2009

ISSUE

# 1
NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION.
EVENTS CIRCULATION ONLY.

FEATURED PERSONALITY INTERNATIONAL FIGHTER

ABBAS AHMADI THE IRANIAN NAK MUAY NAMSAKNOI, THE EMPEROR

IN-FOCUS
MUAY THAI: THE MALAYSIAN DILEMMA
EVENTS REPORT
KEJOHANAN TOMOI ANTARABANGSA PIALA GYM SPOTLIGHT
TENGKU MAHKOTA KELANTAN 2008 BOXX WARRIORS MUAY THAI GYM AMPANG

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

10 muay thai column

the muay thai scene in kelantan
Pak Zawi reporting from Kelantan

Publisher/Editor 11 muay thai tips

Musaddik ‘BoxxTomoi’ Zainuddin (boxxtomoi@gmail.com) memilih gim
Our resident experts shares their tips on how to choose a true Muay Thai gym
Editorial
Musaddik ‘BoxxTomoi’ Zainuddin
Fauzi Hamidin (fauzi@fusionkraft.com) 12 gym spotlight
Ampang Boxxwarriors Muay Thai Gym
Art & Design The newly established true Muay Thai gym in Ampang
Fauzi Hamidin (fauzi@fusionkraft.com)
Azhar (topisoviet@yahoo.com)
16 featured personality
Contributors
Nadya Shahabuddin (s.nadya@ymail.com), Mohamad
Abbas Ahmadi The Iranian Nak Muay
Zawawi Ahmad (mohdzawi@gmail.com), Raja Ahmad Talmizi Get to know this unstoppable Iranian Nak Muay
Raja Abdullah (greateacheraja@yahoo.co.uk), Dilla M. Shukri
(dilla_272@yahoo.com), Adex @ Sharifah Hazwani Syed Hussin
(shazxennax5526@yahoo.com), Sanusi Othman, Zahari 18 in-focus
Ahmad Razali (zahari.ahmad@gmail.com) Muay Thai: The Malaysian Dilemma
Zahari put his thoughts on paper concerning Muay Thai in Malaysia
Photographers
AzizanCM (azizancm@gmail.com)
Shun (mshamsul@uum.edu.my) 20 news & activity
Jun (sizuka_31884@yahoo.com)
Nadya Shahabuddin
Perjalanan Dari Kelantan Ke Yunan
World Muaythai Association (WMA) Gala, Mengzi Honghe Yunnan 16th – 17th Januari 2009.
Advertising & Marketing Travelogue by Sanusi Othman
Musaddik (send2mus@gmail.com) 016-3200164

Published by:
22 profile: international fighter
Namsaknoi, The Emperor
An Interview with The Emperor - The Legend

26 special: khru
Ajarn (grandmaster) Somwang Sinuan
KawanBoxx This fartherly figure that fought more than 250 fights and fought Kung-fu stars in the 70s
No: 9, Jalan KE 4/10, Kota Emerald, Emerald East, 48000,
Rawang, Selangor.

tel : 603-60345750
email : boxxtomoi@gmail.com
web : 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.

08

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4 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009 20 22
Look for the full result in issue #2 of Boxxtomoi Mag!
news & activity TRIP TO PHUKET, THAILAND
Activity by Alvin of Boxx Warriors Gym Labuan

Trainers of Rawai Muaythai Gym Phuket, Thailand Handover of the souvenir to Rawai Muaythai Gym owner - Khun Tuk

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

Handover of the souvenir to Sinbi Muaythai Gym owner - Khun Sing The head coach of Sinbi Muaythai Gym - Khun Met and me

Handover of the souvenir to fighters’ manager of Tiger Muaythai Gym - Khun Phet Group photo with the friendly crews of Tiger Muaythai Gym
Chaimanee
2009 ISSUE 1 - BOXXTOMOI |7
events report
text: zahari ahmad razali
photo: azizan cm
Kelantan Superfight results & photos
Keputusan penuh Kejohanan Tomoi Antarabangsa Kelantan –
Piala Tengku Mahkota

17 November 2008 18 November 2008

1. Fauzan (Boxx Warriors, Kulim) kalahkan Ain Romli 1. Firdaus Janai (Boxx Warriors) kalahkan Idham Daud (M-150,
(Sikmasal, Pasir Mas) – KO pusingan 1 Kota Bharu) – kiraan mata

2. Aburn (Azmin Motor, Tanah Merah) kalahkan Wan Ali (Seri 2. Kamaruddin (M-150, Kota Bharu) seri dengan David William
Embun, Pasir Mas) – KO pusingan 3 (Australia)

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
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

Kejohanan Tomoi Antarabangsa Piala

(Thailand) – KO pusingan 3
6. Abbas Ahmadi (Boxx Warriors) kalahkan Kudin Raja Jerung
6. Wadi (Seri Payung) kalahkan Benny Ritter (Switzerland) – (Kelantan)– kiraan mata
KO pusingan 4

Tengku Mahkota Kelantan 2008 7. Ali Yaakob (Boxx Warriors) kalahkan Maros Pacan (Slovakia)
– kiraan mata
7. Berneung Sakhomsin (Tiger Gym, Thailand) kalahkan Karim
Geliga Merah (Kelab Muay Kayu Kelat, Terengganu) - KO
pusingan 2

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.
Boxx sincerely hope that the presence of the royal guest could change
the perception on Muay Thai by the general public. Benny Ritter vs Wadi Seri Payung
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.

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.
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. Fauzan Boxx Warriors
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!

28 boxers took part in the event with 7 fights per night took place. With Kelantan, see u again soon!
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 Karim Afghan vs Ismadi
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. Maros Pacan vs Ali Yaakob Kudin Raja Jerung vs Abbas Ahmadi Oleg Fillipov vs Max 11

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

muay thai column
the muay thai
scene in kelantan
text & photo: pak zawi
Zariman The Trainer Pak Usop
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
10 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009
Ajan the Kelantan nak muay
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.
Adik Adi Aman
muay thai tips
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?
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
Ampang Boxxwariors Gym - read more about it next page
from left: Oji, Noh (Trainer), Raja Ahmad Talmizi, Adam, Jass, Musaddik
with Sinam Phunkasikon/Saksit Chosipasert - Head Trainer at Ampang Boxxwarriors Gym
memilih gim
text: raja ahmad talmizi raja abdullah
photo: azizan cm
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.
2009 ISSUE 1 - BOXXTOMOI | 11
 Jaslee sparring with Sinam
gym sportlight

text: musaddik zainuddin

what the students says...

photo: azizan cm
gym spotlight
I am really interested in Muay Thai.
This is a great place to learn Muay
Thai. Fairus Musa, 29, Financial
Consultant from Rawang
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

Ampang
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
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,

Boxxwarriors Muay Thai Gym

Azlee & Ina from Ampang

I love to exercise the Muay Thai It was a great start for me and I
way. This is a good place to do so. urge anyone who wanted to start
This inaugural issue takes us to the newly This is the only real full-Muay Thai gym in KL with Jaslee, 29, Advertising Agency Muay Thai, whatever the reason is,
Owner from Ampang please have a visit at Boxx warriors
established Muay Thai gym in Ampang, Selangor a friendly atmosphere. BoxxTomoi interviews Gym Ampang. Fauzi, 36, Creative
– Boxx Warriors Ampang Gym. After passing my the owner of the gym, who is perhaps the only Designer, KL
fitness test by climbing up the four-story-high woman Muay Thai gym owner in Malaysia
staircase, BoxxTomoi finally made it to the right now, Kirsty Dzulkarnain.
gym. Phew!

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.

12 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009

gym quest

The Flying Cobra Boxing Club text: musaddik zainuddin/oji

photo: 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

Namsaknoi Abbas Ahmadi

abbas ahmadi
“It’s not about the money. It’s about
the drive to be a somebody...
a champion...”
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.
16 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009
featured personality
text: dilla m.shukri
photo: shun
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
photo by musaddik
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
featured personality
PROFILE
Name : Abbas Ahmadi
Gym : BoxxWarriors Muay Thai Gym
Country : Iran
Belt : WPMO Championship (2006-2008)
P-K1 (2006)
Macau World (2007)
TM-WMC (2008)
S1 World Championship (2008)
WMC Asian (2008)
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 M.Shukri
dilla_272@yahoo.com
2009 ISSUE 1 - BOXXTOMOI | 17
 in-focus
in-focus text: zahari ahmad razali
photo: nadya shahabuddin
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,
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.

muay thai: the malaysian dilemma

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...).
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
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
“you can use muay thai as a tool to
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

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 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,
create good citizens, good people and
good community...”
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
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

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

18 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009

news & activity PERJALANAN DARI KELANTAN KE YUNAN
World Muaythai Association (WMA) Gala, Mengzi Honghe Yunnan
16th – 17th Januari 2009
15 Januari 2009
Jam 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
20 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009
Activity by Sanusi Othman
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 2009
Jam 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 2009
Jam 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 2009
Jam 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 Othman
Boxx Warrior Gym
2009 ISSUE 1 - BOXXTOMOI | 21
* photographer unknown

profile:
text & photo: nadya shahabuddin
namsaknoi, The Emperor
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
An Interview with The Emperor, December 18, 2008
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.
22 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009
profile: international fighter
PROFILE
Fighter Name : Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn
Namsuk = The most mighty, Noi = Junior or little
Name : Muhamud Chaiyamart
Date of birth : Oct 13, 1979
international fighter
Birth place : Surat Thani, Thailand
Sport : Muay Thai
Height : 1.77 m
Weight : 61.5kg (135Ibs)
titles
Lumpinee Champion 115 lbs
Lumpinee Champion 122 lbs
Lumpinee Champion 135 lbs (2000-2006)
WMC World Champion 115 lbs
PABA Boxing Champion 135 lbs
Ford Ranger Tournament winner
Champion of South of Thailand 95 l
Champion of South of Thailand et 126 lbs
Voted Best Fighter of the year 1996 by the Sportswriters
Association of Thailand
Voted Best Fighters of the year 1999 by the Sports Authority of
Thailand
Best Wai Kru/Ram Muay of the year 2001
Best Wai Kru/Ram Muay of the year 2006
records
300 Fights, 280 Wins, 15 Loses , 5 Draws
(Winning record up till 2004)
* bio info/records by Rob Cox
www.axkickboxing.com | kiatphontip@gmail.com
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: 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.
* Namsaknoi currently resides at Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui. p/s: The same interview will also appear in www.lifeportalen.se, thanks
Q: what is your dream? Those interested to train with him, can email namsaknoi@yahoo.com to our friend, Håkan Jörgensen, the editor of the magazine.
A: Like I said earlier, I want to own my own stadium, my own gym. I or visit his blog: http://nsnclubmuaythai.blogspot.com for info, news
also want to go and teach around the world. and updates.
2009 ISSUE 1 - BOXXTOMOI | 23
Kedah Superfight results & photos

Keputusan penuh TM-Kejohanan Tomoi Antarabangsa Kedah,

Jubli Emas DiRaja

29 August 2008 30 August 2008

1. Mohd Fauzan (Boxxwarriors) beat Bow Sulaiman 1. Ismail Inai seri Bagong beat Kholid Saripan
- KO 4th round - TKO 3rd round

2. Tarmiza Inai Sri Bagong beat Hazri Yusof Super 4 Semi-Final :

- 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
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

Mohd Fauzan vs Bow Sulaiman

Quintana lands a powerful kick on Bedu

Berneung Sakhomsin vs Fakarut

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

photo: nadya shahabuddin

24 | BOXXTOMOI - ISSUE 1 2009
special: khru
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.
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
text: raja ahmad talmizi raja abdullah
photo: musaddik
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.