ukmuaythai.com The Fifth Corner.

21st October 2001

Bell College, Hamilton

Sunday Afternoon fun for all the family at the IAMTF show in Hamilton.
Lots of kids about as the show was mainly novices with a number of "demo" bouts to give the younger ones some experience.
The show was in a college hall, with no alcohol, smoking or overly loud music. All the fighters were in body armour, head gear and shin pads, so there was no "wanton Violence" either.
A good way to introduce younger fans to the sport, and a good alternative to the late night shows in Nightclubs. I normally do not approve of children being at muaythai fights, but then I do not normal attend shows aimed at "Family Entertainment" like this one was, and I can see now that it doesn't always have to be strictly aimed at the "older boxing fans".
The main thing I noticed however would have to be the Wai Kru and Ram Muay's, which were incredibley long, detailed and entertaining. There was funny improvisation as the fighters/dancers really got into their roles.
Brilliant!
The ritual dance has always been of interest to me, and seeing some in full detail really made me want to know more.
Thanks to Stevie Nesbit for inviting me (and Duncan and Marc for driving me there and back!!)

Demonstration Bouts

1)Thomas White Vs Ryan Steele Photos here

2)Hatten Totten Vs Craig Findlay Photos here

3)Stephen Steele Vs Callum Findley Photos here

4)Kirsten Fullerton Vs Laura Steele Photos here

5)Ian Hunter Vs Glen Thomson Photos here

6)Frankie Crieg Vs Jason McNair Photos here

Fights

1) Michell Balfour (Sit Ayuthaya) Vs Fiona Fox (Highlanders Fortwilliam)
There was a major weight difference in this match, giving Fiona the power advantage that allowed her to dominate the fight throughout the 2 rounds. Michelle was continuosly pushed head down into knees, which she tried hard to defend and counter from, but she hadn't the strenght to match that of Fiona. Referee stoppage in round 2, giving a decisive victory to Fiona Fox
Photos

2) Maureen McNair (Sit Ayuthaya) Vs Kyrie Barker (Highlanders Fort William)
Maureen must have got about 100 speed knees into Kyrie in the first round! Kyrie faired alot better at striking distance as Maureen seemed less confident boxing than she did in the clinch.
Kyrie took the second round, overwhelming Maureen with her boxing, then throwing her away when Maureen tried to close into clinch.
The latter half of the 2nd round was clinch work, with the knees slowing down and Maureen punching the back and body of her opponent.
Round 3 was the decider, with Kyrie still going full pelt, while Maureen was exchausted from her exersions in the first round.
Majority decision win To Kyrie Barker.
Photos.

3) Gregor (Highlanders Glasgow) Vs James Jarvie (Fighting Fit Kirkaldy)
James Jarvie looked older and stronger than his opponent, however 4 , yes FOUR, groin shots quickly drained any advantage James may have had!
I would have diqualified young Gregor, but there is i suppose a slim chance that he made them same accidental kick 4 times in one fight???
Jarvie did well to hold it together, winning the bout with superior boxing skills (and what must be balls of steel!)
Photos

4) Louise McLaughlin (Sit Ayuthaya) Vs Sarah Fowler (Celtic Warriors)
A highly entertaining ram muay to start this fight with!
Louise shot arrows which were caught, then dug a grave which was filled in by Fiona, determind not to loose the pre fight dance!
Louise had to modernise the dance a little, finishing it of with a machine gun attack to ensure her opponent "died" in the dance (though I think the body armour may have been bullet proof :-P).
The fight was as filled as the dance, with the girls fighting 3 tough rounds.
Louise seemed to tire herself out, like her team met before her, using rapid knees in the early clinches.
Sarah on the other hand was patient and decisve, only using energy when required, anticipating and blocking moves with relative ease.
Flying punches from Louise rocked her opponent a few times, and gave her the winning edge when it came to the decision.
Well fought fight
Photos

5) Richard Irvinge (Sit Jai Su) Vs Paul Pranzke(Kao Loi Harrogate)
Another close, well matched bout.
Richard boxed and kicked very tidyly to begin with but managed to run straight into a teep, which sent him reeling. Paul, who was starting slower, also fell from a teep in the first round.
Round 2 saw Richard still fighting ast and accurate, but Paul's good use of feints kept his opponent on his toes. Paul started pushing forward as the round progressed, gainig in confidence as Richard started to tire out.
Richard spent the third round defending however he floored Paul with a couple of well timed sweeps when he was mid kick.
Hard one to judge, but decision went to Paul Pranzke. photos

6) Martin Holt (Siam) Vs Stuart McMasters (Highlanders Fort William)
Stuart McMasters of Highlanders was the clear winner of this fight from the first round, holding his own in the clinch agaist an opponent who at first glance appeared to have the advantage of both fight and fitness.
Martin Holt spent alot of time picking himself up off the canvas, which is actually really tiring!
The fight came to a sudden end in the third round Holts nose was burst, resulting in a TKO for McMasters.
Photos

7) Darren Scott (Sit Ayuthaya) Vs Phil McGrogan (Fighting Fit Kirkaldy)
Phil Grogan had a twinkle in his eyes during the Ram Muay that told me he was going to win this fight.
Both fighters started cautiously and the first round was really them trying to suss out each others strenghths and weaknesses.
Some thunderous kicks in the 2nd round really put the padding to the test, and i have no doubt that both fighters were feeling the stikes quite powerfully and painfully.
Elbows were thrown regularly by Phil, with Darren using them occasional but prefering the longer ranged weapons.
An impressive flying side kick from Phil, however it was his elbows that won him the match, with a front right and reverse left both catching Darren across the bridge of his nose. Darren took it incredibley well, however his nose was bleeding, burst from the outside, so the Doctor ended the battle.
Great to see the full repetoir of muaythai techniques in use.
Photos

Just so Marc doesn't feel neglected, here's a wee photo of him and Duncan Airlie James, who was one of the judges of the event.