Josh Aragon Fight Blog #2: You need to be ready to adapt

by Josh Aragon

Another week of training down and I am feeling better and better each week. I did a lot of sparing this week working and focusing on timing and accuracy. Now that the time is getting closer I get more and more excited and anxious. It's always been a dream for me to win a WBC title and now that I get the opportunity there is no way I'm coming home without that title. To me a WBC title or WMC title are the most recognized titles internationally for Muay Thai. 

I know Landon comes to fight and he will be prepared which makes for an exciting fight. He has knockout power and won the WBC title in dominating fashion. I respect Landon, I respect every fighter that I step in the ring. I know the hard work and dedication and sacrifices we have to go through to fight and be successful in this sport, it is not for the faint of heart. Regardless of the respect, let me tell you when the bell rings I'm going for blood or the KO because nothing is gong to stand in the way of me achieving my dreams. I'm ready for this fight I feel everything is in the right place at the right time now it's time for me to make my dream become a reality.

Like anything else with the fight game you need to be ready to adapt, and I received that news on Friday. I was training and prepping to fight Landon Simmons at 154lbs for his WBC title, but I got a call from the promoter Dennis Warner that there was a change. Landon had to pull out of the fight and I was getting a replacement. Ryan Roy was my new opponent and the fight was no longer at 154lbs it was at 160lbs.

I am a fighter and the change is something that I accept, I am still fighting for a WBC title but it is for the 160lb title now. I am in great shape and now I just have to go to the drawing board to figure out my strategy against Ryan, but I know what I can do and I am confident I am still coming home with that strap.

As a fighter if you aren’t confident in your skill set then you shouldn’t be fighting. The moment you doubt yourself then you have already lost. 

I look forward to seeing everyone at the fights on November 13th at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas.

Josh Aragon Fight Blog #1: Road to the WBC Muay Thai Championship

Josh Aragon trains out of Sityodtong LA and will be fighting current WBC Muay Thai U.S. Super Welterweight National Champion Landon Simmons. The bout will take place for the WCK in November. Aragon will be looking to keep his perfect professional record in tact, which currently stands at 6-0. 

Josh will be writing a blog in preparation for his fight for Muay Thai Authority. You can read his first blog entry below.

The second week of my training camp is in the books and I feel way better than my first week of training week. The 1st week of training camp is always tough although I workout all year long, training for a fight is a whole different kind of workout. You're pushing your body to the limit sometimes you get so exhausted you just want to quit, but that's when you push through and don't stop. That's really what makes a difference between an average fighter and a champion, pushing yourself to the limit mentally and physically without quitting. 

My weekly routine consists of sparring a lot, getting my timing back, running everyday and also doing pad work with Kru Walter. Kru is great at pushing me more and more each fight and I'm so grateful to have him in my corner. 

My weight is good so it's nice to go into training camp not worried about cutting so much weight . I try my best to eat health all year long so I don't have to cut so much weight prior to my fight. 

My training days consist of waking up and having a quick breakfast and then I am off to drop my son off at school. Then I head straight to the gym and run a 5K. I jump rope for 10 minutes, hit the bag for about 3 to 5 rounds then Kru Walter pads me for 20-30min straight through no rest in between. He likes to pad that way working explosive power speed, timing, and accuracy. After that coach has me working 10 to 15 minutes clinch every day. Afterwards I teach my classes, eat lunch, and come back to run another 5K. My strength and conditioning coach Mike Q then helps me get my next work out in. I finish teaching my classes, the last one ending at 9PM. When the last class is done I do bodywork such as pull-ups, push-ups, sit ups and dips. Also in between the mornings for the evening I have a two hour rest break so I can eat lunch and usually take a nap try to re-charge. I get home around 10 o'clock go to sleep and do it all over again.

I really try my hardest to stay around my fight weight even though I LOVE junk food. I'm Looking forward to my next week of training I'll keep you guys posted Sawat Dee Krup.

Friday Night Fights: Greskiewicz vs. Sampieri set for August 14 in New York

Friday Night Fights will be back in action on August 14th at the Modern in New York. The event will feature the first WBC Muay Thai title fight in New York. In the main event current WBC Muay Thai Welterweight International Champion Justin Greskiewicz will put his title on the line against New York's Joseph Sampieri. This fight will pit two seasoned veterans against each other, both have proven their toughness on several occasions and their willingness to exchange without backing up should lead to an exciting fight for fans.

In the co-main event Brett Hlavacek and Elijah Clarke will fight for the WBC New York State Title. Hlavacek has faced some of the best fighters in the states and continuously found success, he is easily the stiffest test of Clarke's young career. Coming into the fight Clark is 4-0 as a pro and will be looking to continue his early career success, a win over Hlavacek would certainly put America's Muay Thai scene on notice.

Keep checking back here at Muay Thai Authority for more information on Friday Night Fights: Greskiewicz vs. Sampieri as it becomes available.

Thanit "Boom" Whatthanaya talks about his upcoming fight with Rami Ibrahim at the Warriors Cup XVIII

Muay Thai Athority was able to catch up with Thanit “Boom” Watthanaya in preparation for his WBC Title fight against Rami Ibrahim at the Warriors Cup XVIII in New Jersey on September 7th, 2013. Boom will move up ten pounds to fight Ibrahim as he looks for this third consecutive victory.

Boom talks about how the change in weight class affects his training camp and the pressures that come with having to support his family in Canada and Thailand being a Muay Thai fighter.

MTA: You haven’t fought since December 2012 when you defeated Andy Howson at Muay Thai in America: In Honour of the King.  How do you feel about that?

Boom: I definitely feel well rested, but I wish to fight more often.  I have been given a big opportunity and this fight will be well worth the time I waited.

MTA: You will be moving up 10 pounds in weight to face off against Rami Ibrahim; in terms of training is there anything you have changed?

Boom: Usually in training I lose weight naturally but for this fight I am working hard to maintain my weight.  I am taking this fight very seriously and only working part time.  As well as my team in Vancouver I came to Eugene Oregon to train with Kru Thongsai.  Otherwise, just training very hard, twice a day.

MTA: What are your personal goals as a professional fighter?

Boom: I want to be happy in what I do, and I want to be a champion.

MTA: Given your unique situation, do you feel that you have more pressure on you in terms of providing for your family in Canada, as well as in Thailand?

Boom: I feel pressure because this is what I have chosen to do.  I train hard, and I am focused so the pressure to take care of my family is because I have made the decision to do this.  Winning this fight will open a lot of doors me, and I need those opportunities for my family.

MTA: Do you see yourself as a role model?

Boom: For my family I am.  I train very hard and take good care of myself.  I don't drink or smoke.  I know that the kids in the village look up to me, as does my daughter so I want to set a good example.

MTA: Back to the fight against Rami, what do you think of this match up

Boom: This will be a very exciting fight for the crowd; everyone will be entertained!

MTA: Thank you for taking the time to talk to us, any last words?

Boom: First I thank my family, especially my wife and daughter for their dedication to me.  Thank you to my sponsors Thai Sports USA, Monster Muay Thai, One Whey Nutrition, and Gravity Muay Thai for their support. To my strength and conditioning coach and pad man Michael Lin, as well as Osmond Cheng and Wayne Li, thank you for your time.  To Master Song all the guys at Kai Singthong and everyone at Eastside Boxing, I couldn't of done it without you.  A special thank you to Kru Thongsai and everyone at Sit Thongsai for the training, cooking for me and my family and the singing of Isarn music.

Results and Recap for WCK Muay Thai "Hot Summer Fights", Nakamoto remains undefeated

WCK Muay Thai “Hot Summer Fights” took place last night at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA. In the night’s main event Aleide Lawant tried to Dethrone “The Queen of Mean” Miriam Nakamoto and not only take her WBC Muay Thai World Title, but also hand her the first loss of her career. Nakamoto, however, would have none of it. Lawant came out aggressive, but Nakamoto remained poised and calmly took the center of the ring. They both exchanged heavy blows and Lawant opened a cut on Nakamoto’s brow with an elbow, but before she could capitalize on the cut Nakamoto returned the favor. As the fight wore on Nakamoto seemed to get stronger as Lawant slowed down. In the end Nakamoto walked away still undefeated and still the champ after all three judges scored the fight in her favor giving her the unanimous decision victory.

In the night’s co-main event Mike Lemaire won the WBC Muay Thai Cruiserweight National Title with a first round (T)KO of Ryan Madigan. Early in the first round after some exchanged strikes Madigan fell to the canvas clutching his right knee. After getting back to his feet Lemaire went on the attack and pushed him against the ropes. Lemarie looked to deliver a flying knee, but Madigan fell to his back clutching his knee again and the fight was stopped.

In another WBC Muay Thai title fight Luis Bio defended his WBC Muay Thai Mexican National Title by edging a very game Raul Rodriguez in a split decision. Bio started strong and used his strong clinch to get the better of Rodriguez early, but as the fight went on it seemed Rodriguez got stronger. He began to use his boxing a bit more and connect with clean punches in the later rounds, but Bio continued to use his clinch game to neutralize Rodriguez’s boxing. It was a close fight but Bio remained the champion when it was all said and done.

Adam Rothweiler improved to 3-0 with a (T)KO stoppage of Levon Sarkysan. Rothweiler and Sarkysan went toe to toe, but the difference was that Rothweiler continuously delivered leg kicks to Sarkysan’s lead leg that went unchecked. By the fourth round Sarkysan could no longer take the leg kicks and he hit the canvas. After beating the referee’s count Rothweiler went on the attack with more leg kicks knocking Sarkysan down against and forcing the referee to stop the fight.

In some of the night’s other action Leyna Ovchynnikova won a unanimous decision over Emily Bearden. Jacob Poss, John Vargas, and Alfred Kashakyan all scored spectacular first round knockouts as well.

Results:

Miriam Nakamoto def. Aleide Lawant via Unanimous Decision

Mike Lemaire def. Ryan Madigan via (T)KO in Rd. 1

Luis Bio def. Raul Rodriguez via Split Decision

Leyna Ovchynnikova def. Emily Bearden via Unanimous Decision

Adam Rothweiler def. Levon Sarkysan via (T)KO in Rd. 4

Jacob Poss def. Miguel Cosio via KO in Rd. 1

John Vargas def. Rajesh Narine via KO in Rd. 1

Alfred Kashakyan def. Chris Minor via KO in Rd. 1

James Steelsmith def. Dave Pacheco via Split Decision

Ed Abasolo def. Angel Mesa via Unanimous Decision

Jeri Sitzes vs. Tiffany Van Soest and Coke Chunhawat vs. Adrian Morilla expected for Lion Fight Muay Thai VII

In addition to Eddie Walker vs. Joe Schilling and Joseph Valtellini vs. Gregory Choplin, two more bouts are expected for Lion Fight Muay Thai VII. Jeri Sitzes vs. Tiffany Van Soest and Coke Chunhawat vs. Adrian Morilla will also take place at the October 13th event at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, CA.

Sitzes will be defending her WBC International Super Bantamweight Title against Van Soest who in less than a year has started to make her mark on the female Muay Thai scene. Both ladies are undefeated and the bout should prove to be an exciting one for the fans.

Coke Chunhawat will be returning to action to take on Black House fighter Adrian Morilla. Chunhawat will definitely be the more experienced fighter of the two, so it will be interesting to see if Morilla can offer the veteran a challenge in the ring.

Marcus Fisher vs. Maksim Ishkov and Liam Tarrant vs. Kevin Molina set for The Warriors Cup XV

The Warriors Cup XV has added two more pro bouts to its line up. Marcus Fisher vs. Maksim Ishkov and Liam Tarrant vs. Kevin Molina will round out the pro portion of the event. The event will take place at the Rahway Rec Center in Rahway, NJ on September 29th.

Fisher will be looking to bounce back after a close split decision loss to Preston Baptiste this past June in the opening round of the Journey Fights Series 160lb tournament. Ishkov trains at Kick Fighters Gym in Belarus, the same gym as Andrei Kulebin and Dmitry Valent.

UPDATE: Result of Dave Nielsen vs. Ryan Madigan title fight over turned to a No Contest by WBC Muay Thai

UPDATE 12/13/12: The WBC has not overturned the result and Dave Nielsen's victory over Ryan Madigan stands. Dave is the current WBC Muay Thai USA National Champion at cruiserweight.

WBC Muay Thai informed Muay Thai Authority that they have over turned the outcome of the fight between Dave Nielsen and Ryan Madigan at the WCK Muay Thai “Champion of Champions” event on August 18^th to a no contest. The bout between Nielsen and Madigan was the co-main event on the “Champion of Champions” fight card which was headlined by Miriam Nakamoto vs. Julie Kitchen.

Nielsen was declared the winner via KO and awarded the WBC Muay Thai USA Cruiserweight Championship. There was much debate, however, as to the legality of the finishing sequence. The debate centered on if Madigan was kicked while he was getting up from a sweep that had occurred and should have been considered a downed fighter.

Karapet Karapetyan expected to replace Artem Vakhitov against Joe Schilling at Battle for the Belts on June 9th

First it was Artem Levin vs. Simon Marcus, then it became Artem Levin vs. Joe Schilling, it then turned into Joe Schilling vs. Artem Vakhitov and now it is expected to be Joe Schilling vs. Karapet Karapetyan. Muay Thai Authority has been informed that Artem Vakhitov will no longer be fighting Joe Schilling at Battle for the Belts on June 9^th in Bangkok, Thailand. Vakhitov has been replaced by Karapet Karapetyan, and will meet Joe Schilling for the Interim WBC Muay Thai Light Heavyweight Title.

Vakhitov was replaced because it seemed he would not be able to meet the 175lb required weight limit in time for the fight. Karapetyan is an Armenian fighter now based in Holland, he is 2-1 on the year. February of this year, he dropped a decision to Dutch fighter Nieky Holzken; in March he scored a knockout over Greek fighter Alexandros Chatzichronoglou with a flying knee; and in April he took home a decision win over Yakup Kaya.

Simon Marcus rumored to be out of bout with Artem Levin, Joe Schilling tabbed as replacement

Simon Marcus is rumored to have pulled out of his scheduled June 9^th bout with Artem Levin for the WBC Muay Thai Light Heavyweight World Title. Marcus who recently defeated Joe Schilling in a title elimination bout at Lion Fight Muay Thai VI was set to face Levin at Battle for the Belts in Bangkok Thailand. The reason for Marcus pulling out currently remains unclear.

Tabbed to replace Marcus against Levin is American Joe Schilling. Apparently Schilling has verbally agreed to the bout and all that is needed now is a signed contract to make the fight official. Schilling has expressed interest in fighting Levin on several occasions and has now received his shot. Fans should be in for a real treat as both Levin and Schilling are known for their finishing prowess.

Keep checking back here at Muay Thai Authority as we bring you more information as it becomes available regarding the change at Battle for the Belts.

WBC names Lion Fight Promotions Muay Thai Promoter of the Year for 2011

WBC Muay Thai has awarded Lion Fight Promotions the “Muay Thai Promoter of the Year” award for 2011. Lion Fight Promotions launched in 2011 and immediately made an impact in the American Muay Thai scene. CEO Scott Kent (pictured) and matchmaker Christine Toledo have taken the promotion from Buffalo Bill’s Casino in Primm, NV to the bright lights of Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Aside from building American fighters, Lion Fight has brought some great international talent to compete at their events including Simon Marcus, Matt Embree, Cosmo Alexandre, Gregory Choplin and Simon Chu to name a few. Lion Fight Promotions next event is scheduled for May 12th at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Lion Fight Muay Thai VI: Schilling vs. Marcus will feature the highly anticipated re-match between Joe Schilling and Simon Marcus.

Denise Mellor vs. Nattaya Kanasit and Brett Hlavacek vs. Harry Baker set for Fighting Force event on July 14th in the UK

Promoter Lorne Castle will host the first ever WBC Muay Thai female fight at 99lbs (45kg). Denise Mellor of the U.K. will face Nattaya Kanasit of Thailand on July 14th in Bournemouth, England under the Fighting Force banner. Previously the lowest female weight class that WBC Muay Thai sanctioned was 105lb (47.5kg). Thai promoter Songchai took interest in a bout at this weight and his daughter, known as little Songchai, is the manager of Nattaya Kanasit.

In addition Brett Hlavacek from the United States will be fighting Harry Baker. In some ways Baker will be looking to get some revenge, Hlavacek defeated Baker’s cousin Bernie Mendieta last year when they fought in Barbados. Hlavacek is currently 4-0 since turning pro, while Baker is coming off a victory at the Chang Cup in the UK.

The Fighting Force event is being promoted with the help of Chang Beer and the under card will feature several Chang National Cup matches.

7 WBC Muay Thai world titles on the line at Battle for the Belts; Levin, Saenchai, Alamos, McKinnon all in action

The Battle for the Belts is set to take place June 9th at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. The event is set to feature seven WBC Muay Thai world title fights. The heavyweight, light heavyweight, super cruiserweight, super welterweight, welterweight, super lightweight and lightweight world titles are the seven that will be on the line for the event.

WBC Muay Thai light heavyweight champion Artem Levin will be defending his title against the winner of the upcoming re-match between Joe Schilling and Simon Marcus. The pair previously fought in February in a bout which Marcus won by (T)KO, but too many the bout ended in controversy as Schilling slammed his head on the canvas which clearly affected him. Marcus capitalized and finished the fight, but claims by Schilling and his supporters that the Marcus used an illegal sweep to take him down marred the victory. The re-match will take place at Lion Fight Muay Thai VI on May 12th in Las Vegas.

Greskiewicz edges Mendieta and McCarthy takes decision over Green at Fight Force

Justin Greskiewicz and Bernie Mendieta headlined Fighting Force’s event on March 11th in Bournemouth, England. The WBC Muay Thai international challenge match was full of action from start to finish. The action started early as Greskiewicz opened a cut on the head of Mendieta after a lighting quick elbow exchange between the two. The ringside doctor evaluated the cut and determined Mendieta would be able to continue. Both fighters showed a wide array of skills as they used all of their Muay Thai weapons. The back and forth fight ended up in the judges hands and a split decision victory was awarded to Justin Greskiewicz.

In the night’s co-headlining bout, Sally McCarthy and Kristy Green met for the WBC Muay Thai U.K. national title. McCarthy was fighting her first fight at flyweight and the move to a lower weight class seemed to the right move. She was able to outpoint Green with a crisp display of boxing and very accurate kicks. Green tried to take the fight to the inside, but McCarthy kept her at bay, not letting her close the distance. The judges awarded McCarthy the unanimous decision victory after an excellent performance.

Results and Recap: The Warriors Cup XIII

The Warriors Cup XIII took place in Lincroft, New Jersey and it certainly faced some challenges. The main event between Justin Greskiewicz and Gabriel Varga was cancelled with less than two days left before the event due to an injury Greskiewicz sustained. As they say though, "the show must go on".

In the night's first pro fight Ognjen Topic and Anthony Demaio faced off. The bout started off slow with the fighters feeling each other out through most of the first round. In the second round Topic started to pick the pace up a bit. Topic was able to connect with an elbow and cut Demaio on the inside of his right eye. With blood flowing from the cut the referee called for time so that the cut could be checked. The ringside doctor called a stop to the bout after inspecting the cut. With the win North Jersey Muay Thai's Ognjen Topic improves is professional record to 3-2.

Video: Rami Ibrahim talks loss to Coke Chunhawat at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 4"

Video: Coke Chunhawat talks about win over Rami Ibrahim at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 4"

Video: Chaz Mulkey talks win over Simon Chu at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 4"

Video: Joe Schilling talks upcoming fight with Kaoklai Kaennorsing

Video: Ky Hollenbeck talks about his WBC Muay Thai title fight win over Simon Chu at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 3"