boxxtomoi muay thai magazine

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FEATURED PERSONALITY ABBAS AHMADI THE IRANIAN NAK MUAY IN-FOCUS MUAY THAI: THE MALAYSIAN DILEMMA INTERNATIONAL FIGHTER NAMSAKNOI, THE EMPEROR GYM SPOTLIGHT BOXX WARRIORS MUAY THAI GYM AMPANG EVENTS REPORT KEJOHANAN TOMOI ANTARABANGSA PIALA TENGKU MAHKOTA KELANTAN 2008 Tips: Memilih Gim | Activity: Dari Kelantan Ke Yunan | Khru: Somwang Sinuan Gym Quest: Flying Cobra Boxing Cub | Muay Thai Column: The Muay Thai Scene In Kelantan ISSUE NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION. EVENTS CIRCULATION ONLY. 2009 # 1

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1st Malaysia's Muay Thai Magazine (Issue #1)

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Page 1: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

FEATURED PERSONALITYABBAS AHMADI THE IRANIAN NAK MUAY

IN-FOCUSMUAY THAI: THE MALAYSIAN DILEMMA

INTERNATIONAL FIGHTERNAMSAKNOI, THE EMPEROR

GYM SPOTLIGHTBOXX WARRIORS MUAY THAI GYM AMPANG

EVENTS REPORTKEJOHANAN TOMOI ANTARABANGSA PIALA TENGKU MAHKOTA KELANTAN 2008

Tips: Memilih Gim | Activity: Dari Kelantan Ke Yunan | Khru: Somwang SinuanGym Quest: Flying Cobra Boxing Cub | Muay Thai Column: The Muay Thai Scene In Kelantan

ISSUE

NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION.EVENTS CIRCULATION ONLY.

2009

#1

Page 2: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine
Page 3: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

08 events reportKejohanan Tomoi Antarabangsa Piala Tengku Mahkota Kelantan 2008The first event organized by Boxx Event in Kelantan

10 muay thai columnthe muay thai scene in kelantanPak Zawi reporting from Kelantan

11 muay thai tipsmemilih gimOur resident experts shares their tips on how to choose a true Muay Thai gym

12 gym spotlightAmpang Boxxwarriors Muay Thai GymThe newly established true Muay Thai gym in Ampang

16 featured personalityAbbas Ahmadi The Iranian Nak MuayGet to know this unstoppable Iranian Nak Muay

18 in-focusMuay Thai: The Malaysian DilemmaZahari put his thoughts on paper concerning Muay Thai in Malaysia

20 news & activityPerjalanan Dari Kelantan Ke YunanWorld Muaythai Association (WMA) Gala, Mengzi Honghe Yunnan 16th – 17th Januari 2009. Travelogue by Sanusi Othman

22 profile: international fighterNamsaknoi, The EmperorAn Interview with The Emperor - The Legend

26 special: khruAjarn (grandmaster) Somwang SinuanThis fartherly figure that fought more than 250 fights and fought Kung-fu stars in the 70s

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Publisher/EditorMusaddik ‘BoxxTomoi’ Zainuddin ([email protected])

EditorialMusaddik ‘BoxxTomoi’ ZainuddinFauzi Hamidin ([email protected])

Art & DesignFauzi Hamidin ([email protected])Azhar ([email protected])

ContributorsNadya Shahabuddin ([email protected]), Mohamad Zawawi Ahmad ([email protected]), Raja Ahmad Talmizi Raja Abdullah ([email protected]), Dilla M. Shukri ([email protected]), Adex @ Sharifah Hazwani Syed Hussin ([email protected]), Sanusi Othman, Zahari Ahmad Razali ([email protected])

PhotographersAzizanCM ([email protected])Shun ([email protected])Jun ([email protected])Nadya Shahabuddin

Advertising & MarketingMusaddik ([email protected]) 016-3200164

Published by:

KawanBoxxNo: 9, Jalan KE 4/10, Kota Emerald, Emerald East, 48000, Rawang, Selangor.

tel : 603-60345750email : [email protected] : http://boxxtomoi.blogspot com

© 2009 KawanBoxx. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced wheter by photocopying, recording or any other means without the prior permission of the publisher.

MAG RELATED SHOUT-BOXIf you’d like to have your work published, send your text, along with some good quality digital images to our email address [email protected]

Please ensure your email, including attachments, is no larger than 10MB. You may need to send several smaller emails if images are numerous and/or large.

If you would like to advertise in Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine, email us at [email protected] to obtain details, deadline dates and costs.

Look for the full result in issue #2 of Boxxtomoi Mag!4 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009

content

Page 4: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

Trainers of Rawai Muaythai Gym Phuket, Thailand

Internet Manager of Rawai Muaythai Gym– Khun Danny Avison and me

Handover of the souvenir to Sinbi Muaythai Gym owner - Khun Sing

Handover of the souvenir to fighters’ manager of Tiger Muaythai Gym - Khun Phet Chaimanee

Handover of the souvenir to Rawai Muaythai Gym owner - Khun Tuk

Giant signboard of Suwit Muaythai Gym

The head coach of Sinbi Muaythai Gym - Khun Met and me

Group photo with the friendly crews of Tiger Muaythai Gym

TRIP TO PHUKET, THAILANDActivity by Alvin of Boxx Warriors Gym Labuan

2009 ISSUE 1 - BOXXTOMOI | 7

news & activity

Page 5: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

Kejohanan Tomoi Antarabangsa Piala Tengku Mahkota Kelantan 2008

Kelantan Superfight

The Kelantan International Muay Thai Championship – The Regency Cup, the first event organized by Boxx Event in Kelantan, was held on the 17th and 18th November 2008. The event was jointly organized by Boxx, Kedah State Muay Thai Association and Kelantan Boxing Association. The support from the Kelantan State Government and World Muay Thai Council generated a success beyond our expectation.

We would like to extend our gratitude our main sponsor, Telekom Malaysia Berhad for sponsoring this prestigious event. Also, a special thanks to the State Government of Kelantan, Kota Bharu Municipal Council and of course, HRH The Regency of Kelantan for the cooperation and support given. Without them, this event could have never been better.

With the ideal seating capacity of 1,200, the Silver Jubilee Hall was jam-packed with more than 3,000 Muay Thai fans. More than 2,000 could only hang around outside the hall because the tickets were all sold out. Boxx tried its very best to provide the best ever show. However, nothing much could be done to ensure the comfort of the spectators.

28 boxers took part in the event with 7 fights per night took place. With the participation of 15 foreign boxers and 13 local favourites, the crowd cheered all the way until the end of the last fight. The highlights were the clash for two titles, TM WMC Title for 57.5 kg and WMC Asian Title for 67.5 kg respectively.

As for TM WMC Title, Mohd Ali Yaakob who was then with Boxx Warriors, defeated Maros Pacan from Slovakia. The fight lasted for 5 rounds and Ali took the belt home after winning the match by points. However, local hero, Kudin Raja Jerung failed to secure the WMC Asian Title after he was defeated by Abbas Ahmadi from Boxx Warriors, also by points.

The prize giving ceremony was carried out by HRH The Regency of Kelantan. We were informed that this was the first time a Muay Thai event in Kelantan, where a royalty graced the event. It was indeed an honour.

Boxx sincerely hope that the presence of the royal guest could change the perception on Muay Thai by the general public.

There is without a doubt that Kelantan has a big pool of good nak muays. They showed their true capability by defeating and giving a hard time to their foreign opponents. With good exposure, Kelantan nak muays will be surely able to go very far.

In fact, Boxx Warriors, after receiving an invitation to send boxers to a tournament in China, decided to send 2 boxers from Kelantan. Saiful M 150 and Wayi did well and received positive remarks from the event officials.

Due to the overwhelming respond for the event held, Boxx decided to organise another event in Kota Bharu, Kelantan by early March 2009. As this article is written, the ground work for the next event in Kelantan has started.

This time around, it would be a 3-night show, at a bigger venue and at a lower ticket price!

Kelantan, see u again soon!

Keputusan penuh Kejohanan Tomoi Antarabangsa Kelantan – Piala Tengku Mahkota

text: zahari ahmad razaliphoto: azizan cm

17 November 20081. Fauzan (Boxx Warriors, Kulim) kalahkan Ain Romli (Sikmasal, Pasir Mas) – KO pusingan 1

2. Aburn (Azmin Motor, Tanah Merah) kalahkan Wan Ali (Seri Embun, Pasir Mas) – KO pusingan 3

3. Karim (Afghanistan) kalahkan Ismadi (Boxx Warrior) – KO pusingan 2

4. Saraphon Salsaloon (Thailand) kalahkan Antuan Siangboxing (Perancis) – KO pusingan 2

5. Chaowalit (Boxx Warriors) kalahkan Salatan Salsaloon (Thailand) – KO pusingan 3

6. Wadi (Seri Payung) kalahkan Benny Ritter (Switzerland) – KO pusingan 4

7. Ali Yaakob (Boxx Warriors) kalahkan Maros Pacan (Slovakia) – kiraan mata

18 November 20081. Firdaus Janai (Boxx Warriors) kalahkan Idham Daud (M-150, Kota Bharu) – kiraan mata

2. Kamaruddin (M-150, Kota Bharu) seri dengan David William (Australia)

3. Barbod (Iran) kalahkan Abdul Alif (M-150) - KO pusingan 2

4. Bedu (Boxx Warriors) kalahkan Kenneth Carter (USA) - TKO pusingan 2

5. Oleg Fillipov (Russia) kalahkan Max 11 (M-150) – kiraan mata

6. Abbas Ahmadi (Boxx Warriors) kalahkan Kudin Raja Jerung (Kelantan)– kiraan mata

7. Berneung Sakhomsin (Tiger Gym, Thailand) kalahkan Karim Geliga Merah (Kelab Muay Kayu Kelat, Terengganu) - KO pusingan 2

results & photos

Benny Ritter vs Wadi Seri Payung

Maros Pacan vs Ali Yaakob Kudin Raja Jerung vs Abbas Ahmadi Oleg Fillipov vs Max 11

Karim Afghan vs Ismadi

Fauzan Boxx Warriors

8 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009 2009 ISSUE 1 - BOXXTOMOI | 9

events report

Page 6: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

the muay thai scene in kelantan

The death of Wan Dik in a Muay Thai (Tomoi) Championship fight in Kota Bharu in 2007 did not seem to deter the younger generation of fighters in Kelantan from joining the sport. The lack of facilities too doesn’t seem to be a hindrance. You will be surprised to find out that there is not a single gym that can be called a Muay Thai Gym in Kelantan and yet Kelantan produces many fine fighters that are able to match even the Thais themselves in their respective categories. Currently names such as Wadi Sri Payong, Kudin Raja Jerung, Iddy Selendang Kuning, and Akhbar Hanafi ‘Sepak Maut’ of Kemahang are names that often play on the lips of Muay Thai lovers. Akhbar Hanafi is currently training with BoxxWarriors in Kulim Kedah and will be fighting under their banners.

To these aspiring fighters the desire to be a champion is good enough to spur them to train in the most basic of condition. A pair of boxing gloves and a willing ‘guru’ who will teach them the finer points of Muay Thai is all they need and the rest will be on their own will with the consent of their parents. In the absence of a proper punching bag, a gunny sack filled with sand will do. Such are the conditions in many parts of Kelantan that they have to endure to become a fighter.

Championship fights were rare in Kelantan as ‘silat’ championship was the more popular games then. Silat championship was often held in a boxing ring played to a paying crowd. It’s inability to pull the crowd led the organizers of such event to mix the event with Muay Thai fights. Later when it was possible to obtain license to hold Muay Thai championships, ‘silat’ championships died a silent death and Muay Thai became popular. Now aspiring Muay Thai champions have a place to show their prowess. Before that fighters from Kelantan had to fight in Southern Thailand to become fighters of note. Nowadays the opposite seems to be the case and it is not rare to see fighters from Southern Thailand coming over to Kelantan to fight.

Former great Muay Thai fighters such as Ibrahim Baling from Pasir Mas and Wan Jaafar of Tumpat are names to be feared by the opponents. Baling is the Kelantan word for spinning of which Ibrahim was known to be able to execute when fighting. Later fighters like

Malik Bundle (Pasir Mas), Wan Mat Raja Masai and Rashid Ali Anak Beruang came into the limelight.

According to En. Ramli Awang (better known as Pak Usop) who is the President of Persatuan Boksing Kelantan (Kelantan Boxing Association), his association is working hard for inclusion of Tomoi in the Kelantan School extra curriculum in order to inculcate a healthy and disciplined society among the students. The association also assists the clubs to get equipments for training from the state government. Under the association there are about 30 active clubs with about 300 fighters in all the nine districts of Kelantan. The better known clubs are M150 (Kota Bharu), B13 (Rantau Panjang), M16 Tanah Merah.

With international championship fights being regularly brought to Kelantan by established event organizers such as BoxxEvents and sponsored by giant corporation TM Malaysia, the tomoi scene in Kelantan can only get better. Our hope is for Kelantan fighters to become world champions one day.

1. Pastikan mereka mengajar Muay Thai. Kebanyakan gim mengajar kickboxing tapi memanggilnya Muay Thai. Jika mereka tidak mengajar lutut dan siku, itu bukan Muay Thai.

2. Adakah mereka hanya mengajar menggunakan kaki untuk sepakan rendah dan beberapa teknik tumbukan? Jika ya, itu bukanlah gim Muay Thai yang sebenar. Dalam Muay Thai, sepak layang rendah dan tinggi, sepak libas ekor buaya dan tendang lurus ialah teknik sepakan yang utama.

3. Adakah mereka berlatih menggunakan pao satu lawan satu antara pelatih dan jurulatih? Beg berat memang diakui berkesan untuk melatih ketepatan anda, tetapi ia tidak boleh mengajar anda cara untuk berlawan dengan betul. Pao dapat mengasah ketepatan, kekuatan dan rentak tempur pelatih.

4. Adakah gim mereka mengamalkan latihan gaya Thai? Latihan menghenjut di atas tayar, skipping menggunakan tali skipping Thai ialah antara latihan tradisional yang masih menjadi amalan semua gim di Thailand.

5. Adakah mereka mengajar teknik buangan dan sapuan? Adakah sparring bersama jurulatih atau rakan sepelatih turut dilakukan?

6. Adakah gim mereka menyediakan gelanggang untuk pelatih belajar seni gelanggang (ring craft)? Adakah mereka mengajar

strategi gelanggang? Selepas anda meningkatkan kemahiran anda dalam serangan dan belaan, anda perlu tahu juga taktik ketika berlawan di atas gelanggang.

7. Adakah mereka mengajar Wai Khru (hormat guru) dan Ram Muay (langkah sembah)? Anda perlu mengetahui tradisi pertarungan walaupun anda tidak bercadang bertanding di gelanggang. Anda tidak boleh menyertai pertandingan di Thailand sekiranya tidak melakukan Wai Khru terlebih dahulu.

8. Adakah mereka mempunyai kemahiran dan pengetahuan yang tinggi dalam seni ini dan sanggup berkongsi ilmu dengan anda? Jika anda hanya belajar beberapa teknik tumbukan dan sepakan dalam masa tiga bulan, anda perlu fikirkan semula untuk meneruskan kelas itu.

9. Adakah gim mereka turut mempunyai pasukan sendiri yang mengambil bahagian dalam pertandingan? Adakah mereka bersedia melatih anda sekiranya anda berminat untuk mengambil bahagian?

10. Adakah kakitangan gim dan jurulatih mereka mesra? Adakah mereka sentiasa bertanya khabar dan mengambil berat tentang peningkatan kemahiran anda sepanjang belajar di sana. Apabila anda mula masuk ke gim dan merasa seperti di rumah sendiri, itu bermakna gim itu pilihan terbaik.

text & photo: pak zawi

Zariman The Trainer Pak Usop Ajan the Kelantan nak muay

Adik Adi Aman

from left: Oji, Noh (Trainer), Raja Ahmad Talmizi, Adam, Jass, Musaddikwith Sinam Phunkasikon/Saksit Chosipasert - Head Trainer at Ampang Boxxwarriors Gym

Ampang Boxxwariors Gym - read more about it next page

Seni tarung Muay Thai telah berkembang dengan pesat di seluruh dunia sejak beberapa dekad lalu. Kini, makin banyak pusat kecergasan dan seni mempertahankan diri menyediakan kelas Muay Thai. Jadi, apakah tip yang boleh dijadikan panduan bagi mencari gim yang betul-betul mengajar Muay Thai?

10 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009 2009 ISSUE 1 - BOXXTOMOI | 11

muay thai tipsmuay thai column memilih gimtext: raja ahmad talmizi raja abdullah

photo: azizan cm

Page 7: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

I am really interested in Muay Thai. This is a great place to learn Muay Thai. Fairus Musa, 29, Financial Consultant from Rawang

Training in Muay Thai just makes me feel absolutely confident. The coaches here trains you personally, that’s why I love it here. Payam Mirshah, 20, student from Iran

I used to train with Ali Yaakob. I know that Boxx has a good reputation and I want to associate with Boxx. Qamarul, 19, student from Shah Alam

I love Muay Thai and I they offer genuine training here. Muhammad Ridzuan Zainal Abidin, 26, Health Inspector from Sepang.

Ampang Gym is a blessing with Thai coaches that imparts traditional Muay Thai as opposed to other ‘hybrid’ Muay Thai gyms. Goh Kean Choon, 41, Businessman from Damansara Perdana

We heard there is a true Muay Thai Gym conducted by renowned MT masters. Without hesitation, we enroll all our four kids who are actively involved in karate. Yati, Azlee & Ina from Ampang

I love to exercise the Muay Thai way. This is a good place to do so.Jaslee, 29, Advertising Agency Owner from Ampang

It was a great start for me and I urge anyone who wanted to start Muay Thai, whatever the reason is, please have a visit at Boxx warriors Gym Ampang. Fauzi, 36, Creative Designer, KL

AmpangBoxxwarriors Muay Thai Gym

what the students says...

text

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This inaugural issue takes us to the newly established Muay Thai gym in Ampang, Selangor – Boxx Warriors Ampang Gym. After passing my fitness test by climbing up the four-story-high staircase, BoxxTomoi finally made it to the gym. Phew!

This is the only real full-Muay Thai gym in KL with a friendly atmosphere. BoxxTomoi interviews the owner of the gym, who is perhaps the only

woman Muay Thai gym owner in Malaysia right now, Kirsty Dzulkarnain.

Boxx: Why did you establish a Muay Thai gym?

Kirsty: I’ve always loved Muay Thai. I learned kickboxing six years ago and was seriously looking for a local Muay Thai gym that welcomes female enthusiasts, but couldn’t find any. In the end, I went to Thailand during school holidays for four years to learn the art. Now, four years later, I’ve decided to establish a Muay Thai gym of my own, exactly Thai style, with the help and encouragement of Boxx Warriors’ founder, Zahari Ahmad Razali. All Muay Thai enthusiasts can come and learn this ancient martial art without having to go all the way to Thailand like I did.

Boxx: What is the objective of your gym?Kirsty: I established this gym to cater to all who are interested

in Muay Thai irrespective of their level, from elementary-school children to professional fighters who are in need of conditioning and more sparring techniques. Many have asked whether we welcome women trainees and yes, we do. In fact, we have more than fifteen women trainees at the moment. In my opinion, Muay Thai is a particularly practical form of martial art. The techniques can be applied in any emergency situation, and our gym teaches plenty of

techniques. Finally, we always invite fighters and champions to train with our students to expose them to even more techniques.

Boxx: Where will this gym be in five years?Kirsty: In five years, I hope this gym will have grown and that Muay Thai will be an even more popular sport among Malaysians. I’d also like to promote and organise matches alongside Zahari and other promoters. Boxx will have more talented fighters who will do Malaysia proud.

Last but not least, we would like to help former fighters establish themselves by all means possible as a token of our appreciation to their dedication to Muay Thai.

Boxx: Thai coach – why?Kirsty: First, I established this gym for my Thai husband, Saksit

Chosipasert, who is also a Thai champion. He loves teaching and imparting his knowledge to those who are interested in learning the art. I’ve recruited other Thai teachers because they grew up with Muay Thai and have learned the art since they were barely children. They’re also champions and love imparting Muay Thai to those who are willing to receive it. I met them when I was training in Thailand. They’re excellent teachers and I invited them to come and teach here – so that’s why.

Jaslee sparring with Sinam

12 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009

gym sportlight

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Page 8: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

Abbas AhmadiNamsaknoi

The Flying Cobra Boxing Club text: musaddik zainuddin/ojiphoto: azizan cm

The Khru (teacher) Nordin Omar, 48 an ex-serviceman or better known as Pak Din, called me 3 times prior to our visit. He invited me to his bangsal (makeshift gym). He has a fighter ready but just don’t know how to put his student on the ring. You can feel the excitement and dream of a Khru who after 5 years finally found a Nak Muay worth championing his gym: The Flying Cobra Boxing Club.

We (Musaddik, Oji Zerobyte and shooter Azizan CM) reached Pak Din’s bangsal at about 9.30 pm. The location is at Kg. Setia Jaya, Setapak, downtown KL – just bordering Melati/Gombak.

There are 4 students training when we reached there and one of them is his ace, Amir Cobra, a network engineer in Sri Hartamas. Well built, about 75 kg and humble to boot. Just how a pro nak muay always are.

We watch Pak Din and Amir in training, I don’t know if Pak Din trying to show his student muay skill or his improvises gym equipment. I mean the equipments and training facility (if we can call that) are all self-made! Buckets filled with cements for barbell, old tyre wrapped on pole for punching target, and other weird contraptions lying around that make one feel “wow this guys must be training real hard” - hard as in under-equipped.

Anyway, the ace fighter, Amir, is quite good. We were not there long enough to see Pak Din’s complete training regime but I must honestly say Pak Din and his nak muays would benefits better in a real gym. We say this because we felt the high spirit within these ‘bangsal’ fighters. We really hope to be able to see Amir fight under the Flying Cobra name soon. - CHOKDEE!

14 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009

gym quest

Page 9: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

abbas ahmadi

That was his exact words. Knowing that Muay Thai fighters are paid by the thousands for matches, his words held my attention and made me wanted to know more about Abbas Ahmadi, a Muay Thai fighter from Boxx Warriors Gym.

So what is Muay Thai actually?

According to Wikipedia, Muay Thai is a form of hard martial art. Muay Thai is also referred to as ‘The Art of the Eight Limbs’, as the hands, shins, elbows, and knees are all used extensively in this art. A practitioner of Muay Thai (nak muay) thus has the ability to execute strikes using eight ‘points of contact’, as opposed to ‘two points’ (fists) in Western boxing and ‘four points’ (fists, feet) used in the primarily sport-oriented forms of martial arts. Mind boggling really for someone who knows nothing about Muay Thai, like yours truly. However, after seeing Abbas in action, it all makes sense. Abbas executed the definition of Muay Thai to perfection. He was totally amazing!

But, why Muay Thai?

That was among the first question I asked him. I would say that his answer was unique because I could see the passion in his eyes when he answered the question.

According to Abbas, prior to Muay Thai, he had experimented with wushu, kick-boxing and other forms of martial arts. But the only kind of martial arts that really kept his blood pumping was Muay Thai.

Again, why?

Simple...Muay Thai kept him on his toes, kept him focused and an absolute challenge to him. Literally.

Judging from his physique, I’m not surprised. As other nak muays, Abbas is athletically built and fit.

To keep fit, Abbas follows a rather punishing physical routine; a mixture of cardio and strength-building exercise; 6 days a week, on top of the regular training sessions. Food and nutrition are also important. Abbas has a specific nutritional regime that he followed prior to matches. He eats less carbohydrates and more protein one month before matches to build up his strength. One week before the fight, he will consume more carbohydrates and less protein for instant energy surge. This will ensure that Abbas will be deadly, possess devastating power and speed as well as exceptional cardio-vascular endurance during the matches!

At 26, Abbas Ahmadi, an Iran-born fighter, has 7 years experience in the ring, the Muay Thai ring.

Starting at the age of 19, Abbas won his first match as an amateur fighter in Iran. That was only after 2 months of being a nak muay. He won 2 more matches later, followed by the bronze medal in the World Amateur Muay Thai Competition. He was also a member of the Iran’s International Amateur Team.

However, being an amateur was not his dream. Abbas had big dreams. He wished to be a professional nak muay.

It was a difficult journey. He was broke; he did not have enough to eat. These conditions affected his performance. But, Abbas, the fighter that he is, persevered. He got his big chance in Thailand. At first, nervousness overcame him but his friends’ words kept ringing

in his ears, ‘Fight as if this is your last fight. Fight with all your might. Fight with all that you have.’ That, said Abbas, kept him sane and focused during the fight.

He fought well-known nak muays. He did not have a name then, nobody knew him. He lost by points even though the spectators believed that he should have won. He was knocked out, but these fights were the stepping stones for him. Abbas Ahmadi had finally made his name.

In 2006, the Chaweng Stadium was the witness of the first professional title he won. Believe it or not, it was a knock-out! He was disoriented with from the sheer exhilaration of winning that he could not even find the way to get out of the ring! How brilliant was that?

Since then, Abbas Ahmadi is unstoppable. He climbed the Muay Thai ladder steadily, until he became a renowned professional fighter, as he is now. Following his first win, Abbas won 7 other championships, among others the WPMO Championship for 3 years in a row (2006 until 2008); P-K1 (2006), Macau World (2007), TM-WMC (2008), S1 World Championship (2008) as well as WMC Asian (2008).

To maintain his focus in a match, Abbas has his own regime. He will spend some time in solitude, to clear his mind and to focus on his ultimate goal; winning the competition. Even though his family and friends are really important to him, winning a match is even more important. That being said, he would not even talk to them if he feels they will distract him.

While reminiscing his previous fights, Abbas mentioned the most memorable and the most difficult fights he had ever gone through.

Saenchai Sor Kingstar of Thailand was a well known nak muay. Even though he lost from a third-round knock-out, Abbas learned a lot of new techniques from his opponent to perfect his own. That was the most memorable fight ever, Abbas said, and that fight occurred at

the beginning of his nak muay career.

His most difficult fight was during the WPMO Championship in 2006 in which Abbas won the title. His opponent, a European who used a lot of kick-boxing techniques was defeated with a knock-out.

Abbas may look mean in the ring, but in truth, he is a down-to-earth guy. He values his family and he wishes for his family to watch him in the ring, to watch his skills and techniques, to support him. When asked whether any of his family members have ever watched his matches, he was somewhat crestfallen.

“I know that my mother, brothers and sisters may not be able to watch my matches, but I sometimes wish that they could. Knowing that my nephews are also interested in Muay Thai makes me feel very happy and proud to be a good role-model for them.”

Professionally, Abbas wants to upgrade himself to fight and win in the 70-72 kg class. Achievable, he said, but it takes quite a bit of work. When asked, Abbas said that he may not fight forever, but when the time comes he would love to coach other nak muays and share his skills and techniques.

Some may see Muay Thai as a brutal form of sport, but to me, after watching Abbas in action, Muay Thai is an art; an art of coordination, balance and focus, flawlessly representing Boxx Tomoi’ s motto, ‘Pain is temporary, pride is forever’.

“Definitely,” said Abbas with a smile and determination in his eyes.

# Abbas Ahmadi is currently a team member of Boxx Warriors, the first professional Muay Thai team in Malaysia.

Dilla [email protected]

“It’s not about the money. It’s about the drive to be a somebody...a champion...”

text: dilla m.shukriphoto: shun

PROFILEName : Abbas AhmadiGym : BoxxWarriors Muay Thai GymCountry : IranBelt : WPMO Championship (2006-2008) P-K1 (2006) Macau World (2007) TM-WMC (2008) S1 World Championship (2008) WMC Asian (2008)

photo by musaddik

16 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009 2009 ISSUE 1 - BOXXTOMOI | 17

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Page 10: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

People in Malaysia think Muay Thai is violent and creates violent society. People in Malaysia think Muay Thai should not be practiced in Malaysia because it originates from Thailand; it’s not a form of martial arts or a type of sport native to Malaysia (This actually makes me wonder the origin of golf and why is it allowed to be played here, in Malaysia...).

Sponsors think Muay Thai fans have no buying power because this ‘sport’ is only watched by the villagers. Sponsors think Muay Thai fans are only found in Thailand. Sponsors think Muay Thai only attracts “low class” people … but one thing for sure, whoever thinks that way had obviously never been to a Muay Thai tournament. They only judge Muay Thai only from one angle and that is from a NEGATIVE point of view.

This year, I had the opportunity to go to three Muay Thai events. The first one was a national level martial art competition held in Kulim, Kedah. The organiser rented a BIG hall for the venue. And guess what, the number of spectators were around 200 people. The one thing I need to tell you that the admission is free. It was rather obvious since the contestants are amateur. Therefore, the organiser did not have to pay any cash prize. To top that up, THEY also HAVE BIG SPONSORSHIP!

The second event I attended was the final match of another martial art competition. Despite the big budget allocated and the presence of a minister, the number of contestant outnumbered the audience.

The third event was held only last weekend. It was a promotion held in Kulim by a GIANT Telco company. When I arrived at the venue, they had about 5 small canopies and 1 BIG canopy with an estimated number of 50 staffs. The best thing was, only 4 people or I would rather say 4 potential customers at the venue and one of them was me. I asked one of the staffs, “How much do u spend for this promotion event?” and he replied around RM 5 – 6 thousand. And I said to him that I can guarantee a minimum of 1,000 people will come and visit their promotion with that amount of budget. He smiled and asked me how I am going to do that. Well, I said to him it’s simple….

”I just bring in my boxing ring and provide local professional Muay Thai fighters to fight at your promotion venue. The fights will be free for public to watch and I can guarantee that you will need the traffic police to control the traffic flows”.

To my surprise, he commented that they might not get the right crowd for their products and services. I asked him again, have you ever watched a Muay Thai fight in Malaysia? He just kept quiet….and again I felt a bit disappointed with the way Malaysians judge Muay Thai. The majority of Malaysians do not realise that Muay Thai fights in Malaysia can attract people from all walks of life; school children, university students, teachers, engineers, doctors, lawyers, expatriates, CEOs….just name it and they are there. But of course, in order to attract such a huge crowd, proper marketing and promotion plan must be implemented.

And why do Muay Thai fights attract people? Simply because the fighters are real people and the fights are full of spectacular actions

and stunning display of techniques as well as coordination.

Daniel Mashamaite, a boxer from South Africa had fought 4 times in Malaysia. During his last fight here, he commented that I definitely have big sponsorships in my pocket because I organise a lot of tournaments in a year and there are always big crowds watching the events. He was surprised when I told him that that for Kedah International Muay Thai Championship, the sponsorship funds that I managed to get after ‘begging’ was not more than RM 30,000. This is in contrast of the 4,000 paid crowd where the spectators paid RM 13 per ticket and there were 1,000 free passes available. I really don’t think that you need to calculate how much we made, because believe it or not, it’s not a lot.

Just imagine the cost to organise an international event. FREE entrance is a crowd puller…but if I were to do that, who is going to bear the organisation cost? Sponsors will surely get maximum mileage if they sponsor Muay Thai event. That is something I can guarantee. Sponsor will not only profit in terms of branding mileage, they can even generate cash sales by sponsoring Muay Thai event. That is also something I can guarantee 100 % (but sorry guys, can’t tell you the method…well, I can tell you how but then I am afraid I have to kill you...smile). The problem is, most of the decision maker,

turn down your proposal just because he or she doesn’t like Muay Thai (or maybe our proposal is not convincing enough….hmmm…I will improve on that).

In a conversation I had with an officer of a State Government owned company, the officer said they are unable to sponsor Muay Thai event because Muay Thai is not related to their company. However, she also said, “but we can sponsor GOLF.” I was like“Huh??? Is golf actually related to a state government owned company where the company’s activity involves the development of the state?” Oh well, I guess they sponsor golf because their bosses play golf... poor Muay Thai.

In order to change the negative perception against Muay Thai in the

eye of Malaysians, BOXX is going to operate a Muay Thai centre soon. We are targeting school children to participate and we plan to charge them between RM 2 – 5 a month (to cover the operational cost … don’t laugh ok...).

I am expecting the majority of the school children who turn up will be the “aggressive students”. The non-aggressive students might choose musical class instead (maybe these “aggressive students” will go to musical class too…or will they?). When these aggressive students turn up for training at... let say 5 pm... They will not straight away start to punch and kick. We are going to organise a 15 minutes informal class on anti-smoking, anti-drug, anti-crime and all those

positive classes. The speakers will come from various related government agencies (I hope they support this effort). The speakers will sit among these students and tell them stories about the effects of smoking, drugs etc… (These students will run away if we conduct the class in a formal way, that’s for sure because I would run away too...). We might even get a reformed drug addict to relate his experience to them. These classes will be conducted from time to time.

My prediction is, after few years, these students will still be “aggressive students” because the aggressiveness is already in them but they will be equipped with knowledge and discipline. We hope to instil positive values in these students through Muay Thai training and all those classes.

What I am trying to say is…. YOU CAN USE MUAY THAI AS A TOOL TO CREATE GOOD CITIZENS, GOOD PEOPLE and GOOD COMMUNITY. If, and only if you don’t have a negative point of view towards Muay Thai (because I really don’t think the students, the boys mostly, will simply attend an anti-smoking or anti-drug classes).

No matter what, no matter how big the obstacle is, we at BOXX EVENT will never surrender. We, with the support from all of you, will continue our struggle to place Muay Thai where it should be …

Last but not least, I would like to thank everybody who has been supporting Muay Thai activities in Malaysia and please continue visiting this blog because it is also a proof that Muay Thai has big fans all around the world.

Regards,ZAHARI AHMAD RAZALI

*this open letter was posted on BoxxTomoi blogspot in August 2007

muay thai: the malaysian dilemma

text: zahari ahmad razaliphoto: nadya shahabuddin

“you can use muay thai as a tool to create good citizens, good people and good community...”

18 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009

in-focus

in-focus

Page 11: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

15 Januari 2009Jam 01.40 pm - Kami bertiga menaiki pesawat Air Asia menuju ke Bangkok dari LCCT KLIA.

Jam 03.40 pm - Selepas menempuh 2 jam perjalanan, kami singgah di Bangkok untuk menunggu pesawat ke Kunming pada jam 8.25 pm. Pertama kali menjejak kaki ke sini membuatkan kami rasa teruja. Perut lapar perlu diisi, apalagi bekalan Mamee yang dibawalah jadi mangsanya.

Jam 5.00 pm - Berkumpul untuk check-in. Barulah berjumpa dengan semua boxer yang akan ke sana, boxer pertama yang boleh bersembang ialah Olivier Belgium (cukup dikenali di Kedah). Saiful kata kawan baik dia. Lepas tu barulah kenal Yaser Jordan, Shane Canada dan Faizal New Zealand.Jumpa Jerson Philipines, Wayi kata ok, boleh makan kalau besar ni. Tengah rancak bersembang, tiba-tiba ada orang tegur, “Boxx Warrior Gym, Mr Zahari?” Rupa-rupanya Vice President WMA, dia cukup tau pasal Boxxwarrior, dia tanya bila ada international fight kat Malaysia lagi.

Jam 8.25 pm – Flight ke Kunming berlepas. Kali pertama tengok makanan dalam flight, perut lapar, sejuk tapi tak leh makan. Saiful dengan Wayi tanya, “bang, boleh makan ke? Kalau rasa tak boleh, jangan makan”.

Jam 11.25 pm – Pesawat mendarat. Keluar je pintu airport Kunming, tengok orang ramai, siap polis lagi berbaris, rupa-rupanya penganjur buat sambutan untuk meraikan kedatangan semua boxer. Kumpulan

kami dibawa dengan 2 buah bas dengan diiringi kereta polis ke Wengzi. Rasa macam diplomatlah pulak. Yunan memang kawasan sejuk. Nasib baik tak bersalji. Apalagi lagi mata pun layu la mengantuk. Terjaga, masih atas bas lagi, tengok jam, “Hah! 5.30 pagi!! Jauhnya hotel” rupanya 6 jam perjalanan dari Kunming ke daerah Wengzi. (sama jauh naik bas dari Kulim ke Pasir Mas-kampung aku).

16 Januari 2009Jam 6.00 am – Sampai hotel, makan pagi, sekali lagi kami telan air liur je, nak makan yang ada ayam, daging dan pork. Apa boleh buat, ambik nasi, taruk sayur kobis, makan je, janji kenyang.

Jam 1.00 pm – Check weight – Saiful 61 kg, (fight 57 kg), Wayi 63 kg, (fight 61 kg), terlebih berat la pulak, apa lagi, tak makan lah tengah hari tu. Inilah masalah yang berlaku pada mana-mana boxer, bila melibatkan perjalanan yang jauh, nak jogging, cuaca sejuk, peluh pun tak keluar. Jadi makan Mamee la nampaknya.Tengahari tu depa buat Press Conference, jenuh kena pakai translator, rupanya masyarakat disini tak tau langsung bahasa Inggeris. Sekali cakap guna 2 translator, Thai dan China, barulah press boleh tulis. Lepas tu tengok stadium, besarnya lebih kurang Stadium Badminton Cheras.

Jam 6.00 pm – Lepas dinner, relax je kat lobby, Saiful dengan Wayi dok skipping dalam bilik. Nak kena turun berat, esok waktu lunch nak check lagi sekali. Try jalan-jalan sekeliling hotel, tak ada langsung bangsa asing, hanya orang tempatan je, cari money changer, sorang pun tak tau, yang depa tau sebut “bank”. Crew organizer lagi sempoi, 2 orang je boleh cakap Inggeris, yang lain kita tanya Inggeris depa jawab cina. Apa lagi, itik dengan ayam la. Malam kat stadium ada show kungfu dan shaolin, kira macam upacara pembukaan la, Gabenor Wilayah depa mari rasmi. Penonton penuh, polis yang jaga pintu stadium, yang herannya kereta bomba pun standby 2 biji kat luar stadium. Mungkin takut terbakar kot.

17 Januari 2009Jam 8.00 am – Nak pi breakfast pun liat, maklumlah sejuk, pakai baju 3 helai pun sejuk lagi, tapi Saiful selamba je, pakai selipar je pi China. Lupa bawa kasut. Makan pagi sempoi dok sini, makan epal, minum Coke dan balik bilik makan Mamee! Cukup senang, lunch dan diner pun sama: MAMEE. Boxer Malaysia (muslim) inilah masalahnya untuk fight di negara luar. Hanya semangat dan iman yang kental saja yang boleh mengatasinya.

Jam 8.00 pm – Acara dimulakan dengan pertunjukan Muay Boran dan Muay Krabi oleh team dari Thailand. Sempoi juga, depa punya

wai kru lebih kurang Bedu, cuma 3 kali panah tak kena, lepas tu guna lembing pula baru kena. Tapi sayang saya tak sempat tengok Muay Krabi sebab kami datang bertiga je, so kena tolong depa balut bandage, urut minyak, corner man dan buka mongkon. Ni lah first time kena buat semua ni, bangga gak rasanya. Saiful fight game kedua. Dia baru buka langkah untuk waikru, music dah berhenti, nampak juga muka frust sebab tak sempat nak tunjuk wai kru gaya Kelantan. Baru saya dok siap nak ambik gambar, budak Mongolia jatuh dah kena siku. Rasanya Saiful marah sebab tak bagi dia buat waikru agaknya. Dia kata “bojeng pun tak dan ku car”. Bergema sat stadium dengan sorakan, 1 minit je dah KO. Ketua pengadil pun puji. “Well done Malaysia”. Game ke-4, Wayi lawan Philippines, masa kat changing room pun Wayi dah mengadu tak larat, hilang tenaga, tak makan nasi. Start round pertama, dia dah hilang konsentrasi, apalagi 2nd round, penumbuk hinggap ke muka macam Bedu kena dengan Irsyad Sayed, gelap dunia sat katanya.

Jam 12.30 pm – Game tamat, biasa lah champion riuh bergambar dengan peminat, tak terkecuali Saiful, anak dara cina berpusu-pusu nak bergambar dengan dia, autograph tak yah kira, jenuh sign, biasalah, yang menang bergembira, yang kalah kita perbetulkan diri dan cuba lagi.

18 Januari 2009Jam 10.00 am – Selepas breakfast, kami berkumpul untuk ke Kunming Airport. Macam sebelumnya, kereta polis akan escort bas boxer. Sekali lagi kami menempuh perjalanan yang panjang, dalam kesejukan pula tu. Ada road block, tetap kena tahan walaupun ada escort, rupanya bas kotor, tak boleh masuk Bandar Kunming, kena basuh dulu. Itu syarat depa, polis pun tak kebal rupanya. Baru tau Wilayah Yunan ni sangat cantik, bersih,tapi tandasnya ya Allah… hancing!! Kat airport pun sama. Hilang semangat nak kencing.

Jam 6.00 pm – Sampai airport, kena lepak lagi tunggu flight jam 11.30 pm, cari money changer pun tak ade jugak. Tanya punya tanya, depa kata hanya Bank of China sahaja yang boleh tukar duit, tu pun dollar sahaje, yang lain susah sikit.

19 Januari 2009 Sampai Suvarnabhumi Airport jam 1.30 am. Disinilah kita tau betapa popularnya seorang nak muay. Hampir keseluruhan pegawai imigresen dan Kun Thai yang jumpa respek habis bila tengok nak muay bawa piala. Depa tengok piala pun depa tau dah itu piala muay thai.

Jam 10.30 am – Kami sampai ke LCCT KLIA, alhamdulillah kami selamat pergi dan balik. Betapa rindunya nasi Malaysia sama seperti rindunya family dirumah. Semasa menuggu bas untuk ke KL Sentral, tiba-tiba datang seorang lelaki nak bergambar dengan piala yang dipegang Saiful, rupanya dia dari Vietnam dan dia tau itu adalah piala muay thai. Wah bangganya kami tapi sayang bukan orang Malaysia yang mengucapkanya. Kami berpisah di pudu raya dengan Wayi terus balik ke Kelantan manakala Saiful pergi ke Ampang berjumpa keluarganya.

Inilah sedikit sebanyak catitan yang dapat saya ceritakan sepanjang perjalanan ke World Muay Thai Profesionals di Yunan yang dianjurkan oleh World Muay Thai Association (WMA). Sedikit sebanyak perjalanan ini akan menjadi titik permulaan kepada boxer Malaysia untuk bergerak jauh keseluruh dunia demi untuk mengharumkan nama Negara.

Mohd Sanusi OthmanBoxx Warrior Gym

* photographer unknown20 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009 2009 ISSUE 1 - BOXXTOMOI | 21

PERJALANAN DARI KELANTAN KE YUNANActivity by Sanusi Othman

news & activity

World Muaythai Association (WMA) Gala, Mengzi Honghe Yunnan16th – 17th Januari 2009

Page 12: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

text & photo: nadya shahabuddin

namsaknoi, The Emperor

PROFILEFighter Name : Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn Namsuk = The most mighty, Noi = Junior or littleName : Muhamud ChaiyamartDate of birth : Oct 13, 1979Birth place : Surat Thani, ThailandSport : Muay ThaiHeight : 1.77 mWeight : 61.5kg (135Ibs)

titlesLumpinee Champion 115 lbsLumpinee Champion 122 lbsLumpinee Champion 135 lbs (2000-2006)WMC World Champion 115 lbsPABA Boxing Champion 135 lbsFord Ranger Tournament winnerChampion of South of Thailand 95 lChampion of South of Thailand et 126 lbsVoted Best Fighter of the year 1996 by the Sportswriters Association of ThailandVoted Best Fighters of the year 1999 by the Sports Authority of ThailandBest Wai Kru/Ram Muay of the year 2001Best Wai Kru/Ram Muay of the year 2006

records300 Fights, 280 Wins, 15 Loses , 5 Draws(Winning record up till 2004)

* bio info/records by Rob Cox www.axkickboxing.com | [email protected]

Ever since I discovered him on Youtube two years ago, he became my Muaythai idol. The opportunity to watch his fight in Kulim and meet him in March 2008 was the benchmark of our friendship. Despite his

long list of impressive wins and award titles, he was a humble person. Formally known as Namsaknoi The Emperor, his succession of wins proved what a great nak muay (boxer) he is.

Q: Have you stopped competing/fighting?A: Yes, I stopped in 2006 but if people want me to fight, I will come back and fight again. Q: Have you reached your goals with the Muay Thai?A: Well.. its enough I guess.

Q: What was the peak for you during your competing years? What are you most proud of?A: I think my fight with Samkor was the peak because at that point I was at my 135pound and I had to lose some weight to fight Samkor. It’s was a hard time to get the requirement weight. But I manage to be at the same weight group with him and at the end of the day, I was able to win, that was one of my proudest moments.

Q: Which camp / instructor / master meant the most to you?A: Kiat Sing Noi Camp in Bangkok and Por Pramuk Camp. Mon Meng Kaw is the best trainer I have and also my 1st cousin who also taught me Waikru. I trained with him the longest.

Q: What is your connection to Chaweng stadium?A: I am currently a Trainer at Chaweng Stadium. I have been here since June 2008.

Q: What is your plan? Are ready to settle down in Chaweng?A: My plan is to have my own Gym. I even have the name for it already. NSN club muaythai. I hope my dream will materialize soon. But Chaweng stadium allows me to have a good teaching experience so I will be here for a while as I am not ready to settle down yet. I’m still looking for the best place to settle down. Maybe in Samui, maybe in Pukhet.

Q: How would you describe a good instructor?A: A good instructor has to teach both Muaythai techniques and also instill good attitude to the student... to be humble and not misuse the knowledge of Muaythai. A good instructor also has to be honest and teach sincerely.

Q: Have you had any injuries from your fighting?A: Yes. I broke my jaw once badly and dislocated my nose.

Q: Beside Muaythai, what is your other hobby?A: I love playing football in my free time. I’m a big fan of Manchester United.

Q: what is your dream?A: Like I said earlier, I want to own my own stadium, my own gym. I also want to go and teach around the world.

An Interview with The Emperor, December 18, 2008

* Namsaknoi currently resides at Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui. Those interested to train with him, can email [email protected] or visit his blog: http://nsnclubmuaythai.blogspot.com for info, news and updates.

p/s: The same interview will also appear in www.lifeportalen.se, thanks to our friend, Håkan Jörgensen, the editor of the magazine.

22 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009 2009 ISSUE 1 - BOXXTOMOI | 23

profile: international fighter

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profile:

Page 13: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

Mohd Fauzan vs Bow Sulaiman

Fauzan executing perfect sweep Tarmiza Inai Sri Baging vs Hazri Yusof Jose ‘Pitu’ Sans performing Wai Khru

Berneung Sakhomsin vs Fakarut

Quintana lands a powerful kick on Bedu

Kedah SuperfightKeputusan penuh TM-Kejohanan Tomoi Antarabangsa Kedah,Jubli Emas DiRaja

29 August 20081. Mohd Fauzan (Boxxwarriors) beat Bow Sulaiman- KO 4th round

2. Tarmiza Inai Sri Bagong beat Hazri Yusof- KO 1st round

3. Dekwan Koaklai beat Oleg Fillipov (points)

4. Hashim Ramli (Boxxwarriors) beat Yiddeen M-150- KO 2nd round

5. Saksit Chosipaksert (Thailand) beat Jose “Pitu” Sans (points)

6. Bedu (Boxxwarriors) beat Quintana (Spain)- KO 4th round

7. Berneung Sakhomsin (Thailand) beat Fakarut (Thailand)- KO 3rd round

30 August 20081. Ismail Inai seri Bagong beat Kholid Saripan- TKO 3rd round

Super 4 Semi-Final :1. Abbas (Boxxwarriors) beat Khoo Meng Yang (Malaysia)- points (4 rounds)

2. Ahmed Saadi (Tunisia) beat Olivier Rodigier (Belgium) - points

3. Hashim m-150 (Kelantan) beat Firdaus Hashim (Kedah)- KO 4th round

4. Chaowalit (Boxxwarriors) vs Bretta Ashley (Australia) - points

Super 4 Final:1. Ahmed Saadi (Tunisia) beat Abbas (Boxxwarriors) - points

2. Ali Yaakob (Boxxwarriors) beat Timothy Dean (UK)- KO 1st round

results & photos

photo: nadya shahabuddin24 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009

Page 14: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine

text: raja ahmad talmizi raja abdullahphoto: musaddik

Ajarn (grandmaster) Somwang Sinuan, 53 dilahirkan di Kronghei, Amper, Hatyai. Beliau mula mempelajari Muay Thai ketika umurnya 12 tahun dengan Haji Hashim di gim Sorkhoson, Hatyai. Nama gelarannya ketika itu ialah Somwang Sorkhoson.

Ketika era kegemilangannya, beliau pernah memenangi kejuaraan di Stadium Lumpini dan Stadium Rajadamnern dalam kategori lightweight. Selepas beberapa tahun di gim Sorkhoson, beliau ditawarkan berlatih di gim Starlight, juga di Hatyai. Rekodnya makin cemerlang ketika ini apabila memenangi 60 perlawanan anjuran TV11 (kini dikenali sebagai NBT) dan pernah menjadi juara 5 wilayah selatan Thailand. Beliau bukan sahaja terlibat dalam perlawanan Muay Thai, tetapi juga moisakorn (tinju Barat), sukan yang jarang disertai Nak Muay (peninju Muay Thai).

Selepas berlatih di gim Starlight, beliau beralih arah ke gim Pandencho. Nama gelarannya di gim ini ialah Danchai Pandencho.

Pada umur 31 tahun, beliau bersara daripada arena pertarungan dan mula menjadi jurulatih dan pengadil bagi kejohanan di Thailand dan Malaysia. Beliau merupakan jurulatih pertama kelab Boxx Warriors yang berpusat di Kulim, Kedah. Setelah mengajar di sana selama 9 bulan, beliau bersara dan kini menjadi penasihat bagi gim Ponitiwat, Hatyai..

Perlawanan yang melonjakkan namanya sebagai legenda adalah apabila berlawan dengan ahli Kung Fu terkenal yang juga pelakon, Wang Yu di Hong Kong pada tahun 1970-an. Perlawanan tanpa sarung tangan ini masih menjadi perlawanan klasik Muay Thai-Kung Fu yang menaikkan sukan Muay Thai sebagai salah satu ilmu tarung yang digeruni di dunia. Dengan rekod perlawanan sebanyak 275 kali (224 menang, 48 kalah, 3 seri), beliau merupakan salah seorang legenda Muay Thai yang masih aktif.

Perlawanan yang melonjakkan namanya sebagai legenda adalah apabila berlawan dengan ahli Kung Fu terkenal yang juga pelakon, Wang Yu di Hong Kong pada tahun 1970-an.

26 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009

special: khru

Page 15: Boxxtomoi Muay Thai Magazine