NEWS

 

‘Jimbo’ is crowned WKA Southern Area champion

Scorpions fighter James Snelling became the new WKA Southern Area champion at 65kg at the Crawley Warriors show in April 2010.

James took on a much more experienced fighter in Alastair Gould, fighting out of Keddles gym, Orpington. Taking on an experienced fighter and a title bout for his fourth fight, it’s no wonder why this was anticipated as James’ toughest fight to date.

But once the fight began, James showed no mercy and proved to be too much for Gould, who was forced to retire at the end of the second round due to a cut above the eye after two rounds of aggressive striking and elite clinch work from the Scorpion.

 

 

jade nicholls: believe the hype

The community of Muay Thai today sadly sees many ‘champions’ come and go. Fighters with questionable experience seem to boast ticket sales, championship belts and ‘legendary’ status, but the truth of this is that a great number of these fighters are in fact disposable, along with the hype that surrounds them. While holding an Area, English or British title is certainly commendable, displaying the skill that separates these credentials from that of a World status fighter seems to be the telling factor that exposes a competitor from a true Muay Thai fighter.

It is not often that this elite breed of fighter is produced; it has been seen in few Western fighters such as Steven Wakeling, Ramon Dekkers and John Wayne Parr – they are all exceptional practitioners of the sport of Muay Thai. But could young talent Jade Nicholls follow suit?

Showing early promise and potential in her junior fights as a teenager holding two junior titles, Jade entered her first adult fight aged 17 against Sally McCarthy. Displaying signs of persistence, strength and technical ability, Jade won a dominating fight at a weight much heavier than her own. But it was not until her second fight that people began to take note. Ambitiously taking a giant leap to fight then British no. 2 ranked fighter, Emma Close, for the UKMF British title, Jade had spectators skeptical, yet curious. After stopping the highly experienced Close with a brutal KO from a single knee to the body in the first round, Jade silenced all critics who claimed that her inexperience in the ring and age would hold her back. It looked as though Jade Nicholls was the name on everybody’s lips, and she wouldn’t leave them in suspense, making a prompt return just months later to defend her title. 

Proving to be her toughest fight yet, Jade successfully defended her title winning a points decision over Emma Bragg in October. After confirming everybody’s new belief in the young schoolgirl from Carshalton, it is hard to picture a loss in the near future for Jade. But what is it that fighters like Jade and the Wakelings have in common?

It is easy to say that these fighters are simply born with a raw, natural talent that only few are lucky enough to possess. But those who train alongside Jade everyday know this is not the case. The work ethic displayed by Jade from a young age until now, driven by her trainers and team-mates, is what separates her from the majority of fighters we see.

The desire to capitalise on her talent, the training put in until this is perfected, and the self-belief. The motivation to make it to every training session, the enthusiasm to learn, and the positive attitude that she brings to the gym. These are all the things that inspire others, and these are all the things that make a World champion. These are all the things that Jade Nicholls possesses in abundance. Britain has found itself a new World champion in the making.

It is time to believe the hype.

 

muay thai legends III

Fairfield Halls, Croydon, will play host to an array of prestige fights with Michael Wakeling taking on Italian fighter Diego Ballardin, under K1 rules. Diego Ballardin fought in K1 Max 08, but lost in the quarter finals against Saro "The Sicilian Don" Presti on points. Harry Richardson will be on the under card against Graham Parkinson (Newbury Muay Thai), following a spectacular win in November 08, against Viet Pham (Singto Gym), at the Muay Thai Warriors show in Crawley. The main event will be current Lumpini Stadium Champion, Sanchai Sor Kingstar, against WMC World Champion, Liam Harrison of Bad Company, Leeds.

Results:
Harry Richardson: Win on points decision
Michael Wakeling: Win on points decision

 

wmc M.a.d world champion: steve wakeling, a muay thai legend

On 16th of August 2008, Steve Wakeling faced what was labeled his toughest challenge to date, current Rajchadamnern Stadium Champion, Deisellek Rungruangyon, for the WMC MAD (Muay Thai Against Drugs) world title.

When the fight was confirmed for the Muay Thai Legends show in Croydon, Scorpions' full-time gym was in the early stages of opening, but as a true champion this didn't phase Steve at all. With no video footage of Deisellek available, it also meant that there was no way of analyzing the Thai's movements, already passing the advantage to the other side.

From the moment the two fighters stepped into the ring, the tension and anxiety of the sell-out crowd at Fairfield Halls was very apparent, but both fighters looked calm and collected as they prepared for war. From the moment bell was struck, Deisellek was being worked out at a very fast rate, and by round 2, Steve had taken the fight to another level, delivering a spectacle of powerful shots. As both fighters continued to exchange blows, Steve used his trademark weapon, cutting Deisellek with an elbow to the side of the head. With the deep cut hugely evident, the Thai was getting more frustrated as Steve offered no way in. By the end of round 5 the realization from both fighters, the audience and the judges, was that the fight was a clear win to the Scorpions fighter.

This was a fantastic bout between two of the biggest names in Muay Thai and was a first for a UK fighter to defeat a current Rajchadamnern Stadium Champion, only adding more weight to Steve Wakeling's world class status. A full review of the Muay Thai Legends show will be published in the next issue of Fighters Magazine. click here to see photos

 

muay thai wArriors X

 

Muay Thai Warriors X will see 5 Scorpions fighters enter the ring on Sunday 2nd December, including WBC champion Michael Wakeling on the main card.

 

Other fighters include Adam Oxer, Harry Richardson, Jo Abrehart and Jade Nicholls. Liquid/Envy night club will play host to what will be an unforgettable event, providing a fantastic sound and atmospheric evening.

Doors open at 1pm and fights start at 2pm.

 

Kings of kickboxing

 

Steve Wakling encountered an variety of of Europe's best fighters in the Kings Of Kickboxing tournament held in Germany.

As always, pre-fight training for Steve is 200% and August's performance simply proved that he is one of the world's greatest fighters to date. The rules of this tournament are similar to that of K1, with no usage of elbow strikes or lock on knees etc. This still made no significant difference to Steve as he worked his way through all given opponents, taking the title of Kings Of Kickboxing 2007.

 

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