The children were presented with their uniform in the Saturday class.
Their parents purchased their uniform as they have watched their progression and recognised their commitment to Phoenix Muay Thai over the past 4-8 weeks.
Kru presented the children with their uniform and explained the importance of the uniform and how it represents our club and how they should act respectfully at all times, especially when they are wearing the club uniform.
Welcome to the Phoenix Phamily.
By Tom Walker at www.leisureopportunities.co.uk
Gyms in the UK are continuing to successfully control COVID-19 transmisssion, according to the latest figures released by industry body, ukactive.
There were 22 million visits to fitness facilities during the two months following reopening, with the number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 visits logged as 0.34, with no community transmission occurring.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, says the data shows that protocols for monitoring and reporting in the sector are helping to control the virus and ensure the safety of members.
The data came from more than 1,500 facilities in England – measured from 25 July to 13 September.
The UK total, which takes into account different reopening dates in the devolved nations, shows a similar picture, with just 0.35 cases per 100,000 visits.
Importantly, the reported cases represent incidents where authorities have informed a facility that a user, who has had a positive result, attended a facility within a certain time period, rather than indicating transmission in the gym environment.
ukactive’s findings support a growing evidence base from across the globe showing that COVID-19 has a low prevalence in the gym environment.
Earlier this month, an analysis of 49.4 million member check-ins across 2,873 gyms in the US over three months studied the “visit-to-virus” ratio data from health and fitness clubs. It showed that, out of the nearly 50 million visits, only 0.0023 per cent had tested positive for COVID-19 – a result deemed statistically irrelevant.
“These findings show that the number of people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 visiting gyms remains extremely low, which is evidence of the huge efforts being made by gyms to ensure people do not visit if they might have the virus,” Edwards said.
“This shows that the proactive protocols put in place by gyms and leisure facilities to prevent people with the virus from visiting them are working, alongside the highest standards of cleanliness and safety to reduce the risk.
“We must remain vigilant and continue to monitor the situation closely, so that the Government and local authorities are armed with the best possible evidence to inform decisions about the sector.
“Our sector is helping to get the nation fitter and better prepared to fight the virus as we enter the autumn, providing an essential health service to the UK.
“The fitness and leisure sector has a vital role to play in fighting this health crisis, and its role will become even more important over the coming weeks and months.”
Our next stock of uniform is on its way and will be sold on a first come first served basis. Our uniform is sold on a ‘pay upfront’ basis and we will not reserve any uniform without payment.
Dare we say the ‘C’ word?? Christmas is only round the corner, and if you were thinking of buying the uniform as part of a Christmas present, now is the time to order to ensure you have it in plenty of time. Get organised now to avoid the Christmas panic. We can’t guarantee that we will have the next order before Christmas as everything we order is bespoke to Phoenix Muay Thai and has to be printed/embroidered with our logos.
When you train at Phoenix Muay Thai, you are part of our club and you should represent our club in uniform, just like Manchester United or Manchester City have kits, so do we. You wouldn’t turn up to training at Manchester City with a Manchester United kit on and vice versa. We expect the same. We have Champion level trainers at the gym, we have high standards and we provide you with a Champion standard of training.
Boxing gloves should be purchased from us as part of the uniform. If you own your own gloves, they must be red or blue. “Yeah I know this but the black ones were cheaper” isn’t an excuse and you will have to use the communal gym gloves until you have the right coloured gloves. We can ensure the quality of our Phoenix Muay Thai gloves and our team will be able to advise on the right size gloves (6oz, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz etc.) for you.
If you have any questions or need any more information about uniform, please speak with Clare directly.
Click on the ‘Order Now’ button below and order directly from the website or alternatively click ‘Download Order Form’ and give the completed form to Clare.
Many Thanks
Kru Rick Lewis.
ItemCost
T-shirt (Kids/Adult) £10.50/£12.50
Hoodie (Kids/Adults) £20.50 /£30.50
Shorts (Kids/Adults) £27.00
Gloves – Synthetic/Leather £35.00/£50.00
Shin Pads – Foam/Leather £11.00/£50.00
Here at Phoenix Muay Thai, we have built up good momentum over the last few months with students coming back to class and new students joining.
We have worked hard to become COVID compliant and to follow the rules and guidelines set forth by the government.
With the PMs announcements on the 22nd Sep, specifically regarding team sports and the rule of 6, many people are wondering how the new guidance affects them.
The good news is that we don’t have to lose the momentum built up over these past few months, as Martial Arts are not classed as team sports where changes do apply.
Please read more on Sports Englands website
https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/coronavirus/return-play/frequently-asked-questions-return-sport-and-activity
Thailand is widely seen as a paradise for LGBT people, but many say they are treated as second-class citizens
Credit to the independent
Friday 4 August 2017 16:46
Clad in a pink tank top and shorts, her face made up with rouge and red lipstick, Nong Rose Baan Charoensuk, a transgender Muay Thai fighter, is a formidable opponent.
Just ask Karun “Priewpak” Kaemlam, a male fighter who lost a thrilling five-round match to Rose, as she is generally known, last month.
“I wasn’t able to fight her strength and big build,” Priewpak says.
“She fights like a man because she is really a man,” adds Priewpak, who suffered a gash above his right eye in the fight at Rajadamnern Stadium in the Thai capital.
It was the second consecutive win for Rose in the revered Muay Thai arena after becoming the first transgender boxer to fight there in June.
The crowd was clearly in her corner, cheering wildly for her throughout.
“Being a transgender doesn’t mean that we’re weak,” Rose says. “We can achieve anything as well.”
The 21-year-old started boxing at eight, following in the footsteps of an uncle, a Muay Thai fighter who encouraged her to train. Her twin brother also takes part in the sport.
Born Somros Polchareon, Rose says she identified as a woman at an early age and began wearing make-up and a sports bra in the ring.
In the rural towns where she has done most of her fighting, her appearance has disconcerted some of her male opponents.
“They would say they didn’t want to fight with a gay person, as it would be embarrassing if they won or lost,” she says.
“I still face those insults, but I don’t care about them.”
Shape Created with Sketch. Five rounds with Bangkok’s trans boxing superstar
left Created with Sketch. right Created with Sketch.
Thailand is widely seen as a paradise for gay and transgender people, but many say they are treated as second-class citizens.
Transgender women figure on television, in beauty pageants and at hair salons and cosmetics counters, but they cannot change their gender on identity papers, despite a 2015 law against gender-based discrimination.
Independent news email
After more than 300 fights, racking up 30 of her 150 wins through knockouts, Rose says she was finally allowed to fight at Rajadamnern Stadium.
Puttipong Plukram, the owner of the camp in the province of Buriram where Rose trains, calls her a “great role model”, citing her diligence in chores and training.
“Everyone respects and adores her,” says Puttipong.
Rose is not Thailand’s first transgender boxer. That was Parinya “Nong Toom” Charoenphol, the subject of the 2004 film Beautiful Boxer. Toom eventually ran a boxing school and Rose hopes to do the same one day.
Rose also aspires to be an ambassador for Muay Thai around the world, and urges transgender boxers in rural areas not to be discouraged by early setbacks.
“They have to fall first and overcome that, then the finish line won’t be far out of reach.”
Reuters
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Welcome to Phoenix Muay Thai Boxing Club
Insurance
We don’t ask students to join until after 4 weeks of training.
After this period students are expected to join as this provides their insurance, which is essential, costs £30 per year
(insurance covers member to member accidents and injuries).
Fees
Lessons are £7.50 per person. Our procedure is that fees are to be paid via the wix booking system
you must be booked into your class before arriving at the gym.
Booking & pay for classes
A Registration and Medical form needs to be filled in
https://phoenixmuaythai.co.uk/disclaimer-form/
If you do not complete stage 1 ‘Disclaimer Form / Medical Form’ you will not be approved for stage 2 ‘booking app’.
This medical form is to ensure that we can give the best possible information to the emergency services, should they need to be called i.e., allergies, existing medical conditions etc and so we can immediately inform your next of kin should an injury/emergency arise.
You CAN NOT TRAIN in our gym without completing a ‘Disclaimer Form/Medical Form’.
Please use the same email address (DO NOT USE AN PRIVATE APPLE I.D) and name on both the medical disclaimer and the booking app, so the team can match your details.
Join us at Phoenix Muay Thai on the Wix app to easily stay updated and get in touch with me on the go.
Join with this link: http://wix.to/RcCvC6w. Got the app? Use the invite code: 01S1DW
Our booking T&C’s
If you/your child cannot attend the session you have booked, you must give at least 24 hours notice by cancelling the place on the booking app, then it gives someone else the chance to book the session, please then message us through the app to let us know what day you want to attend instead and we will roll your session over (do not book on this session).
Your lesson can’t be cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, unfortunately we can not give refunds or roll your session at this point, please do not call/text to ask the question or roll your session, please communicate through the booking app.
One to one tuitions are available and cost £35.
Uniform
Again we do not expect students to buy their uniform until after
4 weeks of training.
We only allow Dark RED gloves (not white/black gloves with red on, gloves have to be predominantly red).
We advise you not to buy cheap gloves as the dye can stain clothing/equipment & you may be asked to replace the clothing/equipment ruined by your gloves.
If you wish to purchase gloves yourself and not through the club ask, and we will advise you of the best ones to buy.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask and please remember that we don’t expect you to buy everything at once.
Footwear
Please remove all footwear once inside reception,
NO footwear is to be worn in the training area.
You won’t need any specialist footwear to do Muay Thai!
Class Times
Class times are shown on the booking system,
please make a note of the class time you have booked.
Please note that classes start on time so please arrive on time, you may not be allowed to train if you turn up late (please read the terms and conditions on the booking app).
Join us at Phoenix Muay Thai on the Wix app to easily stay updated and get in touch with me on the go.
Join with this link: http://wix.to/RcCvC6w. Got the app? Use the invite code: 01S1DW
Parking
Please park on the main road.
Do not park on Doggie Daycare car park or on the double yellow lines, the traffic wardens do occasionally come round.
News & Information
To find out all the latest information on the club including events and activities visit our website and social media pages:
www.phoenixmuaythai.co.uk
Facebook – Phoenix Muay Thai
Instagram – Phoenix Muay Thai
Twitter @phoenixmuaythai
Toilets
The toilets are located on the left at the entrance,
the sinks are at the end of the cubicles. Please ask at reception for the key.
Phoenix Muay Thai will not be held responsible for any personal belongings left unattended.
However, CCTV is in operation which covers the walkway, corridor,
and the training room and also in reception.
Phoenix Muay Thai has a duty of care to safeguard all students.
Taking photos or any recording is strictly forbidden.
Equipment List
Click Below for ordering
https://phoenixmuaythai.co.uk/shop/
All Equipment must be paid for at the time of ordering.
Please ensure you order the correct size as we cannot change items once they have been ordered.
All prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Please buy your kit through the gym, as non-uniform items cannot be worn for training (And you can be sure of the quality!).
|
Phoenix Hooded Sweat Shirt – Adults |
£32.00 |
|
Phoenix Hooded Sweat Shirt – Childs |
£28.00 |
|
White Phoenix Club T-shirts – Adults |
£14.00 |
|
White Phoenix Club T-shirts – Childs |
£12.00 |
|
Red Shin Pads (Foam) |
£11.00 |
|
White Phoenix Club Vest – Adults |
£14.00 |
|
Red Satin Phoenix Club Shorts (all sizes) £27.00 |
|
|
Phoenix Muay Thai Gloves (Red) 6 oz 8oz 10oz 12oz 14oz All Leather Gloves £50 \ All Synthetic Leather Gloves £35.00 |
|
Red Anklets (per pair) |
£10.00 |
|
White Armbands (beginners) |
£2.50 |
Please Note:
All Equipment must be paid for at the time of ordering.
Please ensure you order the correct size as we cannot change items once they have arrived.
All prices subject to change without prior notice.
Please buy your kit through the gym, as non-uniform items cannot be worn for training (And you can be sure of the quality!).
Club Rules
BREACH OF THESE RULES WILL BE PENALISED BY:-
1. WARNING
2. PUNISHMENT
3. ENDORSEMENT
4. SUSPENSION/BANNED
SPECIAL AWARDS TO BE GIVEN ANNUALLY FOR: –
1.RESPECT
2.DEMONSTRATION & GOOD CONDUCT
3.TRAINEE INSTRUCTOR & INSTRUCTOR 4.CLASS OF FIGHTER
Grading Schedule: White to yellow
Theory
1. Rules: All
2. Fighters Rules 2 (learn 3)
3. Under 11 learn just left guard
Practical
1. Ram Muay N0 1
2. 10 Exercise In 30 seconds
3. 5 Self Defence Techniques
4. Boxing Techniques
• (Left Guard) Left Jab, Right Cross
• (Right Guard) Right Jab Left Cross
• (Left Guard) Left Hook, Right Hook
• (Right Guard) Right Hook left Hook
• (Left Guard) Left Uppercut, Right uppercut
• (Right Guard) Right Uppercut, Left uppercut
• (Left Guard) Left Jab, Right Spinning Back Punch, Right Cross
• (Right Guard) Right Jab, Left Spinning Back Punch Left Cross
• (Left Guard) Right Flying Punch
• (Right Guard) Left Flying Punch
5. Elbow Techniques
• (Left Guard) Left and Right Strike Elbow
• (Left Guard) Left and Right Uppercut Elbow
• (Left Guard) Left and Right Over The Top Elbow
• (Left Guard) Right Turning Back Elbow
• (Right Guard) Left Turning Back Elbow
• (Left Guard) Right Flying Elbow
• (Right Guard) Left Flying Elbow
6 Knee Techniques
• (Left Guard) Right and Left Knee
• (Left Guard) Right and Left Side Knee
• (Left Guard) Hold On Clinch Right And Left knee Turn. (Repeat)
• (Left Guard) Hold On Clinch Hopping Right and Left Side Knee
• (Left Guard) Right Flying Knee
• (Right Guard) Left Flying Knee
7. Kicking Techniques
• (Left Guard) Left and Right Front Kick
• (Left Guard) Left and Right Side Kick
• (Left Guard) Right and Left Round House Kick To The Body
• (Left Guard) Right Turning Back Kick
• (Right Guard) Left Turning Back Kick
• (Left Guard) Right Spinning Hook kick
• (Right Guard) Left Spinning Hook Kick
Students that want to fight
If you want to fight you must let Kru Rick know that you want to start competing. This will enable him to change your training and help to get you ready!
If you want to fight:
a. You’ll be given a time to either meet at the gym or the venue. Don’t be late for the meeting time, as it will link to the time you need to weigh-in. If you are running late let Kru Rick know.
b. Kit – Make sure you have all you uniform and kit for the day in your bag. If possible make sure you arrive in a club hoodie or t-shirt.
c. Food and Drink – Some venues have food and drinks available but just in case make sure you pack your own. It is not a good idea to eat too close to your fight (at least 1hr-2hrs beforehand depending on what you’re eating) but you’ll certainly want something to eat afterwards.
d. Weigh-In – For most fights, you will have to weigh in when you arrive in the morning. This is a case of getting weighed to check that you’re evenly matched with your opponent.
e. Before your fight – There will be a number of fights on during the same day so there will be some waiting around. Enjoy the fights and support your club mates but keep an eye on the fights so you know when your turn is coming up!
f. Warm-up –Make sure your aware of what number your fight is and that you need to warm up beforehand. Don’t worry too much though as there will instructors and other seniors to help you get ready!
g. Fight Time – Relax and enjoy your fight. Remember to listen to Kru Rick and your corner. You’ve trained hard to do this so enjoy it!
There are also a number of fighter’s rules that you should try to remember:
1. Every attacking move is to be executed with an exhalation(breath out).
2. Watch your opponent constantly, but never look into his eyes or at the point you mean to attack.
3. Never neglect your guard while you attack.
4. Never open your mouth, bite your lips or tongue.
5. Always watch your stance and never bring your feet close together.
6. Do not tense your muscles until immediately before an attack.
7. Do not expose your chin, neck and armpits unnecessarily.
8. Never face your opponent square on or turn your back towards him.
9. Never try a technique in the ring, which you have not perfected during training.
10. Do not concentrate on defence, but attack before your opponent does.
11. Do not move widely but concentrate your attack on vital points.
12. If your opponent is taller than you are, concentrate on close-in fighting.
13. If your opponent is known to have a strong right you have a better chance if you fight him with your left.
14. Always take advantage of your opponents’ mistakes.
15. Never show when you are hurt, try to get through the round with clinches.
16. Never listen to the audience or fans but follow the advice of your trainer and corner.
17. Always go slow at the beginning of a round and speed up towards the end.
18. Always register the point you have attacked and try to evaluate the amount of damage done.
19. Remember that a light attack on a target is better than a heavy one missed.
20. Never feel superior. Respect your opponent but also know that you can win whatever his reputation.
21. Remember that a winner of about is decided according to rules. It is wrong to beat an opponent with fouls and be disqualified.
22. Try to spar with a partner who is better than you and never use your full strength.
23. Whether in training or competition, always control your temper.
24. Even in training, always select the gloves that fit you best. Do not spar without wearing anklets, groin guard, mouth protector and headgear.
25. Always ask a friend or senior to watch you in training. By knowing your mistakes you improve more easily.
Remember if you have any questions or queries about fighting or your upcoming fight just ask!
Step One
A Registration and Medical form needs to be filled in
https://phoenixmuaythai.co.uk/disclaimer-form/
If you do not complete stage 1 ‘Disclaimer Form / Medical Form’ you will not be approved for stage 2 ‘booking app’.
This medical form is to ensure that we can give the best possible information to the emergency services, should they need to be called i.e., allergies, existing medical conditions etc and so we can immediately inform your next of kin should an injury/emergency arise.
You CAN NOT TRAIN in our gym without completing a ‘Disclaimer Form/Medical Form’.
Please use the same email address (DO NOT USE AN PRIVATE APPLE I.D) and name on both the medical disclaimer and the booking app, so the team can match your details.
Step Two
Booking & pay for classes
Join us at Phoenix Muay Thai on the Wix app to easily stay updated and get in touch with us on the go.
Join with this link: http://wix.to/RcCvC6w. Got the app? Use the invite code: 01S1DW
Please note: We cannot accept cash payments on the door.
Our booking T&C’s
PLEASE GIVE 24 HOURS TO BE ACCEPTED ON THE APP BEFORE RINGING, TEXTING OR EMAILING!
If you/your child cannot attend the session you have booked, you must give at least 24 hours’ notice by cancelling the place on the booking app, then it gives someone else the chance to book the session, please then message us through the app to let us know what day you want to attend instead and we will roll your session over (do not book on this session).
Your lesson can’t be cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, unfortunately, we can not give refunds or roll your session at this point, please do not call/text to ask the question or roll your session, please communicate via the chat function through the booking app.
Stripe’s fees on the original payment fee (which are 0.29p) will not be returned in case of a refund.
All booking enquiries can be dealt with via our booking team. They can be contacted via the chat option on the Spaces By Wix app, not via any of the social media outlets. This is the quickest way to get a response.
Kru Rick does not deal with booking enquiries. If the class you want to attend is full, please send a message to the team to request to be put on a waiting list and they will advise you if anyone cancels. Cancellations are offered on a first come first served basis.
The gym telephone number doesn’t handle booking related queries we outsource that service to a 3rd party. You need to use the chat function on the app.
The system doesn’t currently allow you to book 2 people in under the same email address/login on the same class. If you book one in on the system and pay cash in reception for the sibling. We make allowances for siblings in the classes but one must be booked in on the app.
Please use the same email address on both the medical disclaimer and the booking app, so the team can match your details.
Step Three
Time Table
Click On-Time Table
Step Four
Welcome Pack Detail of uniform, the colour of gloves, etc
We prepare your child to deal with bullies without turning them into one.
We emphasise discipline, responsibility and respect throughout their training and teach that they never abuse their power.
Class Time Table
Here what you need to know about training with us
A fresh registration needs to be filled in
https://phoenixmuaythai.co.uk/disclaimer-form/
Please watch youtube videos on arriving, going to the toilet and leaving.
Arriving
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdA-9kwMhzM
Going to the toilet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unxrthfTI8w
Leaving
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpk01X5N85o
Booking classes
Join us at Phoenix Muay Thai on the Wix app to easily stay updated and get in touch with me on the go.
Join with this link: http://wix.to/RcCvC6w. Got the app? Use the invite code: 01S1DW
Gym-dependence Day
Here what you need to know about training with us
Booking classes
Join us at Phoenix Muay Thai on the Wix app to easily stay updated and get in touch with me on the go.
Join with this link: http://wix.to/RcCvC6w. Got the app? Use the invite code: 01S1DW
A fresh registration needs to be filled in
https://phoenixmuaythai.co.uk/disclaimer-form/
Please watch youtube videos on arriving, going to the toilet and leaving.
Arriving
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdA-9kwMhzM
Going to the toilet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unxrthfTI8w
Leaving
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpk01X5N85o
Gym Being Cleaned
By Corey Erdman Published On Mon Jul 13, 2020, 02:01 AM EST https://www.boxingscene.com
If you were to see Sangarthit Looksaikongdin in the ring without any background or context, you wouldn’t guess that he was 16 years old.
Or that he had turned pro at 14 years of age.
Sangarthit was in action on Saturday at The Bazaar Hotel in Bankok, Thailand on Saturday, as he defeated Kulabdam Sor Jor Piekuthai for the WBC Asia light welterweight title. To the casual observer, the bout did not look like a 16-year old fighting a 21-year old Muay Thai convert. Sangarthit was composed well beyond his years, boxing off the back foot and running his southpaw opponent into both lead and counter right hands round after round. The teenager did eat some heavy shots, particularly a flush left hand in the third round, but managed to temper Kulabdam’s fiery aggression particularly in the later stages. Scores were 97-94, 95-94 and 99-92 in favor of Sangarthit.
Outside of the ring, Sangarthit (born Phoobadin Yoohanngoh) is exactly the way you would envision a 16-year old being. His social media is impeccably curated, with well-staged influencer-esque photos and brief captions. He’s dressed in Supreme and accessorized with new jewelry from a local sponsor as he live streams his trip through the mall after his fight to buy a new pair of Adidas Boosts. In an interview posted by his promoter, TL Boxing Promotion, he reveals that he’d like to become a YouTuber as well as a boxer.
Where he would find the time to do that, or where he finds time to take part in normal teenager activity is uncertain. Over the past year, Sangarthit has managed to win the WBC Asia title at 140 pounds, win The Fighter tournament put on in Thailand, and also won the Hilux Revo Marathon in his weight class as a Muay Thai fighter.
Born into a fighting family, he is reportedly the 14th child out of 16 siblings. When he trains at the family gym, an outdoor hut in Bangkok, he is constantly surrounded by children. Sangarthit is young enough to technically be in the same school as many of them, but his life has a drastically different focus. His father and brother train him, and his fellow fighting siblings look on and loiter on the ring apron. Those siblings include women’s minimumweight contender Duangdawnoi Looksaikongdin (born Kanyarat Yoohanngoh), who was also 14 when she made her professional debut in 2014 according to BoxRec.
These stories of teenagers, children in some cases, turning professional are not unprecedented in boxing, but they are most certainly rare. In 1923, Nipper Pat Daly turned pro at the age of 10 (some accounts listed him as being nine), and by September of 1929, was ranked No. 10 by Ring Magazine at bantamweight, by far the most stunning achievement of a child professional boxer ever.
Eventually, rules would be set in place in most countries to prevent such things from happening. One doesn’t have to think hard to figure out why professionally boxing adults would be dangerous for children and teenagers, and how easily it could turn into exploitation, if it wasn’t from the outset.
Mexico still allows fighters under the age of 18—Canelo Alvarez turned pro at 15, and quite often prospects looking to turn pro early pick up early wins in Mexico. In the United States, select states will allow fighters under the age of 18 with significant amateur achievements to box professionally pending parental approval, as was the case with Tristan Kalkreuth for his 2019 bouts on DAZN. On the same day as Sangarthit-Kulabdam, 16-year old super featherweight Yoo Chan Lee had his second pro bout in South Korea as well.
But the phenomenon of teenage boxers is much more prevalent in Thailand than anywhere else.
“There’s often been a feeling that Thailand is the “wild west” of Asian boxing, allowing not just super young kids to turn professional but also allowing world champions to fight stay busy bouts against absolute novices and over-matched opponents,” said Scott Graveson, founder of the indispensable Asianboxing.info, the best chronicle of the Asian boxing scene for English speakers.
“For some fighters it’s handled safely. They don’t tend to throw the kids in super tough, but overall the safety does look really lax at a lot of Thai shows. Thankfully there does seem to be a growing level of care in how shows are handled. TL Promotions and the WP Boxing shows have higher production standards than what we were accustomed to in Thailand for years. There is, of course, a few bouts that look very out of place, but by and large they are prodigies against novices. I suspect in the US some of the sparring for teenagers are tougher than some of the early bouts for the Thai teens.”
With regards to Sangarthit, the question is whether the minor title he now holds is merely symbolic or a sign that his brain trust has intentions of maneuvering him into riskier, more challenging fights. While he defeated Kulabdam conclusively, good portions of the fight were fought on relatively even terms, and his opponent in this case was a 2-1 duel sport fighter who had never gone past the third round as a boxer. Nonetheless, the minor belt he captured could theoretically see him enter the WBC’s Top 40 at light welterweight and put him in the neighborhood as far more developed fighters such as Shohjahon Ergashev (most recently ranked 33rd) or former titleholder Argenis Mendez (31st). Educated observers understand that these belts and rankings have little meaning, but their value still exists for promoters and matchmakers who need to play ball with sanctioning bodies. As impressive as he may look, it would be unwise to pay attention to those rankings and maneuver Sangarthit like a regular 9-0 prospect and not like a 16-year old.
“I’m not sure he’ll ever be a global star, but he does tick a lot of boxes to be a notable figure. He’s young, has a great back story, looks very mature for a teenager, has a good boxing brain on his shoulders, can box going forwards or backwards. The issue is going to be his development over the next 2 or 3 years. He’s going to have to be matched well to develop his skills, and I’m not sure if TL Promotions and Thairath have the financial clout to get him either the bouts he needs or the sparring,” said Graveson. “In saying that if they have the money and spend that on getting him experience stateside, getting him training in the US with some American and Mexican fighters at the weight, there’s no reason why he can’t become a star. I think naturally he’s a fighter with a higher ceiling than Teerachai Kratingdaenggym (Kiram Tewa) who fought for a world title at a similar weight, but we’ll have to wait a long time to see him reach that ceiling. The potential is there, but it’s how his team handle and nurture that potential that is going to be the tricky thing.”
