Photography by Scott Hirano

Lion Fight Muay Thai VII will take place on September 8th at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The main event for the evening is expected to be a Light Heavyweight match-up between Joe Schilling and Alex Berrios. Although the fight has not been officially announced by Lion Fight Promotions, sources have informed us that both fighters have verbally agreed to the fight.

Schilling will be looking for back to back wins after dropping two consecutive bouts to Simon Marcus earlier in the year. He most recently defeated Karapaet Karapetyan at Battle of the Belts earlier this month in Thailand; Schilling won the fight by unanimous decision.

Berrios will be looking to for his third consecutive victory after scoring a (T)KO victory over Travis Lerchen at Friday Night Fight Muay Thai this past January and most recently a unanimous decision win over Warren Thompson at Bangkok Fight Night earlier this month.

The fight will be an interesting clash of styles. Most fans have become accustomed to Schilling’s aggressive style, while Berrios has a very traditional Thai style. In his last fight against Karapetyan, Schilling showed a more composed and relaxed style as opposed to his usual blitzkrieg style of attack. A size advantage should definitely lie in favor of Schilling as Berrios, isn’t known to cut much weight for his fights. Should make of an interesting and exciting match-up as Schilling looks to continue to prove he is the best 175lb fighter in the United States, while Berrios will be looking to make his presence known in the American Muay Thai scene.

Photo credit: Marty Rockatansky

Thai Boxer Andy Howson will be taking on Romie Adanza in a long anticipated rematch Saturday September 8th, at K-1 Rising 2012 World Grand Prix in Los Angeles, CA. The two first met at the Muay thai in America show in April, 2010 with a controversial decision going to Romie. Now Andy will be coming back to Los Angeles to try to settle the score.

Andy Howson fights out of Bad Company Muay Thai in Leeds, UK along with Thai Boxers Liam Harrison, and Jordan Watson. Andy just recently defeated another great fighter from the UK, Damien Trainor in the fourth meeting by decision.

Total Muay Thai: Tell us about your recent victory over Damien Trainor, and what it means to you due to your history fighting him, and the fact that you guys are friends?

Andy Howson: Hey Greg, Well the win over Damien again means so much to me, there has been a lot of people writing me off on the net recently and the fact that I was already 2-1 up I feel I had a point to prove in this 4th fight and wanted to put an end to it and win good and make it 3-1 which I did. First 2 rounds where tit for tat but from round 3 onwards I totally controlled the fight and felt like I was hurting him a fair bit with some of my shots and the last round was actually given a 10-8 round by 2 of the judges i won it so strongly. Where good friends and that always puts the edge on the fight and makes it even more exciting, again it was a top class fight and again we gave the fan what they wanted to see

Romie Adanza / Andy Howson – First Encounter

Total Muay Thai: How does it feel to finally get your rematch with Romie?

Andy Howson: It feels great to have the rematch with Romie at last, its been a long time coming for me, but I’m not thrilled that the fight is under K1 rules as I have never fought that style before and I am very traditional Muay Thai fighter in the manner of how I fight.

While where on with the Romie and me rematch can i just point something out and put a few facts straight?

Colin Oyama has made a point of going on Facebook and stating that I’ve been “Trash talking” Romie and that’s total BS so get your facts right. As I’ve said in every interview regarding Romie, he is a great guy, a nice guy and we got on fine, my argument is that the way things are done in the US with Muay Thai isn’t good for the sport and yes I’m bitter about the decision of our fight and wanted a rematch, there is no bad blood just things need to be put right.

Total Muay Thai: Is it going to be hard to adapt from Muay Thai to K-1 Rules?

Andy Howson: I think it’s going to be harder for me to try to adapt to rather than Romie as he already has quite a K-1 style, he’ a good boxer and always follows up with low kicks where as i tend to be a more Thai style and pace the fight nice and easy first 2 and then 3,4 and 5 go for it.

The only good thing is I am fighting K-1 in Japan now the 17th-18th August for the ISKA K-1 World Title against Nobuchika Terrado so hopefully I will have learned to change my style and nailed by the time of the Romie fight.

Total Muay Thai: Isn’t going to be hard to not throw elbows in the fight? Do you ever think you may throw an elbow on accident?

Andy Howson: I don’t think it will be a problem, like I say above fighting K1 in Japan and then not long after against Romie so hopefully will have all the elbows out of my system by then.

Total Muay Thai: Do you have experience fighting in K-1 or have all your pro fights been Muay Thai?

Andy Howson: No experience of K-1 as of yet all my fights have been Muay Thai.

Total Muay Thai: Have you ever had any pro boxing matches?

Andy Howson: No I’ve never had any pro boxing fights but long before I started Muay Thai I did train Boxing on and off for a few years.

Total Muay Thai: I recently saw an awesome pencil drawing of you someone made with many different images of you. Any chance you’ll make prints of that drawing for fans that you can autograph? Who drew that?

Andy Howson: The guy who drew the picture is an amazing young artist Milo’s Lanka, basically he did his first ever attempt of an oil painting using a picture of Liam vs Saenchai part 2 and brought it in to Bad Company to show us and some of his work and now has a following of people asking for some work doing, he is awesome. And as far as the signing copies id never even thought of anything like this to be honest with you, I’m pretty sure there’s not enough of a fan following for that lol.

Total Muay Thai: Anything coming up in between the K-1 fight in Los Angeles?

Andy Howson: Like I said earlier the only fight I have now lined up between now and the Romie rematch is an ISKA K1 World Title fight over in Japan which I’m really looking forward to. But I’m busy after the Romie fight too with a fight against an Italian opponent back in the UK in Birmingham in October and then may have something lined up in Milan in November too so exciting year ahead.

Total Muay Thai: Will you be with your team-mate Liam Harrison when he takes on Saenchai for the third time in July?

Andy Howson: I am really hoping to get out there for this fight, Liam is not just my stable mate but my cousin and 1 of my favourite fighters to watch, exciting and so strong and this could be the last chance he gets to face Saenchai so I’m really hoping he pulls it off and I get to be there for the fight. Especially after coming off such an amazing stoppage over Kulebin in his last fight.

Total Muay Thai: Any words for the fans?

Andy Howson: Just a massive thank you to everyone who has followed or does follow my fight career I hope I have been able to give you all some exciting fights in the past and the way I’m going and feeling right now, I’m hoping for many more to come for you guy’s

Take-On Productions

Varga and Greskiewicz previously met in February of 2010, a fight which Varga won by unanimous decision. The re-match between the two fighters was set to take place in late 2011 at the Warriors Cup XIII in Lincroft, NJ but Greskiewicz was forced to withdraw from the bout due to an injury.

Varga last competed in September of 2011 when he won a K-1 rules fight against Dutch fighter Roy Tan for the WFK world title by third round knockout. Varga has been actively looking for fights in both K-1 style and full rules Muay Thai.

Greskiewicz recently dropped a decision to Malaipet Sasiprapa at Lion Fight Muay Thai VI in Las Vegas. Greskiewicz was coming off a big win over Bernie Mendieta in the U.K. before his fight with Malaipet.

The re-match is sure to excite fans of both fighters and has been one of the most sought after re-matches in the east coast Muay Thai scene.

Scott Hirano Photography

Thakoon Sasiprapa Gym & Muaythai Warriors Presents:

“The Master Muaythai Championship of Thailand in Honor of H.M. Prince of Thailand”

July 20th, 2012 Live on channel 11 2100-2300 pm At Rajchaburi Province, Thailand first fight start 1800pm

Saenchai, the machine who never takes a break is taking on Liam Harrison again. They’ve fought twice already with Saenchai Sinbi Muay Thai winning a decision on both occassions.

Saenchai recently defeated Pen-ake Sitnumnoi at Lumpinee Stadium on June 8. Then, six days later at Jean Charles Skarbowsky’s “Best of Siam” on June 14 in France, he beat Mehdi Zatout.

Thailand’s Terminator “The Tank” Rungravee Sasiprapa, known for tearing through his opponents, is back & as dangerous as ever. Out of Sasiprapa Gym in Bangkok, He fought in Cork, Ireland not too long ago, and next month he’s taking on another Irish lad , Stephen Meleady.

1. Insee Sirinthip Vs. Daniel McGowan England 50 kg.
2. Petchpayak Jombuang Vs. Christan Miguel Spain 62 kg.
3. Seang-atit Sasiprapa Vs. Kemen Picken 64 kg.
4. Yodarkom Fahkamin Vs. Steve France 61 kg.
5. C-ui Sunantachai Vs. Juan Mario Spain 60 kg.
6. Rungravee Sasiprapa VS. Stephen Meleady Ireland 61 kg.
7. Seanchai PK Seanchai Vs. Liam Harrison England 64 kg.
8. Kompayak Jombuang Vs. Stephen Hodgers Ireland 65 kg.

Bangkok Fight Night: Undisputed

In the night’s co-main event Alex Berrios stepped up a weight class to take on Warren Thompson. The always technical Berrios was able to out point Thompson en route to a unanimous decision victory. The win for Berrios is his second of 2012 and is 2-0 on the year, with his pervious win coming over Travis Lerchen by (T)KO this past January under the Friday Night Fights Muay Thai banner.

Results:
Chike Lindsay def. Malaipet Sasiprapa via Unanimous Decision
Alex Berrios def. Warren Thompson via Unanimous Decision

Steven Arena – KiwiBlack.com

Journey Fight Series VI took place this past weekend in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The event featured the opening round of the 160lb North American tournament, however, only two fighters have officially made it to the semi-finals of the tournament. On fight day the tournament bout between Sean McKinnon and Daniel Kim was scratched from the fight card after it was realized Kim’s blood work was expired. The bout will likely be rescheduled on a different fight card before the second round of the tournament begins in September.

In the night’s opening tournament bout Preston Baptiste took home a split decision victory over Marcus Fisher. Baptiste started the fight as the aggressor, but Marcus picked up his attack as the fight progressed. Baptiste started connecting with solid shots midway through the fight at one point sending Fisher to the mat with a teep to the chest, but no count was initiated by the referee. It was a seesaw technical battle until the end with Baptiste advancing in the tournament.

In the night’s second tournament bout Shane Campbell made an electric return to Muay Thai after having taken the past few years off to focus on MMA. Campbell and Nate Chambers went toe to toe for most of the first round until a right hand from Campbell dropped Chambers. Chambers took an eight count but went right back to work attacking Campbell’s legs, however, the fight didn’t last much longer as Campbell unleashed a flurry of strikes than sent Chambers down again this time when the referee signaled for him to raise his gloves and indicate he was ready he did no respond initially, prompting the referee to stop the fight in the first round.

In the night’s final tournament bout Ken Tran and Troy Sheridan fought to a technical draw. After a close and exciting first round which had both fighters landing some solid strikes, things took an unexpected turn when Tran seemed to get caught in the back of the head by an accidental elbow at which point he took a knee. Tran stated he had double vision at which point the bout was stopped and ruled a technical draw to the dismay of fans in attendance. After the event Sheridan filed an appeal with the Calgary Athletic Commission stating that he did not connect with an elbow to the back of the head and he should be awarded the (T)KO victory since Tran was unable to continue. It will be interesting to see what happens, if the original result is upheld then the pair will likely re-match on a fight card before September much like Sean McKinnon vs. Daniel Kim.

In the night’s main event Nate Smandych and Sheldon Gaines entertained the fans for five rounds. From start to finish both fighters let everything in their arsenal fly. Smandych connected with solid punches and kicks, but Gaines kept pressing forward looking to land elbows and connecting with solid kicks of his own. Gaines opened up a small cut under the left eye of Smandych and when the fight was over the big winner was the crowd. The judges awarded the split decision to Gaines in a very entertaining fight.

Results:

Sheldon Gaines def. Nate Smandych via Split Decision

Ken Tran and Troy Sheridan fight to a Technical Draw

Shane Campbell def. Nate Chambers via (T)KO in Rd. 1

Preston Baptiste def. Marcus Fisher via Split Decision

*For more great photos by Steven Arena visit KiwiBlack.com

Scott Hirano – Muay Thai Authority

Next Month, WCK Pro­mo­tions brings Muay Thai to Port Huen­eme,CA. The long antic­i­pated return of Michael Man­an­quil fight­ing out of World Team USA, against Mex­i­can cham­pion Luis Bio. Mananquil’s last fight was at the begin­ning of last year at “Bat­tle in the Desert 1″ defeat­ing Malaipet Sasiprapa by a unan­i­mous decision. He has had a long layoff since then having a baby with his wife.

I saw Mananquil’s first fight with Malaipet at Quite Canon in Mon­te­bello, CA. & I thought the decision could have gone either way. Michael Mananquil’s stomach was all cut up at the end of the fight. It looked like a bear ran its claw right across his stomach.

Both Michael & Ky Hollenbeck were training for that fight at the Gym I was training at, Muay Thai Academy North Hollywood, CA. Keep in mind, when I say I’m training their too I don’t mean that I am an aspiring fighter. I train for my own pleasure, to feel good, and spar. Myself and the rest of the class were very impressed with Mananquil’s athleticism while he was training.

Not only does he have this fight next month scheduled with Luis Bio, but he is also scheduled to appear August 18th, 2012 in Pomona, CA at “Muay Thai World Stand Off” against Rung Reung Chai. Ky Hollenbeck is scheduled as well to face Aegpracha “Hit­man” Meenay­otin.

Total Muay Thai:  The last time you had a professional fight was at “Battle in the Desert 1″ against Malaipet right? Why the long lay off?

Michael Mananquil: Yes it’s been quite sometime since my last fight. Within that year I got married and had my baby girl. It was a good choice.

Total Muay Thai:  How long have you been fighting professionally & what have been your most memorable fights?

Michael Mananquil: I’ve been training for 15 years and have been professional for about 13 years. To me, 100% of my fights are memorable. Some notables that had good hype and energy around the time we competed were verses opponents such as Armando Ramos, Danny Steele, Ajarn Suchart, Rakarma Young, Malaipet and Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee. But hype isn’t the only thing that makes fights memorable to me. My 3rd fight I fought one of Maurice Smith’s student Tristan Witt. He gave me a heck of a time all fight until I was able to pull off a standing 8 on him and turn the tides. Also my 11th fight versus Shane Campbell who gave me my very first lose in the first round via cut stoppage keeps me humble. It’s the tough fights that etch in their life lesson.

Total Muay Thai: You got a fight coming up with Luis Bio next month in July in Oxnard. Do you know Luis personally? Are you familiar with him as a fighter?

Michael Mananquil: I do know and am familiar with Luis Bio. His team and mine have traveled and fought side by

side overseas. You do gain a good sense of camaraderie in those moments. We enjoyed each others company and assisted each other throughout our venture. As a fighter he is very good. He is smart, well-rounded and has a good team to see to his training. I respect his abilities.

Total Muay Thai: You were recently in Sweden with your team-mate Ky Hollenbeck. What was that experience like being there? What was the highlight of the trip?

Michael Mananquil: Sweden is a beautiful country. It is well maintained and all the countrymen were very kind and wiling to exchange conversation. Being out there amongst the Glory fighters was quite and experience. Even thought I was amongst the top fighters in the 70kg division, though interaction you realize they are very much human like you and I. Size wise they are not giants and our goals are similar. I enjoyed the company of Glory competitors. I’m looking forward to seeing Ky perform in the upcoming tournament.

Total Muay Thai: Are there any international fighters in your weight division that you’d like to fight in the near future?

Michael Mananquil: There are quite a few international fighters that I’d like to fight with. As others would feel the same, I would always like to fight the best. In the 67/70gk Muay Thai class, there are just to many to name. If I know who they are, I’m sure you guys at Total Muay Thai could name them as well.

Total Muay Thai: Are there any up & coming fighters we should look out for coming out of World Team USA?

Michael Mananquil: Seriously, yes. Ajarn Sam just has a way of turning normal kids into spectacular fighters. As for the ones who stick around, they excel. Our amateur World Champion Tj Arcangel is a perfect example. He’s my version3.0. He’ll be fighting on the same card on this upcoming fight. Keep an eye out for him.

Total Muay Thai: What is your most effective Muay Thai weapon?

Michael Mananquil: My motivation. It’s my greatest strength and my greatest weakness. When it’s there I can out train and out work many men. When it isn’t, I can be left in the dust.

Total Muay Thai: Have you done any training in Thailand?

Scott Hirano – Muay Thai Authority

Michael Mananquil: I have been to Thailand twice but I have never trained in Thailand.

Total Muay Thai: What does it take to become a great champion?

Michael Mananquil: I know I am a “champion” but a great one, I’m miles off from falling into that category. I think there are many components that fall into being a great champion. The controlled variables such as your trainer, teammates, training regimens, nutrition and lifestyle. Then the uncontrolled variables such as promotion, media outreach, and all around public appeal. Some fighters are the elite of the elite but are so busy being that way that they care not for all the public relations. Then you have your fighters who talk the talk more so then walk and are making quite the hefty paycheck. So to be a “great champion” you need to have a have all those working for you. Then once all that is in place you need to make an impact on the world through your beliefs. In my eyes that’s what makes one a “great champion”. Mohammad Ali is a “great champion”. He fought and beat most men that stood before him. The world recognized him and his abilities. And finally, he stood for his beliefs no matter the outcome when the draft came around.

Total Muay Thai: I know when i spar it really hurts when I bang shins with another fighter. I’d rather get punched in the face then check a leg kick. Since you have been fighting for a while, does it still really hurt checking a leg kick or have your shins grown accustomed to it?

Michael Mananquil: I think I’m more accustomed to the pain then ones who have never experienced it before. Whit that being said it still hurts especially if you do not put your work in the conditioning. If you take a few weeks off from pounding the bags the human body regenerates and all the nerves you’ve numbed previously spark up again. All goes back to the, keep it sharp or it will dull saying.

Total Muay Thai: I have seen some Muay Thai promotions recently where the Wai Kru was cut out before the match. How important is to keep the traditions of Muay Thai intact such as performing the Wai Kru?

Michael Mananquil: Tradition in all things in pretty essential. Without it you’ll have people creating all sorts of things with their new ideas and it could very well lead to chaos or something completely astray from truth. I’m not saying new ideas should never be implemented but rather tradition should always be considered. This is America so many Americans could care not to see the Wai Kru. That’s up to them because it is not part of their tradition. But if they do see it, it should be recognized for what it is, a tradition.

Total Muay Thai: Is there anybody you’d like to thank?

Michael Mananquil: God for allowing me to simple be, my families, my teammates, Ajarn Sam and the martial arts community.

Thanks Total Muay Thai for taking the time out for me.

“I would like to address the Muay Thai community and all of my fans about the recent cancellation of my title fight with Artem Levin, scheduled for June 9th, 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand.

I would like to end any speculation that I was injured and that this was the reason I was not able to compete. The fight with Artem Levin will not happen June 9th due to various factors that are beyond my control. When I was informed that there was a good possibility that Levin would not be fighting, my camp and I decided that it was in our best interest to withdraw from the bout. I feel that fighting anyone else for an interim world title is not in my best interest. I am only interested in fighting Artem for the world title he currently holds. As it has been reported recently, he will not be able to compete on June 9th.

In addition, contractual issues played a roll in our decision making. As a fighter sometimes there are things you cannot control outside of the ring and it can be disappointing on a personal level as well as for the fans; however, I would like to inform all the Muay Thai fans that it will not be long before you see Simon Marcus vs. Artem Levin. Thanks to all for the love and support.

Love, Respect, Believe,
Simon ”Bad Bwoy” Marcus”

His replace­ment will be David Kyria. Kyria has fought for the Golden Glory pro­mo­tion before los­ing to Robin van Roos­malen in 2011 and to Nieky Holzken this past March. David Kyria has a tough fight ahead of him fight­ing an oppo­nent of Kem Sitsongpeenong’s cal­iber. Listed below is the updated fight card. Check back for more updates regard­ing The Glory World Series in Stock­hom, Swe­den, and please make sure to like our face­book page.

70kg Final 16:

Yoshi­hiro Sato vs. Shemsi Beqiri
Tim Thomas vs. Den­nis Schneidmiller
Dzhabar Askerov vs. Robin van Roosmalen
David Kyria vs. Kem Sitsongpeenong
Ky Hol­len­beck vs. Michael Corley
Sanny Dahlbeck vs. Maxim Vorovski
Albert Kraus vs. Mohammed El-Mir
Gior­gio Pet­rosyan vs. Fabio Pinca

Cosmo Alexan­dre photo cour­tesy of Muay Thai Author­ity & Scott Hirano