italian to English translation of Andrea’s statement taken from the Italian martial arts forum:
Hello everyone.
I am writing this time not on behalf of Gotti Promotion but in private after the death of the April 25, 2010 Saturday Palalido, Milan Apocalix event.
Unfortunately, those who were present witnessed an interesting match up coming, at least until the final suspension and cancellation of the last three matches, including that of Khem Sitsongpeenong with Mabel Abdallah because of promoter, Alessandro Gotti.
This is to inform that the undersigned, Andre Scalo and the BMP Promotions are unconnected with the facts that led to the suspension of the evening, as the general organization of Apocalix. The fact is I (or was) an employee of outside professional contract with the task of treating only the relationships with the press, communication and forums on behalf of Gotti Promotion.
For those wishing to address complaints or claims remember that these ticket holders should not in any way contact me nor Tyrine Zannon, personal assistant of Mr. Gotti because we do not have any portfolio of the event and the receipts already paid to the SIAE are in possession of Gotti Promotion.
We declare any absolute estrangement from the person of Alessandro Gotti, including the holding of regular work of professional collaboration. This includes other things left unpaid (and talk about 5-8 months of work).
For people who bought tickets with PAYPAL it’s the same. The fact that the account used for the presale tickets were made out to me and my company does not count, since it was made available to the Promotion Gotti who had access to the credit and is the holder of the account’s password.
Therefore, please address any request or complaint not to me or to Ms. Zannon but to Alessandro Gotti. If you can, also contact the State Police, the Police Headquarters in Milan is already contacted and was informed of everything.
I’m terribly sorry for what happened but I too am angry and I do not know what else to say.
SKALPO Andrea Scalco
There you have it, the other parties have come forward. I am interested in anyone representing Gotti Promotion or Gotti himself coming forward and telling their side of the story. For the fighters themselves I feel for all of you taking the time to train hard for this event and to Fabio Pinca for generously granting his time to do an interview. I wish the best for each and everyone of you and your future endeavors.
The Kedah Cup is just 10 days away and the card has been announced. The event will take place over 2 days: May 8th and May 9th. Pretty great looking card with some legends on it!
Kedah Cup poster
The card thus far for May 8th, 2010:
Preliminary Super 4, 51 kg
Firdaus Janai (Boxx Warriors/Malaysia) Vs. Nasrul Lapti (Pendang)
Kholid Sarapan (White Tiger, Kuala Ketil) Vs. Ashraf Saidin (White Dragon, Langkawi)
Super fight
Igor Pidotte Cabritta (Brazil, Boxx Warriors, Malaysia)Vs. Zidov Akuma (Croatia)
Wolrd Muay Thai Council (WMC) Muay Thai Against Drugs title bout
Azhar Zakaria (Langkasuka, SG Petani) Vs. Adam Smith (England)
Super fight
Abbas Ahmadi (Iran, Boxx Warriors) Vs. Hamdan Mohktar (Malaysian Tigers)
Final Super 4
Winner of fight 1 vs. Winner of fight 2
Super fight
Robert Terminator VS. Ying Yai
Kedah Cup lineup
On day two the Kedah Cup continues May 9, 2010 with the following lineup:
Super fight
Alif Sulkifly (Boxx Warriors, Malaysia) Vs. Aziz Pazu (Pendang)
Super 4 Preliminary Bouts 59.5 kg
Sohanne Begana (France) Vs. Q. Ekkasit (Thailand)
Danny ‘Danger’ Taylor (England) Vs. Kudin Raja Jerung (Malaysian Tigers)
Junior Z-1 Championship
Chomkitit Somsawan (Thailand) vs. Ali Shaffie (Boxx Warriors, Malaysia)
Super Fight
Thiago Texeria (Brazil, Boxx Warriors, Malaysia) Vs. Faisal Siku Emas (Malaysian Tigers)
Final Super 4, 59.5 kg
Winner of fight 1 vs. Winner of fight 2
Super Fight
Fasuchon Sit Or (Thailand) vs. Kongdet Kiatpatat (Thailand)
For more details visit the oficial and excellent Boxx Tomoi’s site.
I recently received news from Iron Tiger in Ontario, Canada that their protege Tomas Novack will be fighting Jerome LeBanner for the The World Professional MuayThaiFederation (WPMF) heavy weight world champion Muay Thai title. The fight comes to the world on July 16, 2010. LeBanner has been pretty active boxing lately and seems to have renewed vigor training at the famed Chakuriki gym in Holland.
Tomas Novack has been under the guidance of Alin Halmagean at Iron Tiger Muay Thai in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. Iron Tiger has many noted fighters under his wing including Alex Ricci and Shane ‘Shaolin’ Campbell. THis title fight should prove an interesting contrast of styles and an exciting bout.
As some of you may already know Kiatsingnoi promotions decided to stop promoting. So there is a new team promoting at Ratchadamnern stadium.
They make their debut on the 5th of May
The card looks very promising!
1:Petchmorakot Wor Sangprapai vs Wanpichit Minayothin
2:Petchkiansaa Sor Wirapon vs Petch Lukmakamwan
3:Kiatisak Sirodpibun vs Wanpichit Riflorniasauna
4: Payanon Kor Sapaothong vs Petchsakon FA Group
5:Chartchainoi Sor Prasopchoke vs Yodpetch Wor Sangprapai
6:Rungpetch Wor Sangprapai vs Manasak Narupai
Main Event: Saenchai Sor Kingstar 129 lbs vs NongO Sit O 131 pounds
As many of you already know the scheduled Apocalix Full Rules Muay Thai event in Milan, Italy never happened. I was very excited and looked forward to this event happening and alas it never did. The fighters involved never got paid and one of the key coordinators of this event got left holding the bag with 9000 EU spent. I can only imagine what has happened to the sponsor money but all the fighters and people who worked hard behind the scenes were left hanging with the coordinator left to deal with the aftermath.
To any formal representatives of Gotti Promotion: feel free to add information if you feel it’s lacking. Any response is going to only help your image since right now a lot of fighters and their teams are feeling very left in the dark about this.
I was very much anticipating meeting Saohin Srisuk for this interview. Saohin’s had a long and storied career in ringsports including Muay Thai and boxing and it took quite a long time to go through it all. After years as a Muay Thai boxer Saohin for a long time was a contender in the world of international boxing and fought many champions. He would hold the PABA title 4 times and defend the PABA belt even more times. After being gone from Muay Thai for over a decade Saohin would return and win the S-1 title at 130lbs stopping opponents with a KO and a TKO by leg kick. Saohin since teaching at Tiger Muay Thai has focused on giving his knowledge to a new generation of Thaiboxers and MMA fighters. I want to thank Saohin for his time and patience for being so giving of his time.
Saohin with PABA belt
Hello Saohin can you tell us about yourself and how you got started in Muay Thai?
I am from Issan and began Muay Thai at age 13 though my parents did not like me fighting. The first gym I was in was at Samart Payakaroon’s gym. I had many fights from there in Muay Thai. [Samart held world titles both in Muay Thai and international boxing]
Issan seems to produce a lot of strong boxers.
Yes Issan and Buriram have always been a place for strong boxers. Then they move to Bangkok for training to start their careers as professional boxers.
When did you switch from Muay Thai to international boxing?
During my Muay Thai fights the trainers noticed I was knocking many opponents out with my hands. They decided that since I had good punching power I should do boxing. Eventually I would end up training at Khaosai Galaxy’s gym and continue doing only international boxing fights. [Khaosai is a hall of fame international boxer and held the longest reign as champion in the superfly weight division in history]
Who were some of your toughest fights in boxing?
I think Paulie Ayala was the toughest for his strong punches.
What were some of your proudest accomplishments in boxing?
I was able to win the PABA (Pan Asian Boxing Association) title in two weight classes, featherweight and bantam. I also was the number one ranked contender for WBA and WBO for international boxing.
Who is the boxer that influenced you most and that you admire for style?
I like Oscar De la Hoya. I think he is technical and strong.
Saohin and Mike
You eventually would move to Phuket to train fighters at Tiger Muay Thai. How was your experience there?
It was good! Ray Elbe is a very good person. At Tiger Muay Thai there are 15 Muay Thai trainers like Robert Terminator, Orono Por Muangubon, Prabat, and many other legends.
How was you experience returning to Muay Thai to win the S-1 title?
It was hard for me having not fought Muay Thai for a while. I would try to stay busy with my opponents and then knock them out quickly. I had to fight three times in one night!
You also fought Leo ‘Amendoim’ Monterios (Leo was billed as Caga for this fight) in Bangla Stadium. How was that experience?
Leo is a very strong fighter! I used clinch and punches to win on points.
From Tiger you would relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada in the USA to teach students. How has that experience been?
Master Toddy is a very smart businessmen and there I had a chance to work with many students in MMA to Muay Thai. In Las Vegas I would also work for Elite Fitness gym as well and made many friends. I have to also thank Steve Mazzagatti for allowing me to stay in his home for 2 weeks until I found my own place.
What do you try to teach MMA students most?
I focus on defense especially off the right hand. I try to make them use shorter, more explosive strikes with good techniques. I also use more elbows and clinch.
How did you end up moving to Vancouver, Washington and work with Fisticuffs gym?
I worked with UFC fighter George Sotripolous on Muay Thai in Las Vegas. Eventually he would come to Vancouver to train so I moved as well.
How has teaching at Fisticuffs gym been?
It is better here. Here I am the teacher that makes the curriculum. In other places I have always worked for someone else. At Fisticuffs the Muay Thai program is all mine and I choose how classes are taught.
What are some of the challenges you’ve had teaching away from home?
I miss my wife Suzy the most. When the visa application was completed it was only for myself because visas are very expensive to process. My wife is in the United Kingdom but we stay in touch on the phone and internet.
Do you like Vancouver?
I have been here now for 2 weeks. Yes I like it here and want to stay. I live very close to the gym so it easy to get to in 8 minutes. I have an apartment with George here so I have people I know close too. In Las Vegas Muay Thai classes charge much more, maybe $150 but in Vancouver it is not so much. I also work with Scott Shaffer from Bellevue, Washington. Scott has fought for Japanese Muay Thai promotions like All Japan Kick Boxing.
Do you enjoy working with MMA fighters?
Yes. I like working with Urijah Faber and George Sotiropolous. George has improved a lot in Muay Thai.
Saohin with the belts
I also noticed you offer instruction in Muay Boran. How did you learn this skill?
I learned Muay Boran from the Bangkok University in a program there. I have taught this style in Bellevue, Washington’s Ring Sports United gym. We teach Ling Lom and Hanuman styles.
There’s been some people that would like to see you fight again. Will you fight again?
No I do not want to fight any more. In my fights I have an eye injury that can be bad for fighting. I feel I have now more to offer as a teacher and coach. I have fought since I was age 13 and I am now 37. I like to teach students and show them real Muay Thai.
Do you have anything coming up in Fisticuffs we can look forward to?
In Vancouver there are no smokers. But I want to build up Muay Thai so I have a sparring event in June 19, 2010. Eventually maybe I will promote as well. In Vancouver I have 3 classes everyday for Muay Thai. Everyone should come and train with me! Thank you for talking to me.
Thanks very much to Saohin for his time. I can tell you anyone who trains with Saohin will get a very unique blend of his experience in Muay Thai, boxing and even MMA. Saohin really understands well how to incorporate each range for MMA. Tactically Saohin can enhance any fighter’s abilities. Saohin can be reached at :
The red shirt protesters defied the Thai government order to stay in the Rajprasong area today and spread out all over the city. A huge crowd gathered at Lumpini Park which was home to the anti-red Pink shirted protesters a few days ago. This move by the red protesters is aimed at testing the limits and the governments patience as the Thai government so far has been unwilling or unable to stop the protesters.
While Rajadamnern Stadium and Muay Thai events were temporarily disrupted it seems that they have no resumed a normal schedule.
It seems the pink shirts have tired of the traffic jams and general chaos the red shirt demonstrators have created and now are protesting for peaceful resolution.
As of April 19, 2010 Hundreds of troops have been deployed on Monday morning on the streets of Silom region, one of Bangkok’s business heartland, local media said.
The Nation newspaper reported that five companies have been deployed in front of the Bangkok Bank head office, where the red- shirt protesters had threatened on Saturday to make a new rally site.
Some of the troops are stationed nearby Lumpini Park and some on the Saladaeng station of the BTS train, the newspaper said.
The red-shirt protesters staying in the Lumpini Park are said to have carried cook gas cylinders with them.
The Science of 8 Limbs 