Getting Started // Fight Night 2018

The Morning // How Many Fights? 

After 24 fights last year and an extremely late finish, there was talk of 14 on the fight card this time. The morning of the fight, potential fighters turned up in their numbers with the hope of being matched for a fight that evening. For many, this is an opportunity to make some money and add to their fight count. Despite his best intentions, Pele wanted to give the opportunity to as many as he could, so 20 fights were confirmed in the end (spoiler: it was another very late night!).

Showtime // April 09

We arrive at the temple with hours to go before the fights start. However, the place is in full swing with food stalls, bars, games, and countless speakers playing variants of Thai music from every direction. We set up camp next to the Muay Thai ring and stage, which is all in the open air. Pele's family rolled out mats for us - and for Denham and Nummeechai, our fighters. As with most outdoor festival fights, there were no dressing rooms to be found. As it got close to fight time, the fighters change into their shorts and lie on the ground to get oiled up out in the open amongst the crowd. Nothing to see here. Everyone is too engrossed in the fights, jostling for a place nearer the ring, or just eating brightly coloured candy floss and enjoying the atmosphere. 

We stayed near our mats and watched the first few fights from afar - mostly the young kids we'd seen earlier in the day running up to the desk to get their place on the fight card. They looked so tiny and cute - until they stepped into the ring. Skilled fighters with no fear. As it got nearer to Denham's fight, we migrated closer to the ring to find the best position, and he made his way onto the stage. After being presented with the Mongkon* and receiving a ritual prayer from his trainer Pele, he sat side by side with his opponent looking out at the crowd. No idea what he was thinking at this point but there was a mixture of excitement, anticipation, nerves, and determination in the air. Then came the ceremony - photos, speeches, and lots of commentary. This was farang (foreigner) vs thai national, and a rematch from last year. Same night, same event, same fighters, but would there be a different outcome? Yes! Denham poured his heart and soul into the fight. With sheer determination, skill, and composure (plus a lot of shouting from his supporters by the ringside) it was a knock out in round 4. Victory indeed.  

And so the fights went on. As did the music - 3 elderly men played traditional thai music for the duration of each and every fight. Talk about stamina! And the commentators... 8 hours of non-stop talking. Truly impressive. Similarly, the crowd kept on cheering and watching intently as each fighter took to the ring. Some amazing lessons for us muay thai amateurs who want to learn more and do better each time we train.

Nummeechai's fight was the next one that caused us to lose what was left of our voices. Having not fought for 7 years, he stepped into the ring like his last fight was only last week. In bright white & orange shorts, adorned with 'believe in yourself', he truly did. A close fight, Nummeechai used his heart and knee'd his way to a win.  

Hometime // Inspired

So, 20 fights, 7 KOs, 4 trophies, 1 rematch, and a few bruises later, the night was a success. Pele and his crew once again organised an awesome fight night to raise money for the local temple, and provide an opportunity for everyone to come together and experience the tradition of Muay Thai.  Well over a thousand people (we estimated) came out on a Monday night to see the show and support Pele, the temple, and the fighters. Those intense training regimens - hour upon hour of running, skipping, pad work, bag work, clinching etc. prepared these fighters for anywhere from 3-15 mins in the ring, under the lights. Ranging in age from 6 - 49 years old, we saw every combination of kicks, elbows, knees and punches combined with traditional music, cheers, and roars from the crowd - which all made for an amazing night and truly memorable experience. 

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*Mongkon - a traditional headpiece presented by the trainer when he feels you have trained hard and are ready to fight. It is a symbol of your gym,  trainers, and family. It is worn when fighters enter the ring to show that when you fight it’s not all about you, it is about the people around you who have helped you along your journey. [Muay Thai Guy]