My World Title Fight

The
fight took place at the CTICC "Sons of Africa" bill on Saturday 19 July in Cape
Town – my home town, my territory. My strategy for the rematch was to be more
aggressive and to dominate right from the start.

It
was an advantage that I fought her before and knew her style – she threw
powerful kicks, and many of them. She was also a good knee striker, as with
most Thai fighters. It was a challenge – probably my biggest ever – promoting
and fighting on the same bill!

To
add to the pressure I was fighting for the World Muay Thai title in South
Africa where everyone would be watching! My trainer from Thailand arrived 1
month before the fight.

He
stayed with me so it was training before and after meetings and in between
planning of the tournament everyday. It was very tiring but I knew what I was
getting into from the start.

 I
also had the support of my team and close friend Sam King, which kept me
motivated. What people don’t realize is that hosting an event of this — held
at one of the most prestigious venues in the country, can be VERY stressful!!

And
yes there were many obstacles – from having to postpone the tournament due to
an international fighter having visa problems to the ring girl cancelling on
the last minute… it was stress from the word go! Nevertheless, I was lucky to
get a second shot at the title and I wasn’t going to disappoint my loyal
supporters on the day.

The
fight started with both of us coming forward aggressively, Nongkarn with
powerful body kicks and me answering with strong punches to her face and body.
I felt that I dominated the first round as I knew I hurt her.

 She
caught me with a heavy kick to my ribs (I heard the crowd’s shocked response to
this) but I came back strong with punches and elbows once again and caught her
full on in the face.

At
the start of the second round I pushed harder, coming forward with more
confidence and it was just over a minute into the round that I cornered her and
connected with a left hook to the head and powerful straight right to the body
which sent her to the canvass.

I
really thought she would get up and I was ready to carry on but to my delight
the referee called a stop to the fight as she failed to get up for the count. I
was awarded the win by KO in the second round… and title of the new World Champion!!

I
would like to thank everyone who supported me in challenging for the World
Title and give special thanks to the following sponsors who made the event
possible:

Thai Airways, Vineyard
Hotel, Jive/Rocky, Wang Thai, Karma Beach
Lounge, Compass
Travel, Seltzer, Revadmin

Recreate
Design, Reza Kasu, Shafiek’s
Shuttle & Tours

Cape Town
Fish Market (Camps Bay), Simply Asia
Kenilworth

Zest, Indisol, Reveal Beauty
Bar, Sports
Illustrated

Mr.Moodley
(Paramedic)