The only way you can describe Malaipet is "Warrior", he doesn't ask about his opponents, he doesn't pick his opponents, he simply gets an offer from the promoter that he likes and he fights, doesn't matter who you put in front of him. When asked about his upcoming fight with arguably the best American Muay Thai fighter, Kevin Ross. Malaipet acknowledged that Ross is a good opponent, but states that he didn't know his opponent when accepting to fight. He accepted the fight because he liked the promoters offer.
"(The) promoter call(ed) and say fight, I fight, I don’t know who I fight, I don't care. (If) he pay(s) me good, I fight" said Malaipet. "Kevin is good. He move up for Muay Thai and make Muay Thai so American people know. I respect. I fight. Who (ever is) good wins."
The fight will be taking place on the King's Birthday, which is a National celebration in Thailand. However, Malaipet feels no added pressure knowing that he will be fighting with this event being in commemoration of the King's Birthday. He looks at it as a way to help the progression of Muay Thai in the United States.
"I fight (to) help promoter" said Malaipet. "Fight (is) good, promoter (is) good, (it’s) good for Muay Thai."
Malaipet will be dropping a weight class when he meets Kevin Ross. Malaipet normally fights at 155lbs, but that entails him putting on some weight. A move down to the 147lb weight class will likely give Malaipet the size advantage. Malaipet expects to be faster, while still maintaining his power. Malaipet should benefit from adding more speed to his already lethal arsenal, anyone who knows about Malaipet is aware of his great skill, but rumors constantly circulate about the Muay Thai star not taking his training seriously, and there are criticisms that he's had too many fights and he can no longer compete at the high level he is accustomed to.
Malaipet has dropped two of his last three fights. At the Muay Thai in America event in Santa Monica, CA in April he lost to Provost, then defeated Michael Mananquil in a close fight at the Tuff Muay Thai show in July, and then dropped another decision in October to Xu Yan. However, Malaipet doesn't listen to the critics, and in no way feels he is at the tail end of his career. He has been fighting since he was six year old and knows he has been in this sport for a long time already, but as Malaipet put it "Muay Thai, (is in) my blood, if no(t) hurt I fight."
As far as his recent defeats Malaipet states that he was ill for the Provost fight, and could not breathe properly which caused him to gas in the fight and slow down as it went on. As far as Yan goes, he simply states that he had other problems, and he as defeated Yan before by KO and knows he can beat him again. It is clear to see that Malaipet will take a fight no matter what, as long as he can get in the ring odds are he won't be pulling out of a fight. This is the man who despite encouragement from friends not to take a fight against one of the worlds bet Muay Thai fighters, Yodsanklai. He stepped into the ring in Jamaica, and took on the Muay Thai legend, and although he was defeated, there was no questioning his heart.
Malaipet comes from the Thai culture, and things are done differently there. Muay Thai is a job, and when not working you enjoy life. Many criticize him for partying too much and Malaipet has a simple response.
"When I (am) no(t) fight(ing), I live" said Malaipet. "All Thai fighter(s) this way."
As far as his training goes Malaipet states that he knows how much he should train for a fight. He teaches and trains, and in the end it all depends on who he is fighting.
"I know how much I need to train for each fighter. Holland fighter, Thai fighter I train hard" said Malaipet. "American fighter, (I) need to train but not like fight(er) from Europe or Thai."
In the end Malaipet knows that he can't pay attention to critics, Malaipet states that in Muay Thai you can't listen to others, you have to know yourself and trust yourself. Aside from fighting Malaipet is looking to teach the next generation of Muay Thai fighters, and one of his main requirements is heart.
"I don't care (if) you (are a) champion or (have been) learn(ing) for a long time" said Malaipet. "I (am) looking for special heart. Good heart, and I (will) make you (a) good fighter."
If you've seen Malaipet or Kevin fight before then you know when they meet on December 5th there are going to be fire works. Malaipet although often criticized, shows up to fight and there is no denying that. With that said Malaipet has a simple message for his fans and everyone reading.
"I (am) no(t) talking bad. I respect all people and fighter(s). I talk with my hand and kick. I talk Muay Thai."
Photo by Ming Chocobo
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