North American Male Fighter of the Year
Winner: Kevin Ross
Kevin Ross has easily established himself as the biggest name in Muay Thai in the United Stated. He is the Michael Jordan of Muay Thai in North America. He's a fight anyone any time type of fighter, but he doesn't just fight anyone, he wins. 2011 should be a great year for Ross as far as possible opponents goes as his stock continues to rise. Wins over Malaipet, Naldo Silva, and Outh Phoutang highlight his 2010 resume, and with his excellent technique Ross is ready to take on the bigger names internationally in 2011.
North American Female Fighter of the Year
Winner: Miriam Nakamoto
Miriam Nakamoto established herself as the top female fighter out of North America. She became the first American female to win a WBC title, and continues to pave the way for female Muay Thai fighters in North America. Some of her notable wins in 2010 include victories over Chantal Ughi, and Angela Parr. 2011 should prove to be another big year for Nakamoto, especially with a fight against Julie Kitchen already planned.
North American Breakthrough Fighter of the Year
Winner: Ky Hollenbeck
Ky Hollenbeck clearly had one of the best years in Muay Thai, going 7-0-1including a win in the WCK's 4-man tournament at the end of the year. Fighting out of World Team USA, Hollenbeck continues to walk through his opposition, and it seems the sky is the limit for the 23 year old. Notable wins this year include victories over Kenny Finister, Shawn Lee, Pavel Obozny, and Steve Moxon.
North American Fight of the Year
Winner: Malaipet vs. Kevin Ross
There were many great fights this year, but none received more hype than Malaipet vs. Kevin Ross, and it lived up to the billing. Malaipet stirred the pot by stating he didn't have to train for Americans, and added to the already anticipated fight. There may have been other fights out there that were rock em sock em, but this was a technical affair that never slowed down. Both fighters showed some of the best technique you could ask for, and in the end when it was done Ross walked away with a unanimous decision. Much thanks to the MTAA for making this fight happen.
North American T(KO) of the Year
Winner: Tie - Kenny Finister T(KO) over Joe Davidson due to leg kicks, and Chris Romulo KO over Sacha Hijazi via head kick.
Kenny Finister met Joe Davidson at Muay Thai in America in April, and displayed some of the best leg kicks around. He was not only able to deliver the punishment, but was able to absorb it by checking Davidson's leg kicks. He chopped down Davidson in route to a second round victory. It's always exciting to see a fighter use strong leg kicks to break down an opponent.
Chris Romulo took on Sacha Hijazi at Friday Night Fights NYC in February, and was involved in a exciting fight. The fight went into the fifth round, but one thing you are always told is don't leave a fight in the judges hands. Romulo made sure that would not happen, as he delivered a perfectly timed head kick that stopped Hijazi dead in his tracks and sealed the victory for Romulo. Everyone loves a head kick knockout, and none was more exciting than the one delivered by Romulo.
Many thanks goes out to all of the these fighters, they constantly fight their hearts out for the fans, although the compensation isn't what it should be. They live, and breathe Muay Thai. There were many other great performances this year, and everyone should be proud of being part of Muay Thai. Much thanks from everyone at Muay Thai Authority to everyone that has been part of Muay Thai this year.
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