Developing Talent
(In this Photo: Fairtex US Flag BGV1)
In most sports, there are development leagues. The junior varsity moves into varsity. The college moves into pro. The minor leagues move into the major leagues.
Mr. Wong does the same thing. It’s one of the major reasons why he’s been able to last so long. The gym started in 1971 and is still going today.
“have the first lot, Stamp, Smilla, Ferrari, Nakrob, etc.” Mr. Wong founder of Fairtex said. ”My second lot is BM, Kendu, Petchwarin, Junior. And I have a third lot that I am preparing. I let them fight upcountry.”
Staggering the teams this way allows for development. It also acknowledges that athletes retire. In Mr. Wong’s experience, most top athletes last three to five years. Exceptional athletes last a little longer.
“They last to a certain period then they think about life, children, marriage and they slow down,” Mr. Wong said.
There are other issues as well. Fighters get injured and retire. If they lose more then they win they will also quit. Finally, there is economics and opportunity. Without both, the boxers lose their passion.
BM Fairtex is in development. He is in the second lot. He fought through Fairtex Fight and did well. He went to ONE Lumpinee. He’s lost two fights on the stage via knockout. But he’s won one bout via Ko as well. At only 20 years old he’s still got time and talent. Many Thai boxers compete until their mid twenties.
Others continue with their career until their late twenties or even late thirties.
BM is wearing Fairtex Muay Thai shorts. The 6 strip elastic band is made for comfort and movement. They are satin and have plenty of room to kick, punch, or knee your way to the top.
IFMA Youth
(In this Photo: Fairtex MV15- Red, BGV20 Gloves)
Mimosa Aldama is a frequent visitor to Thailand. Her father Robert Aldama comes to Thailand yearly.
Their gym in San Diego is small but Mimosa’s dreams are big. She wants to fight, fight, and fight more. The Californian fought at the WBC Muay Thai tournament at Lumpinee. Then she came back within a year to fight at the IFMA event.
IFMA is a large amateur body based out of Thailand. They hold large scale tournaments every year.
To prep for her bout Mimosa came to Fairtex. She hit pads with Coach Rwin and sharpened up for the tournament.
This year the USA Muay Thai team sent out over 20 youth competitors. Veteran coaches like Michael Chase Corley, Daniel Brandt, and Aziz Nabih attended. Newcomers like Jake Maini and Mickey Rubinson joined the team.
The IFMA events were a major part of the careers of athletes like Superbon, Janet Todd, Troy Jones, Asa Ten Pow, and others.
International experience is what brings local talent to the next level. And Mimosa is looking to go all the way up.
Coach Rwin is using the classic contoured focus mitts. The slight curve of the hand allows the punches to sink in better. They are genuine leather and made in the homeland of Muay Thai – Thailand.
Jetting Off
(In this Photo: Fairtex US Flag BGV1, Fairtex BXP1 Kicking Paddles)
BM is practicing his boxing with Jet Kamchamnan. Jet is working with Jo Nattawut as his manager and head trainer.
When not taking care of Jo, Jet helps with the other athletes. Specifically he works hands. Many Thai boxers are not used to high level boxing.
With his background in MMA and American sports, Jet knows exactly how to use his hands.
And he passes on the knowledge.
Here Jet uses the Fairtex BXP1 Durable Kicking Target Paddles. These paddles are often used by Tae Kwon Do athletes. They are also used by high level trainers for boxing. The paddles are perfect for learning how to punch through the target. They are constructed with micro fiber so they are especially lightweight.
Team Nattawut At Fairtex
(In this Photo: Fairtex SP5 Shin Gaurd- Red, Fairtex HG13 Headgear)
Smoking Jo Nattawut is at Fairtex Training Center to prepare. His next bout is against Superbon later this month.
The two titans of Muay Thai clash at Lumpinee Stadium. Nattawut is based in the USA but for this camp, he’s come to Thailand along with his team.
“He’s a good and humble guy,” Mr. Wong said.
His great attitude and charm got him a sponsorship from Fairtex. He’s given clothes, gear, and use of the Training Facility.
He trains twice a day at the camp and is often found recovering in between. He takes long ice baths for recovery.
Kongseuk Had No Plan
(In this Photo: HW2 Handwraps- Red)
He’s a multiple Lumpinee stadium champion. He’s won at Channel 7 and he’s known for his ferocious left kick.
The Korat fighter is now 5-2 at ONE Lunmpinee. His most recent bout was against Yodlekpetch Or Pitisak.
“I didn’t have a plan against Yodlekpetch,” he said after winning the fight.
Yodlekpetch is known for his destructive leg kicks and hard hands.
“My leg hurt a little,” he said.
In the fight Kongseuk used his jab to establish himself. Then as Yodlekpetch came in he flurried his opponent with boxing combinations before angling out.
In the last round, Kongseuk controlled his points and was on the defense. When the bell rang he’d won against the formidable Yodlekpetch.
Shir Cohen Takes On Amy Pirnie
(In this Photo: Fairtex FMV9- Red, Fairtex BPV2-Red, Fairtex BGV1-Black Golves)
Israeli athlete Shir Cohen is on the rise. She came to the camp two years ago. Since then she’s been on a tear. She lost only one bout in the last two years. It was for the Thaiwasadu final at is wearing class Fairtex Normally Shir fights at 52 or 51kg.
She wins through her high volume attacks and relentless aggression. She is a Muay Bouk fighter.
In her last outing, the Israeli used excellent hands followed by elbows.
Her game is leveling up and so are her opponents. She’s facing against Amy Pirnie of Scotland.
The winner of the fight is rumored to be an opponent for Phetjeejaa Or Meekun. Phetjeejaa is the current belt holder for ONE Championship’s kickboxing division at 52kg.
Author: Matt Lucas
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