Xplosion 12 observations

[Voice]

Well what a weekend on the 'Coast.
Hot sunny weather and action a plenty at the fights.

Firstly was the K1 HW card which held some real eye openers. In particular was the absolute bashing that Matt Samoa handed out to Pola Express. Likewise from Chief to Van den Bos and Sydney Asiata on his late changing opponent.
These KO's were just like Apollo Creed on Rocky 4, where the head hits the canvass and bounces a few times. Dreadful KO's. Unfortunate somewhat was the way most of the K1 HW fights became 'bomb-fests'. Not an awful lot of leg work but some crushing bombs.

Sting absorbed a few strong punches from Ben Edwards to comfortably win his bout, in a good display on how to chop a rear leg until the guy drops.

For me the Muay Thai bouts were what it was all about.
Frankie Giorgi slugged it out with another late change in what was a great bout.
Yoshi was too strong for Taylor Harvey to win by TKO after Yoshi suddenly broke him...earning himself some nice $$$ from a few fans of his!

In a real surprise for me the tough Thai/Cambodian Samnang (Yuanjit Dip) started well against Mark Staiti and then got absolutely bashed. Absorbing some big blows Samnang was added to the list of near-unconscious KO's on the night. Ouch!

Aaron TS2 was off the pace and lost on points to Yoneda.

Then the crowd upset, though perhaps not on paper. When Yodsanklai came to the ring with 220-odd fights under his belt and a Lumpinee champ I thought JWP was going to have his work cut out for him. The first round was fairly even, perhaps the Thai edging it...then in the 2nd (or was it the 3rd?) a high left kick caught JWP with his guard a little low and was flush on the neck sending him down. He battled to last the round but then recovered and took it back to the Thai.
But this Thai was tough as nails and looked very powerful. His legs were like trunks and his body looked very muscular. Nothing JWP could do seemed to hurt him and even though JWP came out blazing in the last and clearly took that round, the KD proved costly. An emotional JWP apologised to the crowd but the warm applause from the audience for the war indicated the result was not what mattered. This WBC title was won by a true warrior who deserved it. One small slip and the title is lost...such is the fight game.

Then Carnage entered to thunderous applause and from the opening bell slammed a chopping right kick to Magnum Sakai's leg which proved to be a common theme of this fight.

I thought this was the finest execution of demolition tactics I have ever seen from a fighter. In the first round there was not a technique that Carnage didn't throw, from right cross/left rip combos, jumping elbows, sharp knee strikes and 8-10 punch and kick combos.
Carnage has got to be the most efficient user of strikes in the game...his % of shots on target was probably 80%. Carnage also seems not to suffer effects of lactic acid buildup as his ability to keep coming forward with multi-technique attacks was mind-numbing. He comfortably recorded a TKO and became the first Australia to claim a WBC title.

One observation also I should add is the depth of competition in the 70kg Max category. JWP is Australia's best fighter by a long shot at this weight but there are so many equal opponents around the world.

Carnage is so far ahead that it is difficult to see who could beat him, and the list of competition at that Cruiserweight 86kg category is not high.

In all a great night's action and be sure to watch Fox for those crunching KO's.

The only blemish was a 90 minute delay to proceedings which saw the card run past midnight. If it weren't for some quick KO's I wonder how long it might have run. This needs to be sorted for next time, can't have people waiting this long.

Finally, I met Lucy at long last. With Diet Coke in hand and guard up ready for her right cross, I simply got a 'Voice, great to see you bro', and a kiss on the cheek.

I must say Lucy you are a real Lady and it was my pleasure to finally meet you.

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A man's gotta know his limitations...

Edited by - voice on 12 Dec 2005 09:28:10

[humble]

thanks voice, I always look forward to your observations! Sounds like i good night!

Dont mistake my harshness for strength and neither mistake my kindness for weakness.

[shaunw]

nice observations voice. you got some great writting skills to!!!<img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>

Max Power, he's the man who's name you'd love to touch. But you mustn't touch! His name sounds good in your ear, but when you say it you mustn't fear! Cause his name can be said by anyone

[Mungkorn]

Great review, can't wait to see it on fox...

One World One MuayThai

[alchrist]

Yep, good report Voice.Yodsangklai, a Bangkok/Lumpinee veteran with 200+ fights and only [i think] 20 yrs of age is one thai fighter who combines a virtually flawless technique and pure Muay Thai form with some very clean hands and wall of China defence. In JWP's words always going to be a battle with one of the elite.Had JWP napping in the 2nd after a kick to the neck/jaw which would have near paralyzed anyone else,but Wayne,in typical fashion got up to see out the rnd and the fight. One of the fights of the year for mine and all in all another top QLD event to wrap up the year [i wonder how fox is going to squeeze 5+ hrs into a 2hr slot]
Came looking for you Voice to shout out 'HI' but Promoboss said you had already left and were tucked up in bed.<img src=icon_smile_sleepy.gif border=0 align=middle>Maybe next time?

thnx al.

[ECKS]

LOL @ Shaunw , ur a **** stirrer and a half mate lol... I love it

[Voice]

sorry alchrist, the lack of taxi situation was a real problem which stuffed things up a bit.

I know Fox will be viewing the K1 fights but I really hope they squeeze in the 2 main events. Politics of the WBC thing aside, these 2 fights are a MUST for kickboxing and muay thai fans alike to see and would be a real loss if not shown as I know they were recording the whole show.

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A man's gotta know his limitations...

[muaythaimayhem]

Good one Voice, sorry couldn't catch up with you blokes, there will definitely be another time for sure.

Just with the JWP vs Yodsangklai fight, didnt the thai do a similar kick to drop him again in the last round, and although JWP picked up the pace in that last one, I thought that lost it for him definitely that second knockdown. The thai definitely had very tight defence, and he was sharp, because JWP was trying his usual punches to no effect and get a rollon with some other combos, and the thai evaded them skillfully on a number of occasions. But it was a tough one for sure and certainly no respect lost for JWP.

I thought Slowinski showed what a good MT practitioner can do to someone who 100% likes to try and box. Bit disappointing, because on a Jim Cass show earlier this year against Mitch Ohello, Ben Edwards was throwing some nice flying knees etc as well, which would have mixed his game plan up a bit. Certainly Matt Samoa's knockout was huge against a way bigger man, and poor old Appa Nanni against Sidney Asiata, that one was sickening as well.

When Carnage fights, it looks like slow motion, like he can stop time almost, has so much time to pick an opponent to pieces, his movements are so well timed and fluid. Looks effortless.

On an unfortunate note, behind us in our ringside seats there were two blokes who were looking for a bit of trouble, put a bit of a dampner on it (which is unusual at a muay thai event normally, normally not that much trouble, due to obvious reasons - there are gonna be other MT aficionados in the crowd, willing to use what they know), because a couple of us had to have words with these fellas, eventually they left, thankfully. But apart from that was a good night.

[Mojoman]

Agreed about Carnage. I didn't see Xplosion 12 but I've seen him on Fox a few times. The question is for Carnage is who is next? Steve McKinnon? He seems to be stuck @ 86-92kg and running out of opponents to thrash. I saw his interview in IK about not wanting to rush the move to heavyweight which is fair enough. He's running out of opponents though.

"If you change the way you look at things..what you look at changes"

[Voice]

Mayhem,
JWP certainly WAS NOT knocked down in the final...he clearly won that round. As far as my memory serves (with the stimulus of quite a few Bundy's), I scored it...(JWP/Yod)


1) 9-10
2) 10-10
3) 8-10 (JWP was knocked down I think 3rd but could have been 2nd)
4) 10-10
5) 10-9

47-49 (possibly 48-49 if you give the 4th to JWP)

Nick Stone was sitting at the table and we discussed Carnage vs Steve. Really is a non-issue now...Steve 95kgs and growing, Carnage 86-88kgs and content for now. Steve knows he isn't a world ranked MT fighter just yet so agreeing rules would be the issue. Possibly at K1 but that then leaves the not-so-small matter of 8kgs difference.

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A man's gotta know his limitations...

Edited by - voice on 12 Dec 2005 16:45:52

[muaythaimayhem]

Im sure he copped a second similar kick to the head and it dropped him, not as convincingly as the first, but still he went to the ground? Anyone else see that? Was it in the 4th round then? Im deadset certain there was a second one. I'm not trying to be funny or anything, i'm sure I seen it.
But your right Voice was close still, I agree. Was only one little slip up, but hey that's sport for you, doesnt matter what it is.



Edited by - muaythaimayhem on 12 Dec 2005 16:55:32

[Voice]

I see what you are saying Mayhem...possibly could have been a slip, he got a couple push kicks that knocked him back but certainly didn't cop a 2nd standing 8-count, that I am sure of.

I also agree, JWP couldn't get his usual punching flurry working as the Thai seemed prepared for it, though he did score some nice shots in the final when the realised he was behind.

Anyone else notice how little grappling and elbows were thrown...I couldn't understand this.

btw, Hammer and I went backstage maybe 30mins before JWP's fight. He came over and had a good chat. Very relaxed and chatty. Was a pleasure, he is a character and a gentleman.

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A man's gotta know his limitations...

Edited by - voice on 12 Dec 2005 17:03:52

[muaythaimayhem]

nah he never copped an 8 count for it, maybe he slipped.

I was waiting for the elbows and grappling definitely, I was talking it up to the blokes who came with me, and nothing happened. But your right he did up the ante in the end, which was exciting, I was hoping he would land a beauty and drop the thai or something.

Also did you think TS2 ran out of steam there, I thought it was close in the beginning, but he sort of lost his way a bit, and he looked somewhat tired, as you would be, but a fight is a fight and he's been around for a while now, the jap took full advantage?

I liked the carnage replays of previous bouts on the big screens as well, the huge elbows <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> forgot to mention those.

[Voice]

yeah, TS2 looked a little flat, the reach advantage from the Japanese was telling. Don't forget these blokes prepared and fought just 3 wks ago...very difficult to peak, rest then peak again. Spoke with JWP at weigh in about his shin which was taped; he said it was OK but I figure 'OK' from JWP is more likely 'pretty crap' really.

Did anyone else notice the Thai throwing random kicks into JWP's left shin, almost as if to try to re-open the cut? I thought he did at least 10 of these in the first round...the replay will tell for sure. Being southpaw, his rear low kicks were bang on hitting JWP right on his injured shin.

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A man's gotta know his limitations...

[dutts72]

I have mentioned this in another previous post sometime....often you will see fights in Thailand were there is little grappling and elbows. Some guys just like to fight at range especially those with exceptional kicking skills and perhaps Yodsenkalai was case in point.

With the elbows perhaps it was a respect thing or that if one guy threw first he new the other would re-pay with interest. You will see many thais not throw elbows until they are losing the bout. This is also often out of respect as fighting is there livelyhood and they cant afford to be sliced and diced all the time.



"Muay Thai Never Dies"
"Life in Every Breath"
Ome Mane Padme Hum

[Voice]

mmm, Inaugural WBC world title...I'd suggest respect not up there in top 3 reasons not to elbow on the night, but I would agree maybe JWP thought a Thai with 220 fights might throw elbows back with interest.

Was good watching the intimidation from JWP to the Thai during the opening RM ceremony, but he handled it well (as you'd expect being in the ring that many times). This is a MUST SEE on the Fox show...really got the crowd fired up.
Also, nice one-legged 'stork' position to each of the 4 sides of the ring (straight from Karate Kid).

Did JWP do this on Evo 6?

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A man's gotta know his limitations...

[alchrist]

Hey Voice, Waynes' ram muay has been the same since way back when.
Although he used to first fire a couple of arrows b4 ****ing his bow to the side and drawing his trusty weapon.<img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>Would even say that his would have to be one of the most balanced and graceful pre-fight
dances of any foreign fighter, ever.

thnx al.

[JWP]

Hi,
Got to watch my fight on my friends handy cam the other night and wasn't too happy with myself. In the 2nd Yodsanklai faked a teep with his right leg, stepped down and come over the top with his left landing smack bang on the stop button that I thought I had removed. After that I was fighting on pure instinct and my fight plan went out the window. Last round I gave it everything I had and would of had to of been my best round. Just before the end of the round I did get caught with a head kick but it didn't buckle me, I went to counter straight back but you can see its a slip on the canvas.
As for not throwing not many elbows, sometimes the shots just arent there to let go. I wasnt going to let go unless I was in range and I think he was the same, there was no respect trust me, if either of us had the chance we would have smashed each other for sure.
Thanks to everyone for so much support. I might have lost the battle but I am happy to have been in the war.

[Voice]

and a great war it was JWP.
Nice to meet you at last, your respect from the fans grows with every fight.

Best of luck for the WBC middleweight fight in 2006 against Steve Wakeling.

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A man's gotta know his limitations...

[muaythaimayhem]

Good to hear the actual fighters take, cheers Wayne. It was close and could have gone either way really, just unfortunate on the night.

And as per Voice, best wishes against Wakeling.

[edit] just read your website Jay dubbya, your making me cry mate just reading it, pull your bloody head up and pummel that bloody pom :). Your only human, he had a lot of experience, and you never had the crap beaten out of you, there is no pride lost at all.


Edited by - muaythaimayhem on 13 Dec 2005 13:49:37

[Rising Promotions]

Hi Guys,

Firstly, please accept our sincere apologies about the delay at the start, and the absence of programs. These issues were I think the only dampners on the evening. I spent a week making a 28 page full colour program, only to have the printer stuff it up on me. I take full responsibility for that.

The fights were all very entertaining. your right guys, some of those KO's were devestating. We know some matches in the K-1 Kings of Oceania League were tought for some up and coming fighters, having to take on seasoned vets, however Dixon has structured it like this to give the new guys more experience.

Sefo did well and edged the points win over Hepi.

Asiata had to face a giant of a late replacement in Aapa Nanai. Aapa came in with big raps, but got caught with some big Super Syd bombs.

Well done to Matt Samoa, in an awsome win over Pola. I've never seen Pola get rocked like that before.

Ricardo started well against Peter, however got caught by I think a right hook, another big KO.

Suttie VS Te Rangi, didnt see much of this one, but heard Suttie took a good decision, while Hiriwa showed everyone how tough he is again.

Sting worked Big Bens back leg, in a repeat performance of Xplosion 10 when he chopped down his Korean opponents rear leg. Ben once again showed great heart by hanging in there as long as he did.

Frank took a good decision win over the very tricky Derek Harvey, both these guys have big futures in the 70kg devision.

Yoshi took apart Taylor Harvey in a couple of rounds.

Mark Staiti took his 8th win in a row, with some brutal hand work over Yuan jit Dip.

Aaron TS2 Leigh fought bravely but just got edged in a close points decision by the very smart and strong Takashi Yoneda.

JWP VS Yodsnagklai, well, what a fight, I've never seen JWP get knocked down before, and we may never see it again. It was one moment in a fighter's 80 odd fights that put him behind the 8 ball, once Yodsangklai got the knock down and went ahead of wayne on points, he did his boxing computer routine while wayne fought on pure heart and instinct following the crushing head kick. Wayne tried with everything he had to get the win, but it wasnt his day. The following ten minutes after this fight would have to be the most emotional moments i have ever seen in ring sports. A defeated but galant runner up, wayne tried to speak to the crowd but found the moment too overwhelming. With Paul Briggs by his side, he struggled to speak, then Yodsangklai came over and embraced him in the much touching moment of sportsmanship I have ever seen. This fight really was everything it was meant to be and more. Two brave warriors, giving 100% power, beautiful techniques, and a dramatic ending.

Carnage Vs Sakai was another great bout, with Sakai showing the Samurai spirit he is so famous for. Theres not much more I can add to this fight description after reading voice's. The Secretary General of WBC MUAYTHAI says that he has many challenges coming from Europe from cruiserweights.

Im actually sitting with him in a hotel in LA, he wishes to thank all the forum members for the support over the years. We are on our way to Florida for a week, then to the Bahamas for Chrissy and New Year, courtesy of our awsome sponsors VAS. Will try to send you some happy snaps from over here, just had lunch at the hotel rooftop with Matthew Broderick sitting at the next table talking business, amazing place this is.

From all at Rising Promotions, thanks to all you guys for the support and encouragement during this year. We have been trying to do the biggest and best shows we can. We want to make Kickboxing and Muay Thai main streams sports in Australia. We ask for your continued support as we are well on the way to achieving this. Our next show will be in the next four or six months, Its not likely that we will do two programs on one event again. Its alot of work!

Kind Regards
Roy Luxton
Rising Promotions