International Kickboxer Magazine - May - June 2016

2 0 YE A RS OF THE WORL D'S BES T MUAY THAI & KICKBOX ING
MAY /JUN 2016 AUSTRALIAN
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NZ $11.80 INC. GST PUBLICATION
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IN ARMS A NEW
TOBY SMITH
& ROY WILLS
CHAMPION IS
CROWNED
CARLY MILLAD
GANGELL FARZAD
CAKEWALK TAKING IT TO
THE HOMELAND
+ JULIE KITCHEN
+ FIGHTING FOOD
BELLATOR + HOT IK GIRL
KICKBOXING
www.kickboxermag.com.au
IS BORN
SCOTT COKER AND THE NEW ERA
VOLUME 24 No. 2
BRAND NEW NAME, EVEN BETTER MAG
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INCORPORATING
Dont forget to fight your way to the

newsagent, because soon, International
Kickboxer will undergo a name change to
Fight Live Magazine.
Why change a good thing?
Well, here at International Kickboxer we always want to deliver the greatest
stories, up to date news and the very best technology.
In association with Fight Live TV and FIGHT! Australia magazine,
Fight Live Magazine is an innovative brand that will continue to bring you
the best of kickboxing, but also covers the best fights, training and fighters
from the greatest combat sports of the world.
This change guarantees youll get more pages, interviews, training, videos,
photos and better iPad, internet and print magazine experiences.
The magazine will continue to give all our readers the same great quality
they have come to expect but now with even more.
<285 5,1*6,'( 9,(: 2) :25/' &20%$7 632576
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THE FUTURE OF COMBAT SPORTS
COMING SOON...
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MAY /JUN 2016 AUSTRALIAN
AUS. $9.95 INC. GST

NZ $11.80 INC. GST PUBLICATION
BROTHERS SIMON MARKUS

IN ARMS A NEW
TOBY SMITH
& ROY WILLS
CHAMPION IS
CROWNED
CARLY MILLAD
GANGELL FARZAD
CAKEWALK TAKING IT TO
THE HOMELAND
+ JULIE KITCHEN
BELLATOR + FIGHTING FOOD
+ HOT IK GIRL
KICKBOXING
IS BORN
SCOTT COKER AND THE NEW ERA

IN ASSOCIATION WITH
VOLUME 24 No. 2
CONTENTS May / June 2016
FEATURES
32
32 LEGENDS OF THE PIT
Toby Smith & Roy Wills
Western Australian Champions Toby Smith,
Roy Wills and the man that brought it all together.
42 SIMON MARCUS
Greater Things
Jamaican Muay Thai ighter and Glory Middleweight Champion Simon
Marcus has been ighting in cages and rings since the age of 15.
50 TOP 5
Kickboxing ight for Bellator
In February of this year, Bellator MMA made the announcement
that they were entering the kickboxing space with their new
venture, Bellator Kickboxing. After putting on a successful
hybrid event last year in a partnership with Glory,
Bellator MMA promoter Scott Coker regained the taste
of the sport that started his career as a promoter.
56 SCOTT COKER
Kickboxing & Bellator
Super-promoter Scott Coker unveils his plans to dominate the
world not only via mixed martial arts, but also kickboxing.
64 ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

Top tips for training in Phuket
Returning from a holiday will often bring extra inches on your
waist and a few more kilos on the scales. Imagine flying to a
tropical paradise and returning home with a leaner physique
and a new set of kick arse skills! Welcome to Phuket!
68 CARLY GANGELL
Cakewalk
Her fight name, Cupcake, may make her sound cute
and innocent, but once this sweet tooth steps inside
a boxing ring, its a completely different story.
74 MILLAD FARZAD
Fighters ight
You have one career and one only you have to
go out there and make it happen. Fight hard and 64
fight often, make a plan and stick to it!
42
50
68 74
4 / www.kickboxermag.com.au
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CONTENTS May / June 2016
REGULARS
10
10 OPENING SHOT
Up-close action
16 RINGSIDE
ROUND UP
Latest news
20 20 QUESTIONS
Julie Kitchen
24 TRAINERS
FORUM
Padwork debate
60 FIGHTING FOOD
Four Tricks
62 TECHNIQUE
Training lessons
20
78 NEW BLOOD
Australian 24 60
up & comers
88 THAI NEWS
The latest
from Thailand
92 GYM
CLASSIFIED
Australian
gym directory
96 RANKINGS
Oficial IK rankings
98 IK GIRL
Kayla Rassatti
88 98
CONNECT & INTERACT
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Create and submit your own
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Vote in polls 46 Watch the whole ight as Simon Marcus
Interact & communicate with takes on Artem Levin at GLORY 21!
our editors & experts
77 See Aussie Millad Farzad earn his place
and much much more...
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IS COMING!
ER S LETTER
PUBLISHERS with Silvio Morelli
AUSTRALIAS
TOP COMBAT
SPORTS
MAGAZINES I
cannot believe we started this magazine
24 years ago, when it jumped from a
section of Blitz Martial Arts Magazine,
COME TOGETHER into its very own publication.

I have seen the evolution of kickboxing
evolve before my eyes. I have seen the
AS ONE ups and the downs, the various inventions

and reinventions.
It is safe to say it has been an amazing ride.
Why the relective disposition, you may ask?
Well, it is with mixed emotions that I
deliver to you the inal edition of International
Kickboxer. But dont be too alarmed at that
statement, as all is not as it seems. Now we
transition into the next phase of our evolution
with Fight Live Magazine.
Fight Live Magazine will still deliver
the top Muay Thai and kickboxing stories For those fans frustrated that you can
and inside itness tips from the pros, as never ind live streaming of your favourite
International Kickboxer always did, but now ighters and events, this will be what you
there will be even more. have been waiting for. Fight Live TV has
We will extend our horizons a little and been crafted to cater to the many thousands
will keep you up to date on things happening of ight fans whove been asking that very
in the rest of the combat world as well as same question: Why, in this digital age
our beloved Muay Thai and kickboxing. cant we easily and affordably access our
This change will coincide with our new favourite ight shows and live broadcasts?
live ight streaming service, Fight Live TV, Now, thanks to Fight Live TV, you will
which has been a true success story since be able to! And you will be able to watch
launching late last year, and true proof on any device be it desktop, any mobile
of the popularity of combat sports in the phone or tablet devices, as well as your
modern world. It is a portal for ight fans and favourite smart TV.
ighters, where users have access to footage So, if you havent checked out what it is all
from shows here and around the world, not about yet, head over to FightLiveTV.com now.
to mention all those classic archived ights See you soon in our all-new magazine! IK
that we all wish we could see again.
Full card shows, training videos from
the pros themselves, highlight reels of all
the best action, exclusive ighter and trainer
interviews from around the world, all the
latest news and events, huge photo galleries
of all your favourite ighters, ring girls,
special podcasts and loads of competitions
and giveaways and thats just a small CONNECT WITH US internationalkickboxer
DON T MISS
THE BEST STORIES & TRAINING
taste of whats on offer!
ADVICE IN WORLD COMBAT SPORTS

ON SALE IN MAY 8 / www.kickboxermag.com.au
EDITORIAL
EDITOR Jarrah Loh
jarrah@blitzmag.com.au
MANAGING EDITOR Ben Stone
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Zach Broadhurst
Molly Morelli
ART
ART DIRECTOR Javie DSouza
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
James Steer, Adam Summers, Zeenia Bhikha,
Adibowo Rusli, Lysha Moniz, Diep Nguyen, Jonathan Rudolph
DIGITAL & ONLINE

HEAD OF DIGITAL STRATEGY Karl Nemsow
SENIOR WEB DEVELOPER David Ding
WEB DEVELOPER Davide Pani
WEB DESIGNER Amanda Oliver
VIDEO EDITOR Justin Oleyar
ONLINE CONTENT PRODUCER Zach Broadhurst
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Charlie Suriano, Terry Vorg, Rob Cox, Emanuel Rudnicki, William Luu
ADVERTISING SALES
GROUP MANAGER NATIONAL ADVERTISING Matt Davies
matt@blitzmag.com.au
MARKETING
MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER Robyn Newman
robyn@blitzmag.com.au
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Silvio Morelli

GENERAL MANAGER Mark Unwin
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Stefanie Morelli
ADMINISTRATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE
FINANCE Min You
SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Angelina Modica
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Email: customerservice@blitzmag.com.au
Phone: (03) 9574 8999 Fax: (03) 9574 8899
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Web: www.kickboxermag.com.au
Articles published in this issue of International Kickboxer

are Copyrighted 2016 and are published by
Blitz Publications and Multi-media Group Pty Ltd
under license from Bushi Pty Ltd.
PRINTING
GRAPHIC IMPRESSIONS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.
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DISCLAIMER
Opinions and viewpoints expressed in International Kickboxer do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publishers.
Responsible instructors, individuals or organisations with something valid and relevant to say will, whenever possible, be given
the opportunity. Reproduction of any material without written permission from the publishers is strictly prohibited.
The acceptance of advertising does not necessarily imply endorsement of services or products. All articles, photographs and
other material submitted for publication in International Kickboxer must be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope.
Contributions are submitted at the senders risk and while all possible care will be exercised, we cannot accept responsibility for loss.
Please see www.blitzpublications.com.au/privacy-policy for privacy policy.
International Kickboxer is on newsstands in:
Australia New Zealand

OPENING SHOT
AUSSIE
UNDERDOG
The 21st of February saw the second
instalment of this years Max Muay Thai
75 kilo four-man tournament.
In the inal, Australias Millad Farzad
faced Remy Vectol of France, who came
through a very tough semi-inal against
the Thai ighter Ekkapop Dr Tunighter.
Remy started the inal as favourite, but,
after a couple of hard elbows from Millad
in the opening round, seemed to lose a
bit of heart for the ight. Millad controlled
the ring well from that point on,
dominating the clinch and out-scoring
Remy with solid kicks and knees.
Remy rallied a little in the inal round,
but it wasnt enough and Millad took
the decision and the 200,000 baht prize,
earning his place in the Ultimate 4-man
tournament later in the year.
CREDIT: ROB COX
www.kickboxermag.com.au / 11
OPENING SHOT
FACE MELTER
Kaitlyn Vance plants one into the face of
Kerrianne McKay during their rematch
at Ignition Muay Thai in Perth. Vance
took the win after a heated battle.
CREDIT: BROCK DOE
OPENING SHOT
GOLDEN
GLORY
Jamaican Muay Thai
ighter and new Glory
Middleweight Champion
Simon Marcus raises his
hands in victory following a
controversial ending against
Artem Levin, who seemingly
walked out on the bout.
CREDIT: JAMES LAW,
GLORY SPORTS INTERNATIONAL
RINGSIDE ROUND UP Check out the latest news on www.kickboxermag.com.au
WEIGHT CLASSES &

RULE SET REVEALED
Bellator Kickboxing is set to make its In Bellator Kickboxing, the weight (including spinning backsts),
world premiere on 16 April with Bellator classes will be identical to those kicks and knee strikes.
Kickboxing: Torino. utilised in mixed martial arts, starting Each non-title ght is scheduled
The Pala Alpitour, which has been with heavyweight and ending with for three, three-minute rounds
home to several amazing events yweight. Generally, there is a one- with the potential for an extra
including the 2006 Winter Olympic pound allowance for non-title ghts, sudden victory round if the
Games, will host the inaugural although that allowance may vary bout is scored a draw. Title
Bellator Kickboxing: Torino card. depending on the regulatory body ghts will be scheduled for
The ghts will be headlined by sanctioning the event. ve, three-minute rounds.
one of the most accomplished Heavyweight: 265 pounds Prohibited techniques include:
knockout artists in combat sports, Light Heavyweight: 205 pounds elbow strikes, throws, takedowns,
Melvin Manhoef (49-12), who takes Middleweight: 185 pounds and submission attempts or
on Alexandru Negrea (8-2). The Welterweight: 170 pounds striking a downed ghter. Fighters
co-main event features Mustapha Lightweight: 155 pounds may only clinch if they immediately
Haida (37-3-3) taking on Karim Featherweight: 145 pounds attack with a knee strike.
Ghajji (95-12) for the 165-pound Bantamweight: 135 pounds Three judges will score
ISKA title. Kickboxing sensations Flyweight: 125 pounds Bellator Kickboxing using
Raymond Daniels (10-3), Denise the 10-Point-Must system
Kielholtz (43-2) and Kevin Ross In addition, below is an overview of applying a prioritised criterion
(30-9) will round out the card Bellator Kickboxings rule set. that values knockdowns,
of the initial event against yet- The competitors will attack impact on the opponent and
to-be announced opponents. and defend using punches clean scoring strikes.
IK Forum! Log on to www.kickboxermag.com.au
Noodles Goes Viral

Taking a body shot from UFC heavyweight Mark In a video shared by just about everybody
Hunt is no easy feat just ask Antonio Silva or Roy including UFC commentator Joe Rogan, Noodles took
Nelson but teen Emiliano Noodles Rivera did just a fully fledged punch to the stomach by Hunt.
that and became an overnight Internet sensation. Noodles, 19, is the nephew of acclaimed
kickboxer John Wayne Parr. He moved to Australia
from the United States in the middle of last year to
live in the Parr household in an aim to change his
lifestyle of smoking, drinking and obesity.
In a video posted by Parr online, Noodles said the
move to Australia was the greatest thing he has done
in his life. He has lost over 40 kilograms since arriving
in Australia.
Ten weeks prior to the video going online,
Noodles competed in his first professional
kickboxing fight, where he knocked out his
opponent in only six seconds.
Since being uploaded by Parr on YouTube, the
video has almost half a million hits with Noodles
Noodles with Mark Hunt
clinical knock-out reaching almost 100,000 views.
Check out the latest news on www.kickboxermag.com.au RINGSIDE ROUND UP
FAR NORTH
REUNION
More than 100 former kickboxers, boxers and martial
artists have attended a reunion in Far North Queensland.
Organised by former Australian kickboxing champion
Paul Gibson and former WBO Intercontinental Lightweight
champion Justin Roswell, the meet-up saw guests reunite
and form a whos who of Far North Queensland kickboxing
and boxing.
Held at the Cherry Street Sports Club, guests exchanged
past stories and memories while also enjoying a game of
barefoot bowls. No money was made from the event.
Gibson said his highlight of the day was bringing
everyone back together from across the country.
It gave me a sense of happiness and achievement
seeing one another face to face after so many years. Its
also one of my ways to mend fences from the past and
build bridges for the future and start getting blokes that are
well known for ighting to pass the word to the younger
generations that coward punches arent cool.
Guests included Athol McQueen (Olympic champion),
Geoff Peate (light-heavyweight champion), Peter Roberts
(4th Dan Goju Kai Karate), Bevan Connor (Australian
Masters champion) and John Wright (international referee
and judge).
Gibson plans for another reunion next year with
individuals who were not in attendance this time around.
Benny Yu with Shihan Matt Charnley
Master Yu
visits HKMA
Hong Kong-based Thai boxing and kung fu instructor
Master Benny Yu was made an honorary sensei by Shihan
Matt Charnley after visiting Melbourne.
Yu spent two weeks in Melbourne and took classes at
Hoshiki Kiritsu Martial Arts in Ringwood. HKMAs Shihan
Charnley made the former wushu and sanshou champion Kickboxers and
boxers reunite
an honorary sensei as a mark of respect and an indication
of how highly regarded he is.
This was an extremely special occasion and a great
honour for us as we have been travelling to Hong Kong for
the past six years to train with and learn from Master Yu,
Charnley said.
We were very grateful to him for taking time out to run
LIKE US ON
a class for 25 of our students and instructors from all ranks
and ages.
Master Yu has over 40 years experience in martial arts. He
is one of a few instructors accredited by the Asian Academy
of Sports Professionals to certify Thai boxing instructors.
Following the class, Master Yu and his wife, Joyce, were /internationalkickboxer
treated to some traditional Australian hospitality in the form of Check out International Kickboxer on Facebook and join the crew!
a BBQ with over 50 HKMA students and friends in attendance.
RINGSIDE ROUND UP Check out the latest news on www.kickboxermag.com.au
CHECK OUT
KICKBOXERMAG.COM.AU
FOR ALL THE UPCOMING
FIGHTS IN 2016
Kickboxer sequel
filming in May
Before its even in the can, a sequel to the remake
of Kickboxer is inching towards the ring. Someones
confident, right?
Kickboxer: Retaliation will follow the events of this
years Kickboxer: Vengeance, due for release later this year.
The cast of the first, including Alain Moussi and Jean-
Claude Van Damme, will be back, with Game of Thrones
alum Hafpor Julius Bjornsson (The Mountain) newly
announced as the villain.
Producer Rob Hickman said, The response we have
garnered for the first film, before its release, has been
staggering, and we are excited to continue the franchise
with the Mountain himself added to the cast.
Dimitri Logothetis, a producer and co-writer on
Vengeance, is helming the sequel with filming due to kick
off in Thailand in May.
PRIZE GIVEA
APP Sylvester Stallones Creed has just come
out
out on DVD & Blu-Ray and we have some
awesome prize packs to give away!
now!
Thanks to Roadshow, winners will receive:
Creed-Blu Ray $44.95
Creed Backpack $29.95
Creed T-Shirt $24.95
Punching Bag Laundry Bag $24.95
Scarf $19.95
Jump Rope $14.95
To enter: visit ightlivetv.com
Check out the latest news on www.kickboxermag.com.au RINGSIDE ROUND UP
Ultimate Thai Trip Feb 2016

Team Ultimate recently went on the
training trip of a lifetime to Thailand.
The boys trained at Fairtex, Sityodtong
and Glory Gym in Pattaya. Then at the
Ambassador in Bangkok, where they ran
into Jeff Fenech and trained with him.
All had a great time and experience.
The next Ultimate trip is planed for Late October 2016

all welcome ring John on 0411 665 565.
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20 QUESTIONS
Julie Kitchen
1a ighter?
What would you be
doing if you werent
2ighting?
Do you have any
superstitions when
Maybe still working in the
local hotel as a wages clerk Not really... Just little
and receptionist. habits such as when I go to
put my gloves on I have a
certain movement I do with
my hands irst.
3youve
What is the most
embarrassing thing
done during a
promotion/ight night?
Nothing springs to mind. 4aboutWhat is a
surprising fact
you?
I think you all know
everything.
5to youHow would
someone close
describe you?
Too laid back! Id hope
theyd say lm kind, 6(apartWhat is one thing
you are good at
from ighting)?
helpful and determined.
Being a mum.
7 Favourite ighter?
All ighters that put 14 Dream wheels?
I dont know too much about
110 per cent effort into
their sport.
cars but Id like a sporty convertible. 15 Dream bout?
Ronda Rousey.
16 What cant you

stand?
8 Favourite food?
After being vegetarian for People who think they are
owed a break when they
over 20 years and recently
starting eating ish, salmon is havent worked for it at all
high up on my list. (all aspects of life).
9 FFavourite drink? 17 Best ight memory?

So many... The feeling after my irst ight once my hand
OOhhhVodka and
cokee! (But I dont drink
it oftten).
10 Favourite tunes?
I like chill-out music.
had been raised, I had the bug to compete from that moment!
Also, meeting so many amazing people along the way.
My favourite album at the
moment is Live Lounge.
18 Biggest/best break
you ever got? 20 What piece
of advice
11 Favourite TV show?
I like reality TV programs. Especially my
Jumping in the ring to ight with one-
hour notice on the WBC show in London,
would you give
to an up-and-
show, Enfusion. Have you seen it? [laughs]. which was being shown on Sky Sports. coming ighter?
It was against Karla Hood, who I had Stay hungry for it,
previously fought and she had beaten listen to your coach,
me early on in my career. I had to borrow train hard and live
shorts, guys underwear and wear a the life of a ighter.
boil-in-the-bag gum shield! And I won. If you want to reach
12 Favourite movie?
I like comedy or 13 Dream
guy?
the top, be prepared
to sacriice a lot as
family ilms that I can Well see... it does not come
share watching. [laughs] 19 InStill10teaching,
years Ill be...
as I love it. Hopefully easy. Otherwise,
just enjoy. IK
I will be part of further TV work.
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TRAINERS FORUM Leading trainers lend their advice
Leading trainers lend their advice TRAINERS FORUM
The Padwork
Debate
Whether it be call-and-lead padwork, freestyle padwork or a combination
of the two what is the most beneficial style of padwork and why?
This issue, IK magazine asked the trainers to share their views on the
different styles of padwork, outlining the pros and cons, their preferences,
and how the skill level of the student determines their choices.
BY SYLVIA SCHARPER // IMAGES BY GETTY IMAGES
DARREN REECE can be done freestyle with of the person I am holding The only time I feel I need
Riddlers Gym, WA advanced people, as they know for except for the punches, to speak is to call for a punch
Over time, I must say, I have what it is you want generally. which I always call. combination that is my view
seen a lot of rounds of padwork, In Thailand it is easier to With my ighters, when I am on padwork.
hit a lot of rounds of pads, and do freestyle pads with the Thai trying to develop relexes, or a
held a lot of rounds of pads. style, as they use very little hand tactic for a certain opponent, SOREN EMINENT-
Personally, I like to call, combinations. It is usually a big we will work set reactions that AIR NTG
or at least initiate, the cross, or a jab, or a hook, and I call for, which start to become Nuggets Gym, QLD
shots to be thrown so that even a jab-cross combo working automatic after a time of repetition I believe as a trainer you need
the person hitting pads is with a kick, knee and an elbow. becoming more like freestyle. both styles of pad holding.
using shots or combinations Lets keep in mind also After a long time on pads Freestyle is a great way to get
that I know will work. that the trainers are usually a with a ighter and years together ighters to think for themselves,
To fully answer the question, few hundred-ights veterans as ighter and trainer, you and throw and react to the best
I deinitely like to call the shots and I have even seen many of develop a bond and a connection shot they see in that moment.
with all beginners and as the them start to miss when the on pads that requires very little Another beneit of the
level and experience of the ighters throw multiple-shot communication and things freestyle approach is that
person increases, so too does hand combinations when on the low effortlessly between you occasionally the ighter will
the amount of free-lowing focus pads. reacting backwards and forward miss sometimes the pad
padwork. There is then less With our style and the with attacking, defending and holders fault, sometimes their
instruction of shots and more increased use of hand countering techniques. own which forces the ighter
lowing patterns or trained combinations, it can become
responses of shots. dificult to see and catch, so
That said, I have never fully thats why I will always call
done freestyle pads, as I think the hand combinations. I have
it is important to catch the noticed even in Thailand that
punches and strong shots with most of the trainers at the camps
the correct timing for them to that train Westerners now call
feel good for the person on pads the shots they want on pads so
and keep it safe for the joints. they are learning from throwing
I will always call the punches what the trainer wants. This, I
thrown no matter what the believe, is a result of the level of
level, as these are the most the person they are training.
dificult to see and get right As I mentioned before,
with longer and fast punch the level of free-lowing
combinations. The rest, I ind, pads increases with the level
to adapt according to where they

end up.
It is not always perfect,
which some people do not
realise, but it is more realistic.
A negative with freestyle is the
ighter can fall into auto-pilot
and just throw the same combos
over and over without giving it
much thought.
Calling your ighter in is good
for perfecting your technique,
but it should be that perfect.
The pad holder, the pad,
everything is coordinating for
the perfect shot, so it should be
spot-on every time.
A negative with calling is
actually the same thing; once
the ighter thinks they have it
perfect, they can slip into not
thinking enough.
I do freestyle with all levels and bruises to become a good Padwork is one of the drill-work should be saved
of people, as long as their freestyle pad holder. trainers best tools of the for the bag, or second trainer,
technique is good enough, Naturally, calling is always trade. It is used to teach or for partner work.
so I can read what they are going to be a major part of young ighters correct hand Some trainers think that ive
going to throw. As a pad padwork in any gym. Every and foot positioning. hard rounds on the pads, trainer
holder you have to be quick, student has to be taught to There are three different sweating, ighter sweating,
with a good eyefor freestyle. hit the pads properly, which types of pads you can use. The is good enough. It is good for
So, mix it up. Keep it fresh. involves learning how to put irst is a boxing focus mitt, itness, but if the technique
combos together, understanding combined with a belly pad, is wrong, there is no defence,
ADRIAN ORMROD distance, timing and so forth. which is fantastic for punching and you are not correcting their
Southerns Stars Muay Obviously it is much easier accuracy, teaching your ighter faults; it creates bad habits.
Thai, QLD to teach these elements by combinations, and making your I have seen trainers using
I am a big fan of freestyle pad calling and controlling the ighter low. pads and their students not
work, especially in the lead-up tempo of the session. The second are Thai pads. defending when they are
to a ight. Freestyle pads can Calling the shots is also Thai pads with belly pads are throwing or checking when they
be one of the most intense beneicial for advanced ighters, great for elbow, knee and kick are kicking, and the trainer is not
workouts you will ever have. as it allows time to improve combinations. You can get all saying anything. The whole idea
Three x ive-minute rounds, technique and combos, as well eight weapons working together, of padwork is to try and correct
30-second breaks, every as practise tactics for upcoming and a good pad holder can bring the ighters faults. As the ighter
technique thrown with maximum opponents. Tactics for upcoming the best out of you. progresses, the trainer should
force, an opponent that cannot ights are practised by calling the The third is focus mitts get more creative and keep the
be stopped and is continually shots initially; however, once the and kick shields, which are padwork interesting.
pushing forward, attacking and ighter is comfortable with them, good tools to get hand-feet Some ighters think training
countering without respite. they are worked into freestyle. combinations lowing. Some is jumping in the ring and
Both ighter and pad holder Personally I think freestyle trainers only use one type of pounding the trainer. There is
have to be on point, ready to is the ultimate in padwork. It pad. I like to use all three types. a lot of other work the ighter
react at any moment. It is as pushes the ighter while keeping Some trainers will send needs to do before he goes on
close to ighting as you can get them injury free. It continually their ighter to a boxing gym to the pads.
without actually ighting. makes the student sharper, and get their hands going. I think it I have had ighters, which we
Now, obviously working for the pad holder it is a hell of a is best to keep everything in- call in the business pad pigs,
towards this style of intense lot of fun. house. If you cannot get a boxer who are not happy unless they
freestyle padwork is a process. to come in to do handwork, learn are kicking the trainer to death,
Fighters and pad holders both JOHN SCIDA to do it yourself. because they cannot motivate
have to hone their skills before Ultimate Kickboxing, It is very important not themselves to work the other
freestyle can be really useful. VIC to become a punching bag pieces of equipment in the gym.
It takes a lot of practice There is padwork and then there for your ighters. All ighters I do not believe in ighters
and more than a few bumps is padwork. love to do pads, but repetitive doing padwork with each other,
unless it is under instruction a ighter early in his career. You

of the trainer, overseeing the need solid basics early to be
technique. Just because you are able to create a solid ight game.
a good ighter does not mean Everyone starts somewhere
you have an eye for it. and this will be no different
I have never trained anybody for someone early in their
that does not have some sort ight career. Steady padwork
of fault. The trainers job is with a knowledgeable pad
to work new strategies on holder/trainer, going through
the pads with the ighter and combinations, which are
constantly correct the ighter, practical and work in a ight,
regardless if it is the 101st develops the use of the body
time; you have to be persistent and its balance as each
to get small improvements. combination is thrown. This is
essential under the pressure of
NICK STONE a bout.
Bulldog Gym, NSW Eventually a ighter will have
For me, a mixture of both. It great basics, great balance, and
really depends on who you great technique. However, do
are training. For instance, they have the smarts or the ight-
you cannot do freestyle with mind to igure out a situation
beginners as all you are going under pressure?
to end up with is broken thumbs Enter freestyle padwork.
and a punch in the head. Firstly, you need a good pad
It depends, of course, on holder with a keen eye, but even
who the person is ighting and before that, you need a pad
working on the strengths for holder that has the mind of a
that certain part and then mixing ighter to pick up the faults.
in freestyle you continually Once you have found a pad
have to make ighters think holder with those essentials, you
about what they are doing all go to work with your ighter on
the time. developing their ight-mind and
You need to build upon your Basically, if you are doing CHRIS BRADFORD creating situations of pressure
ighters strengths whilealso PTs or working with students Top Tier Muay Thai, VIC to see how they react and what
working on the weakness of that have just started training, Ultimately, I always like to see combinations are thrown.
their opponent. then combinations on the pads a ighter have the ability to do Once again, balance,
I mix it up a lot and am is the best way to go. If you are freestyle padwork. But lets take technique and timing all become
forever changing from Thai pads working with an experienced a second to look at it. a huge part of it, but by now
to shields to hand mitts. Even ighter that knows what they are Firstly, a ighter has to do they have developed this during
during work on the heavy bags, doing, then freestyle on the pads the groundwork to be able to the early stage of their career.
you have to be speciic with is the way to go, as long as you have basic combinations. This Development of
what your ighters are supposed are in sync with the ighter is a great starting point and a combinations at different
to be working on,otherwise that makes the difference. good stable learning curve for situations under pressure,
stupidity takes over and no-one launching offence, clinching,
thinks too much about what getting hit, having your guard,
they are doing, similar to will all vary due to reaction time
shadow boxing. and mindset just like a ight.
There will always be
DANNY JONES people who like vegetables
Khrop Khrua, NSW and people who hate them,
I believe doing freestyle pads but they still wake up and
is good for ighters that are smell the sunshine and
experienced and know what flowers each day. Everyone
they are doing. On the other has different likes and dislikes
hand, I think for beginners and as a fighter, and a trainer.
novices the best approach is to I say try both of them
call numbers, because they do and see what you feel can
not really know what they are develop your style the best
doing yet. for your rise to the top. IK
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TOBY & ROY
LEGENDS
OF THE PIT
TOBY SMITH
& ROY WILLS
Western Australian champions Toby Smith and Roy
Wills, and the man who brought it all together.
BY JARROD BOYLE // PHOTOS BY EMANUEL RUDNICKI & ROB COX
TOBY & ROY
oy Wills and Toby watching all the time, so I thought,
R Smith have been the

best of friends most of
their lives. hey met
at kindergarten and
have spent much of their time since
hanging around, playing sport and
going to school together.
Lets do it. Nothing serious, just let him
muck around. He was a sporty kid. He
picked it up naturally.
Getting the boys training was a
practical method of getting them out of
the way. Says Roy:
My irst memory of Toby would
Blair Smith, head trainer and be him playing with dinosaur toys
founder of he Pit Muay hai gym at kindergarten. I also remember
in Perth, is the common link between going to the gym ater school, and
the boys and their burgeoning careers to me back then it was a fun thing to
as ighters in the international Muay do with my friend at the time, more
hai scene. than something serious. I remember
Blair, himself a veteran of over 25 ights we would make up games and mess
and holder of state and Australian Muay around at the gym sometimes and
hai titles, opened his own gym in 1998. Blair would get angry and yell at us
It was hard to get ights back then, for getting in the way.
says Blair. here wasnt much going Muay hai is essentially a game of
on. I had about two ights per year. sorts, and the boys were soon absorbed
Heaps of people asked me to train by the business of learning the rules in
them, so I decided to open my own order to participate.
gym. It was part time; I still had a full- Blair Smith met my parents
time job at the time. I was working as a [at the kindergarten] ater they
front-end loader driver. discovered we had become friends.
At the age of ive, his son Toby was Blair told my parents that I should
oten found wandering around the gym. come down and try some kids
He didnt really ask, as I remember; Muay hai at his gym, which was
he just put the gloves on. He was inside an old church in Jarrahdale.
I remember training on the wooden

loor, doing everything that all the
adults had to do, like sparring without
shin guards and kicking the edge of
a car tyre to make our shins strong. I
trained with him and a couple of our
other school mates for around seven
years and Toby and I both had a lot of
demonstration bouts at the small shows
Blair used to promote back then.
I met Roy at school, says Toby, and
we have been life-long friends. Hes a
good, honest, humble bloke.
hese personality traits are
essential for two boys to grow up
schooling and training together in
close proximity considering they
also have to spar one another.
I MET ROY AT SCHOOL AND
WE HAVE BEEN LIFE-LONG
FRIENDS. HES A GOOD,
HONEST, HUMBLE BLOKE.
SCAN PAGE TO CHECK OUT

TOBY SMITH TAKING ON
DEREK HARVEY AT EPIC FIGHT
PROMOTIONS IN PERTH
insiteapp.com.au
hey spar every week at a respectful

pace, says Blair. Toby is a lot bigger.
Its annoying sometimes if sparring
or clinching gets a bit excessive, [Toby]
will usually get the upper hand pretty
quick due to his size and experience.
hats about it, though. Other than that,
we get along ine.
Part of the success of their
relationship is certainly due to
their diferences as ighters, both
physically and stylistically. Roy ights
at 63.5 kilograms, while Toby ights at
middleweight, as his father did, between
73 and 76 kilograms.
Roy is more of a technician; a strong
kick ighter, very hai style, very slick,
sometimes a little lazy for the Australian
TOBY & ROY
SCAN PAGE
TO WATCH
ROY WILLS
TAKE ON
JACOB BREEN
AT EPIC 6
insiteapp.com.au
Blair Smith
scoring system, says Blair. Tobys Ive always been a fan of game, why I want them to retire at 28; I want
more aggressive. Roys more of a points walk-up ighters with a strong clinch, them to retire on top and own their own
ighter; Tobys more of a KO ighter. punch, knee and elbow [style]. I try gyms. I dont want them to get banged
Tobys approach is a consequence of and push all my ighters toward that, up because they keep going.
what he sees as his strongest asset says Blair, but most of them cant One of the more remarkable
his heart. do what he can do for ive rounds. segments of footage doing the rounds
Ill die before I lose, he says, and hey dont have the itness or mental of Facebook in recent times was an
anyone who has seen him ight would toughness. Toby just doesnt care; he excerpt from episode four of season
ind it hard to be convinced otherwise. doesnt care about getting hurt or about two of Warriors of the Mongkon.
hat will to win-or-die-in-the-attempt his own body or his own safety. Forty-ive seconds of slow-motion
is indicative of Tobys toe-to-toe, walk He just wants to hurt them. In highlights from Tobys ight against
forward style, where most of the action doing that, he takes a lot of damage Superbon Banchamek in late 2013.
comes from elbows and knees deployed himself. Hell just push, push, push, and he clip is sufused with macabre
as part of a strong clinching game. doesnt care if he dies on the way. hats glamour, as graceful as it is brutal.
hat was a brutal, brutal, brutal
ight, says Blair. hey were both cut
AFTER THE FIGHT, of leg kicks, but kept pushing the pace.
Ater the ight, I turned pale and nearly
up; both had stitches in their faces HE WAS SO EXHAUSTED, passed out. hey had to put an oxygen
ater Toby had more[but] he HE WAS GIVEN AN OXYGEN mask on me and tried to get me to go
inished stronger. He doesnt care, says to the hospital. I pushed my body to the
Blair, returning to the subject of Tobys MASK. PEOPLE WERE brink to get that win.
approach to a ight. Even though hes TRYING TO SWARM HIM When asked what he means by the
out-skilled a lot of hais, he overwhelms
his opponents with pressure. hey cant
TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS brink, Tobys explanation is simple.
It means I was prepared to push
handle it; thats how he wins. AND IM PRETTY SURE myself no matter what to get the
hat willingness to lay down ones ALL HE WANTED TO DO win. I think I fainted from shock, I
own safety comes at a signiicant cost. dont know. I was told to go to hospital,
When I fought hanasak Topking WAS LIE DOWN AND but I went home and chilled.
on Domination in Perth, I took a lot GET A BIG MAC. Says Roy:
TOBY & ROY
Ater the ight, he was so exhausted,

he was given an oxygen mask. People I FELT AS THOUGH HE WANTED TO MAKE A SHOW
were trying to swarm him to say OF HOW STRONG AND SKILFUL HE WAS. ALTHOUGH
congratulations and Im pretty sure all
he wanted to do was lie down and get a
HE BEAT ME CONVINCINGLY, HE WASNT ABLE TO
Big Mac. STOP ME. BUT THEY WERE DEFINITELY SOME OF THE
Watching Toby ight makes me HARDEST KICKS IVE FELT IN MY FIGHT CAREER.
proud, says Blair. As far as injuries go,
Im not fussed; we both know the risks deinitely some of the hardest kicks Ive much left for Thailand straight away;
and what happens in the ring is destiny. felt in my ight career. I had the money saved up, says
heres nothing anyone can do to While it would be hard to see past the Toby. I was in Thailand for three
change it. You touch gloves and ight. If interests of your own son, Blair is careful years, back and forth [to Australia].
you get cut, you get cut; if you get KOed, to ensure that he treats all his ighters I trained at a few different gyms:
you get KOed. If youve done everything and their prospects with equal weight. Kaewsamwrit, Eminent Air. Theyve
in the gym, what will be will be. Both Roy and Toby have very each got their own styles. Some
Roy has had his own opponents put diferent styles, but I train them the are good clinching gyms, some are
him through the ringer also. same. We work on everything, every strong knee and kick gyms.
My toughest opponent would have day. I address their careers pretty much We started going to Kaewsamrit
been a guy who, at that time, went by the same. We dont dodge anyone I Gym a long time ago, before it got too
the name of Siam Chai. He had recently dont want either of them to miss an touristy, Blair says. Now, I send the
moved to Australia ater marrying an opportunity. I want them both to retire boys to all diferent gyms. We are always
Australian woman and I was his irst at 28. hey both started young; I want checking new gyms out. I try to steer
opponent here. Id had about 25 ights them to inish on top, not washed up. them away from the island gyms.
by that time. Both boys have had stints in Island gyms are too touristy with
I felt as though he wanted to make a hailand, training at some of the too many distractions for young boys.
show of how strong and skilful he was. countrys most well-respected gyms. Ive been sending boys to gyms just
Although he beat me convincingly, he After school, I got my roofing out of Bangkok, where there are no
wasnt able to stop me. But they were carpentry apprenticeship and pretty distractions. One boy just went to
JOHN SCIDA STABLES
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TOBY & ROY
KURTIS BEAT ME ON
POINTS, OUT-KNEEING
ME IN THE CLINCH BY
A FAIR MARGIN. HES
A TOUGH CUSTOMER,
THATS FOR SURE,
AND I THINK HE WILL
DEFINITELY GO FAR IN
THE SPORT. HES IN A
GREAT POSITION AT THE
MOMENT, BEING ABLE
TO TRAIN FULL TIME
AND MAINLY STAYING IN
THAILAND, SO HE HAS
EVERY OPPORTUNITY
TO BE ABLE TO RISE
TO THE TOP OF THE
MUAY THAI WORLD.
Kiatphontip; another will be going to Kurtis beat me on points, out-kneeing he Rebellion ight saw Toby return
Sangtien Nois soon. hese gyms are me in the clinch by a fair margin, says to form, securing a comfortable win over
morwe for the ighter, not so focused on Roy. Hes a tough customer, thats for Max Muay hai Golden Belt champion
the tourist dollar. sure, and I think he will deinitely go far Eakchanachai Kaewsamrit.
he experience of training in in the sport. Hes in a great position at Both Roy and Toby are in their early
hailand was transformative for Roy. the moment, being able to train full time twenties, and the future looks bright for
I went over to Kaewsamrit three and mainly staying in hailand, so he has both ighters. hey continue to improve
years ago, he says. Before I went, every opportunity to be able to rise to the and take on the best opponents the sport
I didnt really have a style. I picked top of the Muay hai world. has to ofer, both internationally and at
it up at that time. hey had a focus Roy and Blair are on-song in regard home. Toby will ight Dieselek Topking
on power shots and kicking. It was to his shortcomings. Boxing on Domination in Perth in April,
a lot diferent to what I was used Roys only real weakness is his clinch while Roy will have to sit this one out.
to. Its so intense, that volume of game, something Kurtis Staiti exposed I was supposed to [ight], but
training. You train six days a week, on Rebellion. Its something we will because I got cut on Rebellion, I had
twice a day, for a total of about seven deinitely be working on in the gym. to withdraw because I couldnt train
hours. Its basically your work. Road to Rebellion was Tobys irst properly. he stitches were in for ages;
Toby and Roy fought most ight in over a year since he conclusively I just got them out. No clinching,
recently on Road to Rebellion in deined the arc of his own career and no sparring, its still a bit tender. If I
Victoria on 5 March. In his bout, that of Australias other distinguished got whit or [sufered a] head clash,
Roy met Kurtis Staiti, formerly of middleweight, Wayne Parr. [the cut would] probably open up
Australia, now training and ighting Toby had a year of ater the JWP again. Ive just had to take it easy.
out of Lamnamoon Muay hai ight, says Blair. He was mentally Regardless, he Pit, while supporting
gym in hailand. Staiti is at the exhausted. At 20 years of age, a year a small stable of ighters, will continue
top of his game, having recently of couldnt hurt. He is now back in to provide the international Muay
won the Max Muay hai four- Australia with me, looking stronger hai community with some of its most
man tournament in hailand. than ever. exciting ights. IK
GYM SPOTLIGHT
Dynamite Muay Thai Sor. Nak Dee

VICTORIA
What year was the What facilities are available? Where is the gym located?
gym established? Open space traditional Level 1, 388 Bourke St, Melbourne, 3000, VIC
Established in February, Muay Thai-style gym, (Heart of Melbourne, CBD; between Queen and
2013 from a small personal fully equipped C4 Fight Elizabeth Streets)
training business to a Gear shop, boxing ring
full-time ight gym. and bags, change room
Where can people find the gym online?
facilities, cardio/ workout
www.dynamitemuaythai.com
Who are the trainers? area and NAKSOO Fight
Dynamite Muay Thai
Kru Dennis Dynamite Sor. series fight management
Dynamite NAKSOO Muay Thai Fight
Nak Dee, Coach Lily Tangan Dynamite Muay Thai
Darah Sor.Nak Dee, David Who are some notable
Vera S.I.M.M Sor.Nak Dee, fighters from the gym?
Zia Seua Sor.Nak Dee (49- How can people contact the gym?
Zia Seua Sor.Nak Dee
50kg), Carl The Bulldozer (03) 9041 7241/ 0433 568 256
Sor.Nak Dee (55kg), Dan contact@dynamitemuaythai.com
What classes are available? www.dynamitemuaythai.com
Authentic Muay Thai, boxing, Bubblegum Sor.Nak Dee
(76-77kg) Dynamite Muay Thai
kickboxing, kettlebell/ Dynamite NAKSOO Muay Thai Fight
circuit, strength conditioning,
personal training, Pilates/
In one sentence, why should people visit the gym?
stretch sessions
Authenticity, discipline, team work and respect are the founding values at Dynamite
Muay Thai. Come and see for yourself why people from all over the world train with us!
MUAY
TFIGHHTA I
GY M
Authentic Muay Thai Fight Gym in the Level 1, 388 BOURKE STREET MELBOURNE 3000
Heart of Melbourne CBD.
From Fitness to Fight competitions, (03) 9041 7241or 0433 568 256
Dynamite is committed in getting you
to YOUR goals! www.dynamitemuaythai.com
Promoters of International Muay Thai contact@dynamitemuaythai.com
Fight Event - NAKSOO Muay Thai
Fight Series (Indonesia, Malaysia) Dynamite Muay Thai
SIM N M US
BY NEIL ROOKE // IMAGES BY JAMES LAW, GLORY SPORTS INTERNATIONAL
2 www
ww k oxe .
/ 3
SIMON MARCUS
s a troublesome teenager, life Simon Marcus

could have been so diferent battles Artem Levin
for Simon Marcus. At the
age of 15 he was charged
with assault and spent time
in the conines of a jail for
juveniles. Its a far cry from
donning gloves and stepping into the
ring, but the ight back then was just as
hard. It wasnt a ight in the sense of him
going toe-to-toe with other juveniles,
it was a ight against himself it was
Marcus ighting to make his life better.
With his life slowly but surely being
sucked out of him, there was a decision
for Marcus to make. Change the path
that he was headed down or continue
with his ways and end up as just
another correctional facility statistic.
he conines of his cell, the stench of
his freedom being stripped away little
by little and the idea that life was going
to be about nothing more than taking
orders at every waking hour of the day
made Marcus change.
And it was a change for the better,
thats for sure.
I remember waking up one day ater
being in jail for about a month and a
half and thinking, Im still here, Marcus
said. Ater about two or three weeks in a
young ofenders jail, everything became
routine. Ater the irst shock of being
thrown into 24-hour lock-up, I started to
familiarise myself with the facility.
Everything became routine and
each day just felt like another normal
day. I had the feeling that I was meant
for much greater things than sitting in
a cell with no freedom. I took time to
relect on my life and knew there were
changes I had to make to change the
direction it was taking me. he problem
was that Ive always had a rebellious
spirit and didnt like to do things that
were not interesting to me. I just knew
that something had to change because
I wasnt meant for that kind of life. I
wasnt sure what I would do as a career
but in my heart I knew I had to go back
to continue my Muay hai training, to
help me express my aggression, calm my
mind and give me discipline. I wanted
something better for myself.
His path towards kickboxing was
paved to essentially better his life.
Marcus knew that if he wanted to
change his life, his focus would need
to be put into something that could
help him develop both mentally and
physically. When Marcus started
training Muay hai as a teenager, he
knew he had found the perfect outlet for
his energy, and he put everything that
he could into making himself a better
ighter as well as a better person.
Ive always been interested in sports
and ighting, as a child, Marcus said.
When I was 16, my friend at school told
"Muayt i
naturally
embodiedmany
elementsthat
wereinteresting
e.
e
s om h
o n. "
me about a Muay hai gym near to
our school. I was enthused about it
and wanted to learn the real art of
ighting; also the workout we did was
perfect to build my body stronger
than ever before. I just needed
something to concentrate on and
something that was interesting and
challenging for me. Muay hai was
the perfect art.
Muay hai naturally
embodied many elements that
were interesting to me. he
physicality was something I loved,
the art was mystic and showed me
there was so much to learn. he
spiritual aspect was something I
always felt connected to. Also the
respect and culture of it showed me
another way to look at the world. here
are so many aspects of Muay hai that I
felt relected diferent parts of me; it was
a natural it. I saw that if I continued to
get better in Muay hai, it would teach
me how to be a better person and I have
been following that journey ever since.
With his unconventional path towards
the sport of kickboxing, there were people
who didnt think Marcus would make it
as a professional in the sport. hose who
were closest to him knew that he would
do whatever it took to achieve greatness
in his new passion and it was them who
inspired him to do better; all the while
he would prove those who doubted him
wrong time and time again.
ww
ww.ki bo r ag.com.au / 45
rm
SIMON MARCUS
I think the closer people around me, Ater securing his irst world would do. To see it come to reality is a true
like people in the gym or my friends and championship, things continued to get joy, to know all the work and dedication
family, could all see the hard work and better and better for Marcus. His irst I put toward my dreams were not in vain.
dedication I put into my crat. hey saw professional loss wouldnt come until I feel blessed to have the courage and the
how much I enjoyed it and how passionate almost 18 months later, and during that strength to go for my dreams and make
I was about it, Marcus said. I believe for time he not only secured another two them come true.
these people it wasnt hard to see that I was world titles, but also secured a ranking It wasnt until 2014 that Marcus lost
going to make it as a ighter or anything amongst the pound for pound best in his irst professional ight. Ater going
I put my mind to for that matter. But the sport. undefeated for so long, it was a moment
there were some people from the outside Being ranked number one is that Marcus could never forget, and its
looking in that didnt see all the hard work something thats been going through my something that has helped continue to
and the passion I had for the sport. mind since I lost my second amateur shape his successful career as a ighter.
When I went to hailand, some of ight in 2006, Marcus said. I knew I My irst pro loss felt like a learning
the hai trainers or ighters didnt see had everything in me that I needed to lesson that motivated me to want to
the diference between myself and many be the best, I just had to take the steps to get even better, Marcus said. I was
other foreigner ighters who claimed to become more skilled and learn the ways of disappointed that I wasnt able to come
love Muay hai. When I had ights with martial arts to become number one. It was out on top regardless of the circumstance.
good opponents being scheduled, I heard something that I was always conident I But it was what I needed at the time to
them say something like, hes in too
deep, but I always took doubters with a
smile, because I knew I would be the one
laughing at the end of the day. I knew
anyone who ever doubted me would
eventually have to respect my greatness.
It just gives me an extra edge and some
extra motivation to know that it doesnt SCAN PAGE TO
WATCH THE
matter what anybody thinks I can do WHOLE FIGHT
except me. AS SIMON
MARCUS TAKES
When Marcus got his irst shot at a ON ARTEM
world championship, he had only been LEVIN AT
GLORY 21!
ighting as a professional for a little insiteapp.com.au
over three years. When he walked into
his championship bout against Kaoklai
Kaennorsing in hailand, he had not
yet tasted defeat as a professional he
was going into the ight with so much
momentum that the thought of losing
was just not something he could fathom
and it turned out that he wouldnt
have to.
I remember it was an amazing
feeling leading up to the ight, Marcus
said. hinking about how it would be
to inally say I am the world champion
ater so many years of hard training and
dedication. Also, right before the ight I
remember thinking that this could be a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I had
to make the most of it.
I had a great ight with hai legend
Kaoklai Kaennorsing. I dominated the
ight and won by unanimous decision.
I felt good ater the win that I inally
achieved something I set out to with great
determination to become the world
champion. But the high didnt last for
long and it didnt feel like how I always
imagined it would. Not long ater the
ight I knew that although I had won a
world title, I still couldnt say I was the
undisputed world champion because
I had yet to beat the ighter who many
considered the best in the world, which
was Artem Levin. So although I felt happy
with my victory and my irst world title,
soon aterward my focus was to reach a
higher level of achievement and not only
winning a world title but dominating all Marcus after capturing the Glory Middleweight Championship
world titles in my weight class.
"II kn
n wI everyth
tI ded ,
Itwas g tI s
n I ld o."
ww
ww.kickbo
boxe ag.ccom.au / 47
SIMON MARCUS
"Asthebestfi
,
itreallydoesnn't
atter at is t."
motivate me to become greater. I just I love to ight Levin or Schilling, I signed with Glory in early 2014, I was
used it to fuel my desire to be number one Marcus said. hey both have diferent set on being the Glory world champion,
again and also show me where I needed to styles and skill sets which make for an Marcus said. I lost my irst ight by
make some improvements in my game. I interesting ight with either ighter. hey knockout in the eight-man tournament
knew with some improvements I would be are also two of the best ighters in my but my vision was not shaken by the least.
back at the top in no time. weight class. I enjoy the challenge of When I got back to the locker room and
Marcus has already achieved so much becoming a better ighter to dominate realised I had been knocked out, I did
throughout his career. Naturally, like any the competition. Regardless of who the 100 push-ups right away to start training
competitor, he has goals that are irmly competition is, I feel it is what I do in the for my next ight. I went on to win the
on his mind that he would still like to gym that will determine the outcome. contender tournament that got me the
conquer in his career, and for him, its not So I go into all ights the same way, just title shot, but then I felt I was robbed in a
about winning another title or obtaining looking to be the best ighter I can be on decision draw and had my dream set back
another world ranking instead, its about that day regardless of who I am ighting. once again.
proving something to himself. In his latest bout, Marcus walked One month ater the ight, I had a
I would still like to rematch the two away with the Glory middleweight serious injury that required surgery and
ighters I have lost to in my professional championship in his trilogy ight against yet again I was unsure when I would be
career; Fang Bian and Joe Schilling, Artem Levin. Marcus and Levin have able to claim what was mine. hank God
Marcus said. Other than these two more previously fought to a controversial draw, I had an amazing recovery that healed
personal ights, I would like to continue to and the rematch between the two let even perfectly in time for the rematch. Ater
ight whoever the fans want to see. As the more unanswered questions ater Levin many hurdles in the road to inally win
best ighter in the world, Ill ight anybody; walked away from the bout mid-ight due the Glory Championship, it feels like
it really doesnt matter at this point. to his frustrations with the oiciating. anything is possible. Many dont know
Being a veteran of a combined total Controversy aside, Marcus walked away what Ive had to go through and endured
of 70 ights throughout his amateur and with the the world championship that he to get to this point. Being the world
professional career, Marcus has seen a lot should have won when the pair met in kickboxing champion on the worlds
of diferent ighters and styles inside the 2015, and with that he has a whole new air biggest stage means a great deal to me
ring. Even though he has competed so of conidence for what lies ahead. but once again I see more improvements
many times, there are still two ights that Winning the Glory world title was to be made and newer heights to strive
he looks back on a little more than others. a dream come true. Since the moment for. he legend continues. IK
GYM SPOTLIGHT
Boars Martial Arts & Kickboxing

South Australia
What year was the What facilities are Where is the gym located?
gym established? available? Corner Pimpala and Panalatinga
1996 We have professional Roads, Woodcroft, SA
training premises that are
Who are the trainers?
fully air conditioned with 2
Darren Gangell (Head Trainer) x large fully matted training Where can people find the gym online?
areas, weights room, Boars Martial Arts
Carly Gangell
change rooms, showers, www.boarsmartialarts.com
Marcus Porter
sauna and ample parking
What classes are available? How can people contact the gym?
Who are some notable 08 8387 9444 or 0408 716 640
Muay Thai - adults and kids fighters from the gym?
Females only Muay Thai boars1@bigpond.net.au
Carly Gangell (IKBF Boars Martial Arts
Karate, Females South Pacific Champion,
Fighting Forward IFMA Gold Medalist, 2 x
Strength and Conditioning, Junior Australian Muay In one sentence, why should people
Personal Training Thai Championships) visit the gym?
Dylan Sariovski, Our gym maintains a friendly environment
Brendan Penn (Junior that will suit anyone that wants train in
Australian Mauy Thai any of our classes, come along try our
Champion, IFMA sessions and develop new skills and
World Bronze Medalist) become a part of the Boars family.
Corner Pimpala and Panalatinga Roads,

WOODCROFT, SA
0408 716 640
Boars Martial Arts
ar ia
al Arrts boars1@bigpond.net.au
& Kiickbo
kb iing g
www.boarsmartialarts.com
TOP 5 KICKBOXING FIGHTS FOR BELLATOR
In February of this year, Bellator MMA made the announcement that

they were entering the kickboxing space with their new venture,
Bellator Kickboxing. After putting on a successful hybrid event last
year in a partnership with Glory, Bellator MMA promoter Scott Coker
regained the taste of the sport that started his career as a promoter.
BY NEIL ROOKE
t their disposal, Bellator a reputation for putting on intriguing
A will have a whole host of

names that mixed martial
arts fans will be familiar
with. While some of
their roster hasnt exactly had the most
experience inside the kickboxing ring, at
the end of the day a ight is a ight, and
ights that catch the public eye, and with
their leap into the kickboxing world,
there is no doubt that their formula will
be the same.
heir soured relationship with Glory
may mean that some dream match-
ups may not be possible due to some
as always, Bellator is in the business to ighters having contractual obligations.
sell entertainment to fans. However, there is still a lot of intrigue
he debut event for Bellator surrounding what Bellator will do in the
Kickboxing is slated for April 16 in kickboxing space over the course of the
Torino, Italy, with more events set to next 12 months. With that, here are the
take place throughout the year. In the top ive ights that should be made by
MMA sphere, Bellator has garnered Bellator with their new venture.
PAUL DALEY
VS. WANDERLEI SILVA
Daley has been calling out Silva ever
since it was rumoured that Silva
was signing with Bellator ater his
relationship drastically deteriorated
with the UFC. Silva is a legend in his
own right in mixed martial arts and
has a reputation for wanting to stand
and trade punches until he either
wins or dramatically loses.
With his strength being his
willingness to stand and trade,
and no risk of putting a loss on his
mixed martial arts record, this is a
no-brainer for Silva, who is entering
the twilight stages of an impressive
career. Silva doesnt quite have a
kickboxing background, but he does
have a background in scrapping, and
thats exactly what youd expect to see
if he met Daley inside the ring.
Daley has had a lot of experience,
both inside the ring as a kickboxer
as well as inside the cage as a mixed
martial artist. Daley has gone on an
impressive run under the Bellator
banner, winning three mixed martial
arts bouts in a row as well as his
kickboxing bout on the Bellator:
Dynamite event. Daley is a world
champion kickboxer, and inside
the ring he would certainly display
a lot better technique than Silva
and its highly likely that under
kickboxing rules, the bout would be
a fairly lopsided afair. Daley would
more than likely walk away with an
impressive victory but its a win-win
ight for Bellator. Silvas legacy as a
mixed martial artist isnt tarnished,
and Daley would notch up another
impressive name for his resume.
TOP 5 KICKBOXING FIGHTS FOR BELLATOR
MICHAEL PAGE
VS. RAYMOND DANIELS
Styles make ights and in the
case of both Page and Daniels,
style is something that they
both have an exorbitant
amount of. Both men are
living highlight-reels, and both
put on an entertaining display
when they compete that truly
has to be seen to be believed. If
these two showmen met inside
the kickboxing ring, sparks
would ly and there is no doubt
that the crowd would be on
the edge of their seats for the
entirety of the bout.
Page has yet to taste defeat
as a professional in mixed
martial arts and has been
built up slowly but surely by
Bellator. No matter who Page
ights, he goes into the bout
with an air of conidence like
no other. Combine that with
his natural talent and its a
recipe for success. Page would
have nothing to lose in a
kickboxing bout with Daniels
and with him being built up
to be the next big thing for
Bellator inside their mixed
martial arts cage, its likely
that theyd be willing to take
the risk in matching him up
with Daniels, solely because of
just how good the end result
would be.
Daniels has already
committed to ighting under
the Bellator Kickboxing
banner for their irst event.
A win, and an entertaining
one at that, would certainly
pave the way for a showdown
with Page. Daniels made a
name for himself early on in
his career competing in the
World Combat League, where
he became the promotions
biggest star with his lashy
techniques and aggressive
style. No matter who he ights,
Daniels puts on a show, and its
that exact reason that Bellator
has already signed him up
for their debut event in the
kickboxing world.
CHEICK KONGO VS. MIRKO CRO COP FILIPOVIC
Putting UFC veterans Kongo and Cro inside the ring with his trademark
Cop inside a ring would serve solely as a chequered shorts is something that gets
nostalgic purpose for mixed martial arts the heart racing of any long-time ight
fans. he two have met before, almost fan. Cro Cop was released from the
10 years ago in a bout that saw Kongo UFC in late 2015 ater failing a random
deliver three illegal shots to the groin drug test. Cro Cop retired from MMA;
of Cro Cop and controversially not get however, as history has shown, that
a point deducted. Although the ight doesnt necessarily mean that he has
wasnt that memorable, a bout inside inished ighting just yet. Cro Cop has
the kickboxing arena between the two always looked his best when he has been
could see a far better display. Kongo has able to showcase his striking, so being
developed a reputation as a grinding featured on a kickboxing card held by
ighter, wherein he essentially clinches Bellator would certainly make sense for
his opponent to dominate the exchanges where his career is.
and nullify his opponents attack. In a While a bout with Kongo isnt
kickboxing bout, that luxury will be necessarily the only one to make, the
taken away from Kongo, and if he is key here is getting Cro Cop inside the
forced to engage, that could see some Bellator Kickboxing ring. No matter who o
displays of the striking that helped get he is matched with, there is no doubt
him signed to the UFC. that fans of old would be tuning in, and
Cro Cop has retired and un-retired that would mean ratings gold for the
more times than you can count; however, promotion and at the end of the day,
there is no denying that seeing him thats what matters.
ermag.c
TOP 5 KICKBOXING FIGHT FOR BELLATOR
MELVIN MANHOEF
VS. JOHN WAYNE PARR
Parr may be coming to the en nd of his
career, but that doesnt mean hes lost any
of the name value that he hass built up
over so many years of compeeting. Bellator,
with its mixed martial arts evvents, has
become renowned for putting on ights
that the everyday fan wants to see.
Parr is coming of a loss at his Caged
Muay hai event in early Marrch; however,
the 39-year-old hasnt exactly indicated
that hes planning to hang up the gloves
any time soon. At this stage of his career,
Parr can look for ights that arre going
to give him the most exposure, and also
allow him to entertain the mo ost amount
of people. he platform that Bellator
B has
could allow him to ight in fro ont of a
worldwide audience like neveer before,
so that alone is incentive enou ugh for
Parr to put his hand up.
Manhoef is slated to comp pete
in the inaugural Bellator
Kickboxing event and with
mixed success in recent yearss
inside the ring and cage, a bo out
with fellow legend Parr would
make sense in the later stagess of
what has been a storied careeer.
Manhoef has had a return
to form with an impressive
knockout victory over Hisaki
Kato being his last win for
Bellator. Manhoef is renowneed
for his entertaining style, andd
thats something he has taken n
with him throughout his careeer.
If Manhoef succumbs to an nother
defeat inside the ring, a bout
with Parr, who is also comingg of
a loss, would make perfect sen nse.
Even though the two may nott
exactly line up perfectly in terrms
of weight classes in this day annd
age, a catchweight could be aggreed
upon. Parr always puts on an exciting
display whenever he ights, an nd that is
something that he has built a big part of
his career on. Ater making his return to
competing in the United Statees in the later
part of 2015, ighting under th he Bellator
Kickboxing banner would be a perfect
way for him to return statesid de and secure
another win in what has been n an already
impressive enough career.
Signing on with Bellator Kickboxing that up with ive straight wins. Jacoby
DUSTIN JACOBY would also open up the door for has proved himself against some of the
VS. ELLIOT COMPTON Compton to potentially ight in mixed toughest ighters in the world, and he
Its unlikely to happen due to Jacobys martial arts, which is something that he knows exactly what it is like to go into a
current Glory contract and with has always been open to. As far as the ight as an underdog. While Compton
Compton being so expensive in terms name value goes, Jacoby is a big step may not be the big-name ight that
of travel arrangements; however, with up for the younger ighter; however, Jacoby is chasing, its still a match up
the deep pockets of Viacom behind throughout his career Compton that could help Jacoby inally defeat a
them, if anybody was going to ly over has always looked for the toughest ighter who is not from the United States
an Australian competitor, it would challenges, and there would be none of his nine professional wins inside
have to be Bellator. Compton has been tougher at the moment than Jacoby. the ring, all nine ighters have been
chomping at the bit for a big chance Jacobys reign as the Glory American. Jacoby has a lot on his plate
with the international market, and the middleweight champion, in some with his kickboxing career seemingly
reigning Caged Muay hai champion is peoples eyes, probably shouldnt lourishing but he has proven to take on
always up for a challenge . no matter have happened. On a whim he took a all challengers throughout his career as a
how big, so giving him the biggest kickboxing ight back in 2013 and fell ighter and thats a trait that both he and
challenge of his career in Jacoby would in love with the sport. Ater winning his Compton share and its one that could
be a perfect way for him to break into the irst three professional ights, he went help see them potentially square of in
international scene. on to lose ive in a row, and then backed the future. IK
CONNECT WITH US internationalkickboxer
SCOTT COKER
& The New Era
Bellator promoter
Scott Coker unveils
his plans to dominate
the world not only via
mixed martial arts,
but also kickboxing.
BY JARRAH LOH
Many people are familiar with an open karate tournament. I competed 18 and 20 events and theyy were all
you from MMA, but theyd be through my college years and maybe televised on ESPN2 and we w had
pleased to know you actually a couple years ater, but then I got into some of the best ighters around
a the
have a deep history promoting promoting and it really took up a lot world coming here to igh ht in San
kickboxing as well. of my time and then I started teaching Jose, California. In the late 90s
Yeah, I started in the kickboxing business martial arts and there was a time when we took our production team to
originally in 1985 and there was a brand I was running two schools, running my Bangkok, hailand and ilmed
at that time called the PKA and they had own promotion company and helping a hai boxing team ightin ng
a deal with ESPN. We did one of our K-1. So, its been a lifelong journey with against the best European ns.
irst shows with them in late 85 and we my contribution back to martial arts, but So it was the top Europeans
went on a great 20-year run promoting it all started with the promotion company against the best hai ightters.
kickboxing. I had an ESPN contract, that started in 1985 with kickboxing. And then we met Carlo
working 20 shows a year at one point with Di Blasi in the 90s and he
ESPN2 when they launched in the early
90s. When I think about the kickboxing
When I think brought a team from Italyy and
came out to San Jose and we
business back then and the names that about the reciprocated by taking on ne
we promoted, I realise we promoted
everybody. We had Bad Brad Heton,
kickboxing of our teams out to Milan n
we
and to Rimini, Italy. So, w
Alvin Prouder, Don Wilson, Dennis business had this great back-and-fo forth
Alexio all the big names. Its something back then with diferent promotionss and
Im really proud of because its a sport I
love and I got to watch it lourish in the
and the diferent friends in our industry.
Song Chai was the promo oter
90s and K-1 kept it going. But now that names that that we dealt with in haiiland.
its coming back with Bellator, Im really
excited because its something that I love.
we promoted, We dealt with Carlo Di Bllasi in
Italy, Samy Kebchy in France.
I realise we Rick Roufus and Peter
Im told that you have a Black- promoted Cunningham had some
belt in taekwondo. Can you tell
us a little bit about that and
everybody. great ights over there at that time.
But, there wasnt a ighter on this
Denise Kielholtz
whom you trained under? ISKA is an organisation that is planet that I didnt promote that wasnt
I trained with Ernie Reyes, Sr., who synonymous with kickboxing. one of the top ighters in the world.
was a prominent martial artist. His son Can you tell us about how you
had some fame in the movies, but the were or are involved with them? Youve recently given
father was a teacher that really wanted As far as the ISKA goes, they are our kickboxing fans some exciting
everyone to learn an eclectic style, and regulators. hey even regulate our news, with the announcement
not just taekwondo, because we all did MMA. hey regulate our rules and of Bellator Kickboxing. How
escrima, we all grappled at some point deal with the athletic commissions and did this come about?
and we all pretty much learned MMA serve as our liaison with our sanctioning When the relationship with GLORY
at some point. He brought in some of bodies. In Italy we have the ISKA Kickboxing and SPIKE ended, Kevin Kay,
the best instructors to help us and work sanctioning a ight, but that doesnt the president of SPIKE, started talking
with us, so Im very thankful that he mean that in the future we wont have to us about the brand and if we were
had assistants that constantly evolved. the World Muaythai Council or WKA or looking for another one and he said that
And then I also used to train at Vertex have other sanctioning bodies involved. they wanted to stay in the kickboxing
MMA, so Ive been doing this a long I think that youll see from time to time business, so we started talking about
time and its been a lot of fun. diferent super ights from diferent some options. I said, you know what,
sanctioning bodies in Bellator. why dont we just do it because this
Can you give us some Strikeforce was originally a has really been my core business
background on your own kickboxing promotion before for 20-something years and I
fighting competition transitioning into the huge think that in America, nobody
background? MMA promotion that it was is going to do it better than we
When I was competing, it wasnt really eventually was known for. do it. I decided, lets go do it
like it is today where theres here was a time when we and start our own league and
a cage ight. It wasnt were promoting between we debated over the name
structured; it was
basically like
Kevin Ross
SCOTT COKER
several times and eventually thought that to go back and forth and have some of and Oktagon. How did that
Bellator Kickboxing was going to be the these household names that are currently come about?
right name. So, Im glad that we decided ighting in MMA make the crossover and I have a long-standing relationship with
on Bellator. heres brand value in that ight from time-to-time in the ring. Carlo, hes been a good friend. I know
name and now we have the ability for hes the greatest promoter in Europe.
our ighters to cross over and go back Any other fighters on your radar Period, hands down. heres not a better
and forth and were going to have some that youre hoping to sign soon? European promoter, so I igured, why
interesting matchups for the kickboxing Were talking to a lot of people. And, not partner with him. I think were
fans in 2016. like I said in the past, not every ighter going to have a great product for the
is a it for us. Were looking for ighters fans. Our fans get to go to Torino,
What is it that you hope that have personalities that can become come to he Pala Alpitour arena, and
to achieve with Bellator stars. hats what were looking for. basically watch two diferent events. Its
Kickboxing? similar to Dynamite kickboxing and
To be the best kickboxing league in the
world, period. I had the opportunity to
I think were then MMA. To me, its the best night.
hats why Dynamite was so great
help K-1 and run the North American going to the kickboxing fans can get what they
operations for seven or eight years and Ill
never forget that feeling of walking into
have a great want and the MMA fans can get what
they want.
the Osaka Dome for the very irst time product for
and looking around and just thinking, the fans. The American market has
wow, this is unbelievable. I got the chance traditionally been hard to sell
to see all of the greatest kickboxers in Can you tell us a little bit for kickboxing. How do you
the world and I learned a lot from that. I about your event that is plan on tackling this problem?
learned that its an international business. coming up in Italy? People think that, but I think that we
I got to meet all the camps and all of Im really excited for it. Its the irst did a good job back in the day when we
the top trainers and thats helped me in international event for Bellator and were promoting on ESPN. I think we
the MMA world as well. A lot of those its the inaugural event for Bellator had great awareness. ESPN was always
trainers that were only doing kickboxing Kickboxing. So, these are two irsts so happy with the ratings. Mixed martial
at the time are now also doing MMA for us and we are co-promoting with arts always delivered for them. But, think
and training MMA ighters. heres some Carlo Di Blasi, which is promoted by about todays environment. Not only do
crossover there, but the goal now is to be his brand, Oktagon. Its a co-promotion we have great ighters that ight in MMA
number one. and Melvin Manhoef is ighting as well that are very popular, but we also have
as Raymond Daniels, Kevin Ross and a tremendous amount of resources. We
Can you tell us a little bit about Denise Kielholtz. So, a lot of our top have more resources than weve ever
some of the fighters that will ighters are competing and hopefully had before for a kickboxing league and
be featured? well get some other guys in there soon. theyre willing to get behind us and push
Yeah, what I really like about the situation is us. Its going to be a great thing and thats
that we have a lot of ighters from Bellator As you just touched upon how were going to be successful.
that i y this event will be a co-
kickboxing and were going to give them promotion with Carlo Di Blasi What can we expect in the
that opportunity. Obviously, we already future for Bellator?
have some great ighters in Joe Schilling, Great ights, entertaining ights, fun
Kevin Ross, Denise Kielholtz and ights, and some of the worlds best
Raymond Daniels and were signing more ighters thats what you get to see.
ighters every day. Look at Melvin Manhoef Were out there scouring the planet
for instance. Melvin is a kickboxer and a right now. I have a lot of people sending
mixed martial artist, but this time around me information on all of their talent
hes going to ight in kickboxing. Also and were trying to get guys signed over
look at Fernando Gonzalez and Paul here at Bellator, and believe me,
Daley, both of which have fought everyone is calling because they
in kickboxing. So, were going to know that this is going to be a
give them the opportunity great league. IK
Melvin Manhoef
FIGHTING FOOD Four Tricks
Four
Tricks
to More Disciplined Eating Habits
Y FELISHA M. MINA // PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES
Most of us health-conscious readers are familiar with the universal

statement abs are made in the kitchen. Doesnt matter how many hours
you spend in the gym your physique will never be at its peak if your
diet isnt up to scratch. In theory, most people know the drill.
eve all been through the So the big question is, how the heck can your life means that the occasional Sunday
W vicious cycle of clean eating

and acknowledge its much
easier said than done. For the first few
you stay in good shape in a culture that
revolves around food?
A big part of the solution is to control
barbecue or birthday drink-up wont do too
much damage to your igure.
days, sticking to the game plan doesnt behaviour that happens either at home or So you think youre ready to make that
seem like too much of a mental mission. at work. The most recent data from the lifestyle change youve been putting off
We put a ban on carbs, steer away from Australian Bureau of Statistics stated that on for the last 18 months?
the leftover cake and avoid drive-throughs average, our population spent less than 20 Keep reading to steal some short cuts that
at all costs. But then the weekend comes, per cent of its time on recreation or leisure. will help you get started.
temptation becomes inevitable, and what The remaining hours were either spent on
starts off as a small handful of chips employment or domestic-related activities. 1. Eliminate junk from your
turns into a three-course demolition of Considering that people spend the majority shopping list
deep-fried goodness, ice cream and a few of their lives in their households or ofices, it Imagine having to drive to the shops every
beverages to follow. If that story sounds makes sense to see results when adjustments single time you felt like a packet of chips?
familiar, youre no lone ranger. After all, its are made in these situations. If you do the Your chances of eating it would be much less
only human to indulge. maths, being disciplined in this 80 per cent of than if it were conveniently in your cupboard
Four tricks TRAINERS FORUM
In a shredded world, you also want to that no one likes a s#!t talker, this tactic
make time to prepare every meal you have at will increase your motivation. You wouldnt
work. The menus from food courts and cafes wanna be that guy (or girl) who cant stick to
are usually decked in oil and high in sodium. their word now, would you?
Even the low-fat options are disguised with As the famous Winston Churchill saying
condiments that will stunt progress over time. goes, those who fail to plan, plan to fail.
Packing snacks that are high in protein or ibre When it comes to feeling and looking your
come in handy too and will prevent you from best, that rule certainly applies. If youre
sneaking past servos for midday organised and have life in order, the game
chocolate bars or ice cream. of self-control comes easy. Its all
about preparing yourself to
3. Take note of excel, and creating your own
what you eat environment so that failure
Several studies is not an option. IK
have shown that
those people Felisha Mina is
who wrote down the graphic designer
their meals saw and blogger behind
the whole time, right? The equation is greater results in Extreme Mixed
simple. Make an effort to keep cravings their weight loss Martial Arts. Over the
out of sight and out of mind, and youll journeys versus past two years, she has
also lessen the odds of consuming them. those who didnt. dedicated her creativity
If youre under the same roof as family or Recording this information and writing to the itness
other housemates, you may even be able to creates consciousness, and industry, with her primary
inluence them in a healthier direction. Thats for individuals who seek self- focus being MMA. Enthused by
a win-win for everyone! improvement, it makes them aware of where health, itness and the arena of combat
theyre going right or wrong. Try it irst for sports, she is also an avid photographer,
2. Prepare to eat well three daysby putting entries in the notes contributing to some of Australias most
Get an idea of what your optimum diet looks app on your phone. Theres no need to be prestigious ight promotions and events.
like, and shop for groceries accordingly. pedantic or to start counting calories. Just tap With three state-of-the-art locations,
Stock up on the clean stuff and youll most in whatever you eat as you inish it, and you Extreme MMA provide the highest standard
probably eat clean as well. You know the may get a wake-up call on the amount of carb- of coaching and training to locals in Victoria
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by the confectionery isles. more committed to your goal. Bearing in mind book a free trial class on 1300 TRY MMA.
BEC RAWLINGS
ussie UFC strawweight Bec Rawlings demonstrates a
A set-up, to a knee compression submission from her

opponents butterfly guard.
To describe this submission best, one that is more popular
throughout Sambo circles than jiu-jitsu, Bec says to imagine a
piece of wood shoved between a door hinge and you close the
door thats what it does to the knee. Ouch! Be careful with
your training partners Bec usually sits on the floor rather than
the leg to be a little nicer to her training partners while drilling.
PHOTOS BY PAUL THATCHER
TECHNIQUE
Knee compression submission
1
Bec Rawlings has countered a butterfly guard by flattening her opponent out and locking
his hips with her weight, pushing down, with knees and elbows tight over the hips.
2 3
Rawlings then takes wrist control as her opponent attempts to gain underhooks, Driving down with her hands to control hip movement, Rawlings explodes up and steps back
and applies downward pressure, while she prepares to post up. with her right leg, taking the leg backward off her opponent, due to his butterfly hook.
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Rawlings then moves her right hand to the Using her right hand on the knee, Rawlings
opponents left knee while she feeds her left arm then pushes the leg back, joins her hands SPECIAL BONUS ULTIMATE TRAINING GUIDE INSIDE
behind the right knee, then maintains weight on her together and sits back onto her opponents
opponents right shin with chest pressure and the left leg while driving her hips forward and
bone of her wrist, which is now wedged there. applying pressure to the knee joint.
BEC RAWLINGS
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At this point, Rawlings has sat back and is using her right hand to post on the mat and
drive forward into the opponent, preventing him from sitting up and preparing to finish.
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To finish, Rawlings throws her left leg across his body, pinches her knees together, and pulls her hips (03) 9574 8460
towards her opponent. Compressing the knee joint between her arm bone, for further pain she joins
hands together and pulls her hands towards her while arching her body until she feels the tap.
ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE
ANOTHER DAY IN
PARADISE
TOP TIPS FOR TRAINING IN PHUKET
BY STEPHEN WALTON
1. Train with the masters
A
s an avid martial artist, some body fat while holidaying in
I have visited hailand a he main reason foreigners with a this beautiful country? Or are you
number of times to sharpen passion for itness make the trip to looking to improve your technique
my martial arts skills in Phuket is to experience hailands and fighting ability? Some of the
Muay hais homeland. national sport, Muay hai, and to learn it gyms are quieter and more remote
Im not alone there has been a from some of the best in the world. while others are more commercial.
massive increase of travellers jumping Regardless of where you go in Phuket, The choice is really yours.
on a plane for an active holiday. hese you will be a stones throw away from a
adventurers are keen to push their hai boxing gym, where you can learn 2. Stay safe
physical boundaries alongside the the basic fundamentals as a beginner. I have always felt safe visiting this
nations masters. Kru Yod, a Muay hai master from amazing country, with its friendly
More than 50,000 people, including Tiger Muay hai, told me that he has locals and amazing scenery, but as
professional ighters and average Joes, trained everyone from UFC champions with any country in the world, you
travel to hailand each year to learn such as Georges St Pierre to K1 must know where to go and where to
Muay hai. and Muay hai champions, but there are avoid to maintain your safety. There
A training camp in hailand is now thousands more who just come for the are always going to be safer locations
on a lot of peoples bucket lists, regardless training experience. and less desirable places to visit when
of their itness level, or previous The choice of training camp will travelling to a foreign country and
experience. depend on your personal preferences knowing these areas is essential. Try
Here are the top tips when and your own goals. Is your main to follow these steps and you will have
training in Phuket: focus to get in shape and drop a safer and more enjoyable visit:
ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE
Stay aware of your surroundings Five 3-minute rounds of one-on-

and how to get back to your one padwork with a trainer
accommodation, or a safe area hree 5-minute rounds of
if needed. A solo visit to an sparring or clinching
uninhabited beach may sound 15 minutes of exercises push-
amazing, but if things go wrong ups, pull-ups, sit-ups
you may not have anyone to Cool-down
help you in an emergency. Adequate hydration is one of the
Dont carry all your cash at once most important things to keep in mind
when out of your hotel, and be when training in the hai heat and this
discreet when paying for items is where a lot of people get caught out.
so as not to draw attention to the Ample bottled water should be at hand
valuables you carry. at all times while pushing your body
Many bike/scooter rental places will to its limits. Electrolyte intake is also
ask you to leave your passport with crucial for maintaining your health and
them as insurance for their vehicles. sachets of De champ, an electrolyte
his is the number-one way that supplement, can be purchased from
people lose or get their passports every pharmacy, and this accompanied
stolen. Rather than leave your with plenty of water will keep you in
passport, move on to the next place ighting shape.
that you will be happy with.
Dont overindulge on the alcohol. Enjoy paradise
Intoxication will hinder your You cant go to a place like Phuket
judgement and safety in unfamiliar without experiencing what it has to ofer
surroundings. other than world-class training.
Phuket is a good place if you like
Listen to your body clean air and the beach, so combined
Training Muay hai in hailand can be with the training its perfect, says MMA
an extremely exhausting practice but at ighter YuJen he Machine Huang, from
the same time one of the most fun and AKA hailand.
gratifying experiences. he list of scenic landmarks in Phuket
Your itness level will inluence is endless but here are three of my must-
how much training you will be able to see places:
handle when your irst get to Phuket. Phi Phi Island equals Paradise. Phi
MMA ighter Genah Fabian, from Phi Island will not disappoint. Its
AKA hailand, says, During the week been showcased in the Leonardo
a lot of people, especially new people, Di Caprio movie he Beach and
they wanna bang out the training and this beautiful location has pristine
try to do it all but they izzle out ater beaches, stunning rock formations
three days and start to struggle. and crystal-clear water surroundings.
Instead, she suggests you ease into he Big Buddha Whether you
your training. Have plenty of rest; tackle the 6km upward run to the Big
thats easy to say but make sure you do Buddha or you jump in a taxi, the
get enough rest. I used to go ive-to-six journey up to this popular landmark
days banging them out but its hard is a must for all visitors to Phuket.
to maintain that. What I typically do Sitting 45 metres high, he Big
now is have an aternoon or midweek Buddha sits on top of a mountain and
morning of training to rest and let my can be seen from afar.
body recover. Kata Beach its one of Phukets
Every camp is different but a most popular beaches and is an
typical Muay Thai training session amazing place to lie back and relax, or
consists of: take a swim in the ocean.
20-minute run or skipping rope Whether this is your irst trip to
Stretching, movement Phuket or you are a frequent visitor to
and wrapping hands hailand, a training holiday might be
30 minutes of technique a perfect way to get in shape while in a
(combos, clinch) stunning setting.
Five 3-minute rounds Train, relax, repeat. Now thats what I
of heavy bag work call a perfect holiday.
FIGHTERSIN PARADISE
GENAH FABIAN the week a lot of people, especially new followed Miriam Nakamoto from the
people, they wanna bang out the training States. She was such a beast, so sharp,
27 years old and try to do it all but they izzle out so fast and thats the kind of style I
Welterweight ighter after three days and start to struggle. really love. I wanted to emulate her
Trained for 16 months style and pick things up from her.
at AKA Thailand Whats living in Phuket like? Also a girl called Zoila Frausto,
Originally from New Its beautiful, the environment is amazing, who was the irst female Bellator
Zealand, then moved to Sydney plus youre always ive to 10 minutes champion, and just the same shes
Trained in Muay Thai for three away from the beach on this side of really athletic and explosive, fast and
years, ighting for two years Phuket. For me, personally, it feels like the powerful. So those are things I try and
place I need to be to pursue this career, emulate and feel my style is similar to.
Seven pro Muay Thai ights 5W 2L
which I have been, and its given me
One pro MMA Fight 1W time to put in the groundwork I needed Where do you see yourself in ive years?
to do, because Im not going to get
easy ights; Ive gone straight into title The plan is UFC all the way with that. We
What is a typical day like for have a plan in place at AKA with Mike
you at AKA Thailand? matches due to the weight class Im in.
and the team. We are now branching
Every day is different but usually I never really got evenly matched in out into MMA due to not getting
cardio or a Muay Thai session irst any of my ights and I know now its only Muay Thai ights very easily and an
thing in the morning, then I coach going to get harder, because I look more opportunity came up to ight MMA.
strength and conditioning in a class experienced than I am, but I realise that
at AKA. At 11am till 1pm Im into pro and Im cool with that Ive just got to I wasnt keen on the idea at irst,
sparring, then a little breather and lunch put in the effort. Being here allows me to a couple of years back, but coming
followed by yoga at 4pm, inishing with train, allows me to focus and everything to AKA broadened my horizons and
the AKA 30-min Airdyne workout. is very accessible, the food and the diet is thats where they see me it best
really clean and its easy to keep that up. and where my head is now.
Working really hard and putting all
Sounds like a lot of training in the mixed martial arts pieces together
one day; how do you maintain that Who do you look up to in the sport?
and getting as many ights as I can. I
schedule and have enough energy? I grew up watching people like Mark can ight, Im good, I just need to work
I do admit I struggle sometimes but Hunt. Hes very good friend of mine and hard and work on those missing links.
Ive got it down pat now; it took me a a mentor of mine; we have known each
while to ind that rhythm. I typically eat other for a few years. Soa The Hulk
small meals in between training and and Mark are like family; we all come What is your philosophy on training?
have to be organised with that prep. from the same area and have known Training should be cycled; theres so
I make sure I do my yoga and have each other for a few years and they are much training and everyone is different
plenty of rest; thats easy to say, but helping me as Im coming through. and everyone needs different work for
make sure you do get enough rest. I was very young watching the different reasons. You need your main
I used to go ive-to-six days banging Mark Hunt vs. Ray Sefo ight at my training, such as Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu,
them out, but its hard to maintain that. grandmas house and remember but we need strength training to maintain
What I typically do now is have an asking, Whos this blonde Samoan our body plus recovery with yoga. My
afternoon or midweek morning off training guy? I really looked up to him. experience is now teaching me to listen
to rest and let my body recover. During I think female-wise, I always to my body more and rest when I need to.
ROGER HUERTA Have you got any matches coming up? Take care of yourself, you only have
32 years old This year Im really busy, with two of our one body and its not all about the bang;
guys with big ights coming up in the it isnt all about that, its everything.
Worked at Tiger UFC, so pretty busy.
Muay Thai for the last Balance your training and balance your
three to four years life try and live a balanced life.
Fighter/coach What type of people do you get training
at Tiger Muay Thai? Why should people train
What is your training background? Everybody from all over the world we at Tiger Muay Thai?
get a bit of spice from everywhere.
I consider myself a freestyle ighter. My The main thing that Tiger is well
original coach, Dave Menne, he is what known for is the coaching staff. We
I consider a freestyle ighter meaning Whats your typical training day? have really good trainers from all over
I am a well-rounded individual with the I really like conditioning in the morning, and are really good at what they do.
entire game from Muay Thai, boxing, from running on the beach to biking to Weve got great Muay Thai, MMA and
taekwondo. I like all striking aspects, swimming to coming and doing some conditioning coaches.
all grappling aspects from all types of jiu-jitsu or padwork any sort of
wrestling and obviously jiu-jitsu and some conditioning. I do weight training every We offer pretty much everything,
judo. I just like everything. other day. It really is different every day plus Phuket Thailand is paradise,
and depends on whether Ive got a ight especially when its the high season
Which organizations have your competed in? coming up, but usually three times a from December to the end of May, its a
day, but I mix it up a lot. pretty awesome place to be. IK
I have competed with many. Rays ight
night, Extreme Challenge, Superbrawl,
UFC, Bellator, and currently One FC at Whats your advice for guys trying to get CONNECT WITH US internationalkickboxer
the moment. to a high level in the sport?
CARLY GANGELL
CAKEWALK
CARLY GANGELL
CALEY REECE // IMAGES SUPPLIED & BY BRIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Her ight name, Cupcake, may make her sound
cute and innocent, but once this sweet tooth
steps inside a boxing ring, its a completely
different story. With all of the makings of a
marketable ighter skill, brains, beauty and
brawn and at just 18, South Australian Carly
Gangell could potentially be one of the countrys
next best female ighters. With only one loss on
her record, she already holds two IFMA Junior
Australian titles, a 2015 IFMA Junior World title
and the IKBF South Paciic title and is ighting
in the main event on the Shins of Steel show in
March again, all at just 18 years young.
orn into the world of martial
B
How long was it before you
arts, Gangell began training had your first fight?
mixed martial arts at the age Ater training in Muay hai for three
of three at her dads club, but years, I had my irst ight at 15 at the
when she turned 12 she was ater IFMA Australian Championships.
something diferent. Muay hai grabbed
her attention and all it took was one class Thats quite a young age to
to fall in love with it. Since that day she start. Do you remember how
has never regretted her decision. you felt going into the fight?
I was surprisingly calm before going
Did you play any other into my irst ight, I think because I had
sports as a child? no idea what I was in for. I only realised
I tried every sport that I could as a child, as the irst bell went that someone was
from netball and cricket to athletics.
I loved being active and involved,
especially in school sports.
Have you always been

a competitive person,
or do you feel that has
developed over time?
Ive always been a competitive person.
I think growing up watching my older
brother and sister train and compete
at an elite level helped shape the
competitive person that I am today.
Was Muay Thai something you

were passionate about right
away, or did it take some time
to develop?
I have always been passionate about
martial arts, but my real passion for
Muay hai started ater I watched my
irst ight show as a 12-year-old. Two
women I had watched train and then
ight inspired me and kick-started the
idea that I wanted to be a ighter. My
passion for this sport grows with every
success and hurdle.
CARLY GANGELL
actually trying to hit me. he nerves

grow with each ight, but so does my
ability to handle them.
You have taken a lot of

responsibilities on at such a
young age. How do you juggle
school, fighting and Females
Fighting Forward?
To say I keep myself busy is probably an
understatement, but to do anything less
wouldnt feel quite right. I get told a lot
that I should cut back and focus on one
thing at a time, but I feel that I need to
make the most of every opportunity I
can. Time management is my best friend
and I believe if you want something bad
enough youll make it happen.
For those who dont know,

can you explain what Females
Fighting Forward is and what it
represents?
I started Females Fighting Forward in
2013 as a school project, with a goal to
teach a one-of self-defence seminar.
From there my passion grew and I built
a full-time program for womans self-
defence from that.
You won gold at last years

IFMA games as a junior at
57kg take us through that
experience.
Competing at the IFMA Royal World
Cup was an experience that I will
always cherish. I fought in the last
three days of the competition, two
days in a row against hailand and
Great Britain. Not knowing when
you were ighting or who you would
draw, potentially ighting days in a
row, cutting weight each day and
being there to see Australia vs.
the world was the toughest,
but the most rewarding
experience Ive ever had.
How did it feel

to win gold for
Australia?
Standing on the podiu
with the Australian lagg
and being presented
with a gold medal was
the most exciting thing
Ive ever experienced.
Just to wear the
Australian colours was
an honour.
70 / www.kickboxermag.co
TOP 3
THINGS WE DONT
KNOW ABOUT YOU:
1) IM STUDYING BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT AND
ACCOUNTING AT UNIVERSITY
2) CRISPY M&MS ARE
MY OBSESSION
3) I ALMOST DIED FROM
WHOOPING COUGH WHEN
I WAS YOUNGER
TOP 3 SONGS ON
YOUR IPOD:
1) ON TOP (FLUME)
2) THUNDERSTRUCK (AC/DC)
3) ROCK THIS PARTY
(BOB SINCLAIR
MY FIGHT SONG!)
TOP 3 FIGHTERS
TO WATCH:
1) IMAN BARLOW
2) ISRAEL ADESANYA
3) CHARLIE CHAU
Do you have plans to return as Katie Quick from New Zealand. I dont tend to change my preparation
a senior in 2016? Take us through that fight. for each opponent.
I would love to return as a senior to It was an honour to share the ring with
the IFMA World Cup within the next such a tough ighter like Katie; she has What has been your most
couple of years. here are some big fought some big names, so I was really challenging fight and why?
names that ight in this competition, so looking forward to the challenge. I had My most challenging ight was
a chance to return would be incredible. a really good ight camp for this title against the hai champion at the
shot, my team and I worked tirelessly IFMA World Championship.
How did you mentally on a game plan and it worked perfectly She was a strong southpaw that
prepare knowing you in the ight. I ended up winning the really tested me all round.
possibly had a number of ight by unanimous decision.
fights within a few days? What do you think are some of
I think keeping my eyes on gold was You are fighting Brooke the most important things to
what helped me mentally get through Cooper from Queensland for do to prepare for a fight?
ighting day ater day. the Shins of Steel title. Do I think every ighter is each to their
you change your preparation own when preparing for ights. I am a
You also recently won the for each opponent, or does strong believer in giving 100 per cent
South Pacific title against it remain the same? with all aspects of training, not just
CARLY GANGELL
RECORD
AGE: 18
GYM: BOARS MARTIAL ARTS, SA
FIGHT RECORD: 11 FIGHTS, 10 WINS,
1 LOSS, 2 KNOCKOUTS
FAVOURITE WEAPON: PUSH-KICK
BIGGEST INSPIRATION: IMAN BARLOW
FAVOURITE FIGHT: VS. KATIE QUICK
ON KNEES OF FURY
physically but also mentally. It is also
essential to remember the important
factors of nutrition and recovery, too.
IT WAS AN HONOUR TO SHARE THE
Where did your name Cupcake
RING WITH SUCH A TOUGH FIGHTER
come from?
My ight name, Cupcake, came about
LIKE KATIE; SHE HAS FOUGHT SOME
as I have the biggest sweet tooth ever! I
think one of the toughest things about
BIG NAMES, SO I WAS REALLY LOOKING
ighting is not being able to eat cake and
chocolate every day [laughs].
FORWARD TO THE CHALLENGE.
Id like to see myself passing on my I have plans to travel to New Zealand
What are your long-term goals knowledge to up-and-coming ighters and hailand and take every ight
in Muay Thai? and promote female Muay hai. opportunity that I can. IK
As long as I have the drive and passion,
I hope to gain as much experience as Whos on your hit list for 2016?
possible, ight the best and compete Id love to ight overseas this year and CONNECT WITH US internationalkickboxer
in many diferent countries. Mostly tick of some international opponents.
MILLAD FARZAD
FIGHTERS
FIGHT!
YOU HAVE ONE CAREER AND ONE ONLY YOU
HAVE TO GO OUT THERE AND MAKE IT HAPPEN.
FIGHT HARD AND FIGHT OFTEN, MAKE A PLAN AND
STICK TO IT! I FIND MANY PEOPLE DONT SUCCEED
BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED TO TAKE RISKS, BUT I
AM WHERE I AM NOW BECAUSE OF ALL THE RISKS
I HAVE TAKEN; FIGHTING ON 24 HOURS NOTICE,
INJURED, SICK, WHATEVER IT MAY BE, FIGHTERS
FIGHT, SO GO OUT THERE AND FIGHT!
BY JARROD BOYLE // IMAGES BY EMANUEL RUDNICKI & ROB COX
M
illad Farzads advice
is unequivocal. Its
knowledge hes earned
irst hand and his record
speaks for itself; he holds
a swag of titles, among them the WMC
Intercontinental championship belt at 72.5
kilograms and, most recently, a win at one
of the most prestigious tournaments on the
hai boxing calendar, the Max Muay hai
tournament in hailand.
When International Kickboxer last
caught up with Millad, he had just crossed
the line between being a boy and a man.
Now, at the age of 20, hes established
himself as a professional, as opposed to
being a teenager trying to ind (his hands)
and feet in a mans game.
hings havent changed much, to
be honest. Im focused on what I want
and Im gonna make sure I get there no
matter what my situation. I feel like I
am now the stronger ighter every time I
ight in the ring.
Peter Boyd, head trainer at the
Western Australian hai Boxing Centre,
has been training Millad since he began
in the sport.
His dedication has always been
the same. Now, hes trying to choose
his opponents more carefully. He
wants to be the best, so hes looking for
opponents that are at the same level or
above to test himself.
Choosing opponents has become a
collaborative afair.
We sit down as a team and choose
an opponent based on merit and
beneit. Millad trains and studies them
accordingly. He looks at what hes doing
and works out how to beat them.
he biggest change for Millad seems to
be in the way he feels physically from ight
M
to ight.
I havent been sore from ighting in
a long time; I believe the pain was so bad
when I was 14, 15, 16. Compared to then,
now its a walk in the park.
hat said, the game has changed in that
it has become more serious.
I ind at this level you cant make
mistakes; you make a mistake and that
could be the last mistake you make on the
night. Every ighter can knock you out,
so you have to always be ready. Fighting
A class isnt easy, but I wouldnt be in this
sport if it was.
he real index of a ighters quality
isnt in his record; its in terms of the
people he has fought. Millad recently
turned 20 and in the two years hes been
old enough to buy alcohol, drive a car
and vote, hes fought many of the best
ighters in the world.
I fought Fahmongkon Sor Danjayong
on December seventh, in 2011. He was
ranked top 10 at Lumpinee and [also]
Isuzu champion. I knocked him out in
the second round. I have also fought
MILlAD FARZAD
Imwiset Pornanai, Nampon Pk Stereo, It was a war; the whole ight, slinging not ighting for a few months because I
Chengrob Pumpanmuang, Daniel Kerr, elbows and knees against one of the best had a hand injury.
Remy Vectol, Yuri Kehl, and Diesellek ighters on the planet...theres nothing I was about 90 kilos ater New Years
Top King Boxing. quite like it. he ight ended in a loss but and had to get [down] to 75 in ive
One of his most distinguished ights watch the ight on YouTube and decide weeks, but there was no way I was letting
was against Saiyok, in which the decision for yourself. Win or loss, I knew where I that opportunity go. I made the weight
went against him. stood ater this. with strict dieting and hard work. I drew
On October 21 in 2014 I fought Daniel Kerr in the irst ight. We fought
Saiyok Pumpanmuang, who many to an extension round, with me taking
people believe is the number one ighter I WAS ABOUT 90 KILOS AFTER the win.
in my division. It was on THAI FIGHT
in Bangkok with over 3000 spectators.
NEW YEARS AND HAD TO GET Knowing I had to ight again in 30
minutes, I had to get myself mentally
Although everyone had written me of, I [DOWN] TO 75 IN FIVE WEEKS, prepared to do it again. I felt much better
knew what I was there for and I went in
there to get it.
BUT THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS the second ight because Id warmed up in
the irst. At the end of round two, I knew
When Millad turned 18, he went LETTING THAT OPPORTUNITY GO. I had him. He was crumbling from my
to train in hailand, says Boyd, and elbows and kicks and it was visible. It was
do his own thing. He was training in I MADE THE WEIGHT WITH STRICT such a great moment to have my trainer,
Pattaya, in Usuf Baldmans gym. Looking
at the ight, I felt Millad was stronger;
DIETING AND HARD WORK. Peter Boyd, there to take the victory with
me. Its been many years coming!
more aggressive. I felt he won. Saiyok hat was my irst ight with him
was the favourite. He had the sponsors Millads appraisal wasnt far of the mark, overseas since he returned from
backing him. I dont think the promoters a mark he managed to hit when he appeared hailand, says Boyd. For this ight, he
expected [Millad] to take it to him the on the Max 4-Man Tournament. trained purely with us [at the Western
way he did. Man, it was crazy! he says. he Australia hai Boxing Centre]. he
From the opening bell I went in and whole lead-up and ight was nuts! I got the outcome was pretty good; he also
didnt show him any respect, says Millad. call to ight about ive weeks before, ater inished with no injuries.
Daniel Kerr is a tough opponent; hes
been around a long time. Remy Vectol
[from France] had beaten [his] hai
opponent convincingly. Millad landed a
few step-up knees and a walk-through
elbow, and Remy backed of. he ight
went all his way ater that.
Boyd also feels that the tried-and-
tested relationship they have enjoyed was
integral to the result.
Because Ive been with him since
he was a kid, he was more relaxed and
focused because I was there.
The win has lifted Millads
international profile significantly, and
brought significant opportunity with it.
Im now in the gold tournament for
one million baht later in the year, which
is between each inalist of each four-
man tournament. I also have many big
ights on Kunlun Fight. he ights are
coming, and Im here to take them out!
SCAN PAGE As Millad has improved inside the
TO SEE
AUSSIE MILLAD ring, he has also got a greater sense of
FARZAD EARN
HIS PLACE what he needs to do in training to perform
IN THE MAX once hes in there.
MUAYTHAI
ULTIMATE Ive come to believe shadow boxing
4-MAN! and sparring are the most important
insiteapp.com.au
parts of preparation, for sure. I ind that if
Im sparring a lot, I ight a lot better, and
shadow boxingI cant talk [enough]
about how important it is.
Its where I get my conidence in
my ightsthe movements and seeing
what you will do and how it will work;
working on your strengths to show [the
opponents] holesI dont just shadow
box to shadow box; I shadow box
diferently for every opponent.
Millads star is rising, and he is
hungry. He plans to extend his skill set
out into the biggest territories in the
world of stand-up ighting.
Were training twice a day, says
Boyd. We do three rounds in the
morning and work on his boxing;
hopefully hell move towards K1 rules
on Glory. I think hes a bit young for
Glory at the moment; he needs to be
more seasoned.
Kunlun, who are a Chinese
corporation, also stage kickboxing under
K1 rules. Millad is a hai stylist; his kicks
and step-up knees are his tools, standing
up and ighting front-on. We are getting
him to move of more, changing angles,
throwing more punches in his combos,
and develop his hands.
Regardless of the how, Millad is
absolutely clear about the what.
I want to ight the best Muay hai
ighters in the world then move to K1
[rules]. Ive got a huge passion for K1.
I love how its so explosive and full-on
all the time; I love how you cant make
mistakes or its over. hose are the kinds of
ights I want to be in.
Fortunately, regardless of the rules,
those are the ights we want to see. IK
NEW BLOOD Up and comers BY DARREN BAUER
Michael M16 Krul

Tell us about yourself. I started Muay Thai when I was 13 years old, when BIO
Im 21 years old, I work at Ballarat Vibrated Concrete Dad bought me a membership, and I have stuck with
Industries and I train six days a week at Barbarian it ever since.
Muay Thai, with my strength and mobility work done The second one is that on the day of my weigh-in Weight:
with Matt Morrison at MRM. for my second ight, I had a chicken parma for lunch, 6670 kg
because I thought I would still be under, then ended up
Want to talk about your injury and time away from having to sweat it out before heading to the Road to Record:
the sport? Rebellion weigh-in.
In March last year I broke my arm while sparring the
9F
southpaw French amateur champion I was matched Who would you like to thank who have been with 6W
to ight Cam Webb, who is a southpaw. I copped a
massive left round kick across the forearm at the start
you on your successful journey so far?
I would like to thank Dave Ashmore for all the effort
1D
of the round; it hurt badly but I kept going for the rest and time he has put into helping me get to where I am 2L KO
of the round. When I told Dave and Sal it was numb today. A big thank you to my training partner/best mate Gym:
after the hit, they sent me to the hospital. It was broken Brett McCluskey for always pushing each other to get Barbarians MT,
badly and I had to have surgery and a steel plate put better. Josh Stoffels, Brad McNight, Natasha Salleh Ballarat VIC
in. It was a big disappointment and was too hard to and the whole crew at Barbarian Muay Thai. Sally
ind the motivation to start up because of the fear of Ashmore at Muscle Kneads for helping free me up after
breaking my arm again. trainingg. Matt
M Morrison
M i at MRM for f getting
i me strong
again after my arm break and the promoters for giving
Whats it like training out in a large country me the opportunity to ight on their cards.
town like Ballarat? Are there enough
opportunities for you? Any plans or goals you want
Ballarat is a good place to learn Muay Thai and a great to sharre with us?
place to grow up. Barbarian is a fantastic place to learn, Sometime this year,
as it has a high class of ights and an excellent coach get anoother title shot
Dave Ashmore and there are lots of opportunities and winn a title.
to ight on some of the big Melbourne cards, which are
an hour away. We also regularly have other gyms from
all over the state come spar and train with us, including
world champion Steve Moxon.
Any big shows coming up that you want

to mention?
Im hoping to ight on Powerplay on 9 April and Road to
Rebellion again on 13 May.
I want you to go over that battle you had with Cam

Webb on Rebellion. What was the game plan and
how did you think you were going?
The game plan was to get to work early in the ight,
plenty of hard right kicks and work combinations off
the right hand. I knew I had to work hard early. I was
doing good up until I got hit with a left body kick that
winded me and took me a bit to recover, then got hit
with an elbow and then Dave called it off during the
break after round three. I ended up with eight stitches
in my eyebrow.
Do you have any superstitions or rituals?

No I dont except bacon and eggs on ight day.
Tell us one or two things about yourself that we

would never know.
International Kickboxer
NEW BLOOD Up and comers
Jessica Yount
Tell us about yourself. that person who pushes you to be better and believes
I was exposed to ighting in a rather raw way in in you along the way.
the beginning. An ex-relationship of mine thought
he was teaching me, but in the end I realised he How does training in the USA compare with the
was just trying to bully me after a bloody nose and Bulldog Gym?
having the wind knocked out of me. The way the USA is different from Bulldog Gym is the
I think for the irst time I realised how real the style and focus of training. The USA is big on MMA,
situation was. I was completely vulnerable and so it is really hard to ind training partners or people
even if I wanted to protect myself, theres no way I who are experts in one area. My irst two ights were
could. That lit a ire in the very core of me to never in the States and even though I fought and trained
be put in this situation ever again, and so my in Muay Thai, my competitors were MMA ighters. I
BIO
ighting journey began. dont discredit it in any way at all, I have trained with
Fighting to me is more of a way of life rather some incredible athletes on both sides of the world,
Weight:
than just a sport. Its a mentality. Im passionate but its kind of like comparing apples and oranges.
about stories; I have been since I was young. My 5254 kg
favourite ones growing up were always the pain With the crackdown on shows in NSW by the
and glory, triumph and tragedy type ilms the Record: government, did you ind it hard getting match-ups?
ones where people went through a lot and then 9F With the new governing in NSW, it was incredibly
came to a point in their life where they had to lie
down and die, or push themselves to a place they
7W hard to ind match-ups. Mostly because businesses
just didnt want to host the event due to liability
had never been before. 2L reasons. But at the end of the day, we just continue
I relect that in my training and ighting. At 3KO training whether there is a ight or not; its a lifestyle.
the end of the day you want to quit, at the end of
the day you want to stop, but you dont and you Titles: Talk about your interesting day job.
just overcome all of that self-talk and rise to new WKBF NSW & I am a freelancer for film and television work in
levels you never thought possible. WKA NSW titles Sydney. I help bring shoots to life through production
Because of circumstances from the past, my Gym: management, assist where needed for commercials
eyes have been opened to how passionate I am Bulldog Gym and sometimes Im a runner for a TV show on
about teaching womens self-defence and teaching Castle Hill, NSW Channel 10 called The Living Room. Every week looks
in general. I love the determination that I see in different and I love the diversity in that.
someones eyes when they hit pads for the irst If I was to highlight my passion
time and realise they had strength they never for what I do, it would be just
knew they had. I like to focus on technique and inding the story. A good summary
learning things the proper way from the beginning, would be character development,
because in the long run they will see better results how we are so uniquely different
and be less prone to injury. but so similar at the end of the
day. That everyone has a different
Whats it like training with the journey but all seem to end up in
McKinnon brothers? the same destination.
Honestly, walking into Bulldog was probably one
of the best things that couldve ever happened to Do you have any
me. It was the irst place that felt like home when superstitions or rituals?
I moved to Australia I was instantly accepted [laughs] On the day of a ight, I
into the family. always go and get a pedicure.
Training with Stu and Steve is an honest I know people are probably
blessing. They are big and quite intimidating men thinking What the heck, youre
to most, but wouldnt hurt a ly if it came down to a ighter, well that doesnt
it. I believe one of the biggest things they have mean Im not a woman still and
done for me is just believe in me. Sometimes to be honest if I am going to kick
when all the hard training is done and youre tired someone in the face, Id rather
and doubting yourself, you just need that person leave a nice imprint from a fresh
that looks at you and says, Jess, youre ready pedicure. I also relax with my
for this youre too it, too fast and too strong, friends and watch movies that
I wouldnt put you in that ring if I didnt think you pump me up Gladiator or
were ready. And sometimes that is all you need, Warrior, to name a couple.
BULLDOG GYM
CASTLE HILL
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They help work towards clients goals whether it being
weight loss, gain of fitness or self-defence purposes.
Bulldog Gym is a fully equipped kickboxing gym that special-
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Jackson The Handsome

Hero Moorehouse
Tell us about yourself.
I started training Thai boxing while I was at college
in Blackpool in the UK. I used to train under Darren
Dickenson at the Art of Eight Limbs gym. When I inished
studying electronics, I was working ixing LED video walls
and building signage and just sort of decided I wanted to
go travelling and follow the dream of going to Thailand
and living off the ighting. At this point I had only had one
ight, so it was all really just a pipe dream.
One day my boss just really pissed me off and I
decided to do what I wanted. A few weeks later I was
in Thailand with my trainer Darren at Fairtex, in Pattaya,
and after that Jun Muay Thai in Koh Samui. I was very
lucky that Jun really looks after you, unlike quite a few
other gyms around Thailand.
After Juns, I decided to move on. I was there for
around a year and a couple of months. I moved to WMC
Lamai Muay Thai, where Ralph Beale and Stephan Fox
really looked after me. Unfortunately I had been ighting
far too much and not really putting everything into it
anymore, partying a lot and all that jazz.
I was at WMC for about ive months and then sort of
stopped ighting for a while and was just having a good
time while I decided what I wanted to do with my life.
After a lot of hard thinking and speaking to people back
home, I soon realised that going back to the UK wasnt
really an option for me. I decided on Australia and after
??????
some research, Perth seemed to be the best option with
my qualiications, as its got a bit more engineering BIO
industry here than the rest of Australia. for a belt if you want it, no pressure. Boom, I couldnt
When I irst arrived I had no intention of going say no, same as always, no questions asked, didnt
back to Thai boxing I was over it, as they say. I had Weight: care what weight, no hesitation, I took the ight. I lost
been here around four or ive months and I was getting 5761 kg on points but after eight months break and training for
chubby and decided I needed to get back at it, but a couple of weeks, I was just happy to have gone ive
wasnt really that keen on ighting again. I dropped in to Record: rounds and had a good, enjoyable ight.
a couple of gyms for a chat and nobody seemed to want
to give me a shot at holding pads or anything, they all
35F After that I decided I couldnt just stop, it wasnt
that easy. It made me remember why I loved the sport
seemed a little bit like they didnt believe me nobody 20W so much in the irst place and I wouldnt have igured
welcomed me with open arms. 15L that out if it wasnt for Ollie or his gym, Olsen Muay
Anyway, I started working at my current workplace Thai Factory.
Access Antennas Australia and I started chatting Titles: All in all I have been a very lucky boy. Everything has
with one of our customers and he mentioned that he WBC WA, sort of fallen into place when I started training at the
MASA World
knew a guy that owned a gym in Inglewood. So a few gym. Two weeks before I started at Ollies I didnt know
days later I dropped into the gym and had a chat with Gym: what I was doing with myself, or my life, and I guess
Oliver Olsen and he mentioned he was heading to Olsen MT Factory Muay Thai has sort of shaped everything for me, so all I
Thailand the next day, but I could train for free till he Perth WA can say is thanks to Ollie and thanks to Thai boxing my
came back, then we would have a chat. life has really taken shape.
So thats what I did; trained and held a few pads and
when he came back, lo and behold, he had been to Juns Do you have any superstitions or rituals?
gym in Samui and Jun had talked me up a lot, so Ollie said My only ritual is to think about my mum and dad on the
just keep training and holding pads and see what happens. last corner sealing the ring. My father passed away
After about three days of Ollie being back, he comes over ive years ago and after that my mother has always
and says, I have a ight for you in a week in Sydney fully supported whatever I chose to do.
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Yvejac Grady
Tell us about yourself. BIO always the positive criticism after an off training day. I
I have a Filipino mum and an Irish dad. I was born dont think Id have it any other way. Ive always been
here in Brisbane and I have two younger brothers. Ive at NTG and I believe I always will be NTG for life.
always done some sort of combat sport. My brother Weight:
Jordan and I both started quite young, as my dad 61kg Any overseas training you want to mention?
started us both in taekwondo when I was in maybe Ive only done minimal training overseas just to keep
grade ive or six. Record: it while on holidays in the Philippines. I trained at
I did that for a couple of years and eventually moved Spartacus MMA in Quezon City, Manila. All of my Thai
on to Wing Chun after some time off playing basketball 15F boxing training has been done here in Brisbane, at
through high school, as well as some track and ield. 10W Nuggets Thai boxing gym. Ive been at NTG now for
After a while I got bored with that and moved on
to Thai boxing. One of the guys I used to work with
5L about ive or six years and ighting for four including
this year.
Ben Council mentioned he trained at NTG and 1KO
thought Id enjoy the training. Talked me into it. Went Gym: Do you have any superstitions or rituals?
for my irst class session and didnt look back. Nuggets Thai Gym, I believe in karma. I also try and go to church on a
Brisbane QLD regular basis, which Ill admit I slip on a bit. But being
Talk about your famous trainers Soren and Nugget. raised with a Filipino background, religion is a massive
Both Soren and Nugget give us ighters something to part of the family and Sunday.
look up to. Every time we train or ight, we always want And wraps. I try not to wash my hand wraps too
to do our best for our trainers, as Im sure all ighters often, though they tend to get a bit rank, just because
do. And even though the big boss Nugget is Id like to think that they help retain some of my training
overseas at the moment, his name is carried in the gym knowledge and especially after a good hard training
as if he is there with us in person, every single day. session, theyll still hold on to that energy for the
Nugget, Soren and Franky have always given their following day.
all for our gym and we try as ighters to repay that by
training hard, ighting well and helping out as much as Tell us one or two things
we can around the gym on a regular basis. about yourself that we
I guess youre always seeking your trainers would never know.
approval, so it pushes you to be stronger, to train harder Ill admit I get a little
and not want to fail. Not wanting to fail yourself, not scared and nervous
wanting to fail them or fail the gym. before every fight. If
They are both great role models, especially in the sport ever someone was to
that we are in. Its not easy and like Soren always says, say, nope I never do, I
If it was meant to be easy, everyone would do it. And wouldnt believe them,
that comment alone helps me a lot to be more mentally purely because I know, Ive
tougher. But having positive, respectable trainers is what been there, Ive done it,
you need as a ighter, someone to look up to and to follow. Ive walked in those shoes.
Someone to respect and know that if you are to put your Its an awesome
trust in them, they wont lead you astray. feeling to know that
youre about to step into
Talk about your training with some of the well- a ring and fight someone
known guys out of NTG, such as Dane, Ghot and who, just like you, has
Peter, who are all in the same weight division. trained their ass off and
These guys make for an awesome sparring session is ready for this fight
[laughs], but really, theyre all awesome. All of us to push for a win.
see each other ive-to-six days a week were like Its nothing like a pub
brothers. Not only Daddy, Ghot and Pete, but everyone. fight. Youre both trained
D-Bomb, Leon, Billy (Lochey Holiday) and Lock-e as well and have your corners
as Claire Baxter. and are ready for war.
Training with these guys every day makes it The feeling of this is
worthwhile. I learn so much, we all push each other unbelievable but daunting
harder, encourage each other and even though at the same time. The rush
sometimes you really dont want to hear it, theres is addictive I must admit.
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Cameron Webcam Webb

Tell us about yourself. Any big shows recently or coming up BIO
Im 24 years old. I live on the Northern Beaches and that you want to mention?
I ight professionally out of PTJ Muaythai gym in The biggest show that Ive fought on recently would
Sydney. I currently train ive-to-six times a week. My have to be Rebellion Muay Thai in November last year. Weight:
older brother was the one who got me into Muay Thai. Its easily one of the best atmospheres and well-run 6972 kg
Initially I was just training to lose some weight and get shows, and I hope to continue to regularly compete
itter in general. I became addicted pretty fast and after down there. As for upcoming shows, Ive got the IFMA Record:
about 10 months I had my irst ight. worlds in Sweden coming up in May with two of my
teammates, Lindon and Yolanda.
16F
Whats it like being at the PTJ gym with 10W
so many active ighters?
Its awesome training at PTJ gym and being able train
Do you have any superstitions or rituals?
Personally I dont have any rituals or superstitions.
1D
with so many talented ighters the gym deinitely I try not to really think about that and I just focus on 5L
has a family feel to it. Its a testament to my trainers the ight itself. 4KO
Andy and Sing, and their dedication and passion for
the gym and the sport. Everyone at the gym trains Tell us one or two things about yourself
Gym:
extremely hard and we all push ourselves every day to that we would never know. Photajaroen Muaythai,
get better. All the ighters support one another and we I travel roughly an hour each way to the gym. Gladesville NSW
bring out the best in each other. When I was younger I was state competitive
swimmer and water polo player.
Talk about the shows run by your trainer. Are they
successful and are they illing a void in Sydneys Who would you like to thank who
crackdown on ight sports? havee been with you on your
Andy is very passionate about growing the sport succcessful journey so far?
in Australia and he currently runs Real Hero and I wouuld have to thank my family for
Siam2Sydney. Through these shows he promotes a alwayys being supportive and helping out
family-friendly, laidback Thai-style afternoon. He is in eveery way possible, my trainers Andy
able to support grass-roots Muay Thai, in particular and Sing
S for always pushing and helping
Siam2Sydney, which provides a safe and comfortable me too improve and every one at PTJ for
environment for beginners to test themselves. I feel this the suupport.
is something NSW has previously lacked. In my opinion
they are very successful. The shows are run very Any plans or goals you
smoothly and professionally with evenly matched bouts wantt to share with us?
throughout the whole card. At thee moment the
plan is to just
Go over that battle you had with Michael Krul on keep training and
Rebellion. What was the game plan and how did ighting and to
you turn that ight around? just continually
When I got matched with Michael Krul I knew it improove and
would be a good fight. Ive seen him fight a few a goldd medal
times before and knew that he liked to come forward in Sw
weden
and fight hard, and thats exactly what he did. The wouldd be
game plan was to stay on the outside at first and to nice! IK
pick my shots and make any adjustments throughout
the fight if need be.
He started off with a high volume, like I expected,
but I had conidence in myself that if I stayed calm and
relaxed that my shots would eventually wear him down.
It was in the third round, after I landed a lush body
kick, that I instantly saw it hurt him and I then picked up
the pace and went in for the inish. I followed up with
elbows and managed to cut him just above the eye,
which led to the TKO victory.
Vi i scri a . ll (0 ) 5 4 0 o r
THAI NEWS with Rob Cox
2016 going from

strength to strength
Bangkok-based newshound ROB COX reports on the
latest news and fights from the home of Muay Thai.
Panpayak Jitmuangnon PANPAYAK month before that ended in a no

MAKES HISTORY contest after a mini riot broke out
Panpayak Jitmuangnon made contesting the decision.
history on 14 March when it was Unfortunately, Yodbuadaeng
announced that he had won the pulled out a few days before the
vote to win the Sports Writers of return and Rit Jitmuangnon was
Thailand Boxer of the Year award. drafted in as a replacement. Rit
Panpayak originally was just the looked a fair bit smaller than
third boxer to win the award two Pompet and by the end of round
years in a row, following on from two Pompet looked a strong
Anuwat Kaewsamrit and Gaesak favourite to win the ight.
Sor Ploenchit. This was the irst Rit had other ideas, though,
time any boxer has won the award and came out punching hard
three times in succession with in the third and sent Pompet
Panpayak now taking the award for down to the canvas with a
2013, 2014 and 2015. lurry of hard shots. Pompet
struggled to ind his way back
LUMPINI into the ight after this and
CHAMPIONS Rit managed to control the
KRIEKKRAI ight with more sharp punches
The irst of the four big Lumpini and some good movement,
Champions Kriekkrai shows taking the points decision.
took place on 4 March with the Wacharapon PKSaenchai-
card put together by Kiatpet muaythai gym faced Prajanbarn
promotions, and as usual it saw a Sorjorwichitpadriew for the
strong line-up of ights and a huge vacant Lumpini Flyweight title.
crowd turning up in support. Wacharapon looked aggressive
The opening ight saw throughout and dangerous with
Koko Paeminburi face Nengern his hands, but never managed to
Lukjaomaesaiwaree for the vacant hurt Prajanbarn, who looked the
Lumpini mini-lyweight title. The stronger in the clinch and sharper
opening rounds were competitive, on the outside. Prajanbarn took
but Nengern seemed to have a the title by way of a points
lot more energy than Koko and decision at the end.
as the ight moved into the last Purnkhon Leknakonsri took on
two rounds, Koko faded badly. Kengkart Por Pekko in what was
Nengerns constant aggression the only dull ight of an otherwise
and work rate saw him awarded thrilling night of ights. Purnkhon
the title at the end. struggled throughout to get going
Pompet Singbarnsang and the ight was well out of his
was originally due to face reach by round four after Kengkart
Yodbuadaeng Darppommahachai, wobbled him with a hard elbow.
a rematch of a ight at Kengkart took the decision by a
Ratchadamnern stadium the wide points margin.
Sing Paranchai and Sprinter the opening three rounds it didnt
Pangkongprap put on a thrilling look like it would have much
back and forth battle with Sing impact on the ight.
aggressive in the clinch and Chalarm came out hard in the
Sprinter looking very sharp on fourth, though, and Prajantchai
the outside. Sprinter took a very looked a little like he didnt
small lead going into the inal expect the ferocity of Chalarms
round, but a relentless round of attacks. Two hard punches sent
strong knees in the clinch saw Prajantchai down to the canvas,
Sing turn things around and get but he bounced back up, so there
the decision. was no count given. Chalarm
Prajantchai PKSaenchai- came in with some big knee
muaythai gym looked in pole strikes and Prajantchai was
position for the main upcoming left chasing the ight. Chalarm
Boxer of the Year awards before controlled the ring throughout
his ight with Chalarm Paranchai. the inal round and he took
Prajantchai had to give Chalarm the points decision, ending
a two pound weight advantage Prajantchais Boxer of the Year
at the mornings weigh-in, but in dreams for 2016.
Koko vs Nengern
Wacharapon vs Prajanbarn
ONES TO WATCH
Nengern Lukjaomaesaiwaree pushed himself into
the limelight with his win over Koko Paeminburi
on the Lumpini Champions Kriekkrai show. Hailing
originally from Phattalung in the south of Thailand,
he has been slowly making a name for himself on
the Bangkok circuit.
A recent move to train and ight out of
PKSaenchaimuaythai gym looks to have given him a
little extra push and the Lumpini Mini-lyweight title
looks like being the irst of possibly many other titles
in his collection.
THAI NEWS with Rob Cox
Panpayak Jitmuangnon Sing vs Sprinter

defended his Lumpini
Featherweight title against Gaonar
PKSaenchaimuaythai gym. This
was a classic matchup between
two razor-sharp southpaws
and both put on a technical
masterclass for the crowd.
In the opening three rounds
Gaonar looked like he was just
edging out Panpayak in the speed
department. Panpayak pushed
forward more in the fourth,
out-scoring Gaonar with solid left
kicks and Gaonar looked a little
too lazy and allowed Panpayak
to get in front. The inal round
was a formality with Panpayak in
the controlling position, Gaonar
couldnt get back at his lead and
Panpayak successfully defended
his title with a points win.
The main event saw
Muangthai PKSaenchaimuaythai
gym take on Saen Paranchai. This
pitched two strong clinch-and-
knee style ighters against each of ighters in Thailand today,
Prajantchai vs Chalarm
other in a strong contrast of style Mr. Somchai Thetrungruang
compared to the ight before. known in boxing circles as
Both ighters pushed Sia Kaek PK is the latest
forward in the clinch, but it was to be added to the roster of
Muangthais aggression, coupled promoters at Lumpini stadium.
with some dangerous elbows and The debut show for PKSaenchai
the ability to off balance Saen, promotions is set for 10 May.
that was the deciding factor in
the ight. THANONCHAI
Muangthai looked strong AND GINSANGLEK
early on, but in round four it HONOURED
looked like Saen was beginning This years Siamkilar awards, put
to take over as he landed with together by Thailands biggest
a huge barrage of unanswered sports news publishing company,
knees. Muangthai dug deep Siamsport Syndicate, saw two of
and, in the later stages of the Onesongchai promotions biggest Panpayak vs Gaonar
round, spun Saen down to the stars honoured. The award for Best
canvas several times. Saen tried Boxer of 2015 went to Thanonchai
to get forward again in the inal Thanakon gym, who got the vote
round, but Muangthai landed not long after his dominant win
with a few elbows to put him off over Sangmanee Sor Tienpho.
and midway through the round, Young prodigy Ginsanglek
Saen conceded defeat, allowing Tor Laksong was in the running
Muangthai to take the points win. for the Boxer of the Year award,
but instead received the award
PKSAENCHAI GO for Best Young Up-and-Coming
FROM STRENGTH Athlete. An impressive award
TO STRENGTH seeing as it is awarded to young
Not content with building athletes across all sports, not just
one of the strongest stables Muay Thai.
By Rob Cox in Thailand THAI NEWS
Muangthai
vs Saen
Purnkon vs Kengkart
Pompet vs Rit
KHAIMUAY
IN FOCUS
Although they have only been in existence
for a relatively short time in boxing circles,
Sitsongpeenong gym has already amassed a
huge collection of titles and awards. Founded
byTimothy Dharmajiva around seven years
ago, the gym has produced several stadium
champions such as Detsakda Sitsongpeenong,
Kem Sitsongpeenong, Sittichai Sitsongpeenong
and the latest Lumpini championYodpayak
Sitsongpeenong and has seen irst Kem and
then Sittichai excel on the world scene. After
recent Kunlun and Glory tournament wins,
Sittichai is now regarded as one of the top 70 kilo
ighters in the world under both MuayThai and
kickboxing formats.The original gym is located on
the outskirts of Bangkok, close to the international
airport and the gym now also has a branch on the
holiday island of Phuket as well. IK
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5 Alex Amoroso WA 16 Ben Lane QLD 13 Daniel Barber NSW
6 Carl Snell VIC 17 Brent Dames VIC 14 Chase Haley VIC
18 Mitchell Brisbane NSW 15 Khan Deatta WA
60KG LIGHTWEIGHT 19 Matthew Smith QLD 16 Kosta Masmanidis SA
1 Dane Beauchamp QLD 20 Barrie Oliver WA 17 Jun Lee QLD
2 Roy Wills WA 21 Liam Woodhouse WA 18 Alex Ilijoski VIC
3 Ghot Seur Noi QLD 22 Glen Barrett NSW 19 Scott Wilson NSW
4 Joe Concha NSW 23 James Jose Rowland WA 20 Brock McRobb VIC
5 Matt McTavish QLD 24 Michael Henson SA 21 Brady Paull WA
6 Rav Sidhu SA 25 Damien Lakin ACT 22 Bentley Shefford VIC
7 Brandon Spain QLD 23 Evarard Augustine NT
8 Jordan Godtfredson WA 68KG JNR MIDDLEWEIGHT 24 John McKenna VIC
9 Peter Cai QLD 1 Michael Demetriou VIC 25 Kalon Milne NSW
10 Liam McNeill VIC 2 Kym Johnson SA 26 Dyllan Olsen WA
11 Kayne Young NSW 3 Rhyse Saliba NSW 27 Brett McCluskey VIC
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About the Oficial FEMALE 5 Yolanda Schmidt NSW

6 Abby Nelson WA
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Emma Graham
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At its discretion International Kickboxer 10 Kerrianne McKay WA
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qualiies ights from national organisations
that are deemed to have both the incentive 57KG FEATHERWEIGHT
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and reputation for signing top-level ighters 1 Sandra Brew ACT
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records and updated results as they happen 9 Sylvia Schiavoni VIC
to ikratings@blitzmag.com.au or the ofical 10 Courtney Fox NSW 63KG JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT
11 Natalie Edwards VIC 1 Melissa Anderson QLD
IK forum at www.kickboxermag.com.au.
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Furthermore, the inal rankings are made
13 Jodie Palozzi NSW 3 Tara James ACT
at the sole discretion of International 14 Jessica Yount NSW
Kickboxer magazine. 15 Whitney Tuna WA
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