The state of New York does not permit fighters to throw elbows during competition, and this has caused a heated debate, amongst fighters and fans. Some say that they shouldn't call it Muay Thai and that it is simply kickboxing. Chaz Mulkey is one of the more vocal fighters regarding the issue. Mulkey doesn't buy New York Muay Thai, and states that they are good amateurs at best.
"Basically my thoughts on the whole New York Muay Thai scene is that its a joke, they don't even fight Muay Thai rules they're fighting kickboxing rules. You've got the same promoters setting up the same fighters over and over, they never bring in outside talent because they know they would get smashed out. Then to make things worse you've got these magazines out of New york trying to hype these New York guys up and what great fighters and fights they put on and its bullshit." said Mulkey. He continued with "I've seen there fights and they're nothing special at all, they're good amateurs at best. Here's an idea why don't we get the top New York guys at 147lb, 160lb and 170lb and we could settle any misconceptions people might have about where the real talent is in New York or on the west coast. Kevin Ross said he'd take whatever 147guy the have I'll take whatever 160lb guy they have and I'm sure we could get Shawn Yarborough or Joe Schilling to pick up the 170lb fight. Oh and one more thing the fight would need to be here in Vegas so it could be a actual Thai fight not some sissy pants fight!"
Mulkey isn't one to bite his tongue, and he is itching to get in the ring with a fighter from New York. West cost vs. east cost, sound like a feud in the music industry, but it seems to be real in the fight world. Luckily, unlike the rap game, in the fight game it is a lot easier to come up with a solution. As Mulkey suggested put them in the ring, and let them settle it.
There is a lot up for debate here, first off the state of New York doesn't allow elbows, and it is likely safe to say most fighters would be willing to engage in full rules fights if they were allowed. Should they not be considered real Muay Thai practitioners because of this? Secondly, if you want to get technical Muay Thai is the science of eight limbs, not six. Should they be allowed to call it Muay Thai? The state is the enemy here, since they are the ones that outlaw the elbows, but a consensus from many west coast fighters is that New York Muay Thai is not real Muay Thai. How they feel about that in New York we will have to find out.
Until then Mulkey has laid out his wishes, and now he just wants a promoter to grant them, and some of New York's finest to take him up on the offer.
What a grossly sweeping generalization Mulkey has made about "New York Fighters".
ReplyDeleteFirstly, just because a fighter fights in New York does not necessarily mean that he doesn't despise the modified rules set up by the authorities who feel they must protect fighters from the sport they love. Many trainers and fighters are very active in trying to change the bureaucracy that keeps them from doing so.
Also, a pro who fights in New York probably isn't ONLY fighting in New York. Let's count how many so-called "New York Fighters" have fought and WON abroad, or in other states under full rules. Perhaps, one or two of them even stopped their opponent with elbow strikes, or maybe got slashed wide open with an elbow or two and ended up with the victory. Having one or two, or eleven fights under modifies rules doesn't mean you can't hang under full rules.
I can't speak for any of the pros that fight in New York, but I would confidently bet five bucks that a few would happily take the challenge.
...That is, if they aren't too busy competing in Calgary, UNDER FULL RULES. http://www.journeyfightseries.com/
Well there are open invitations here on the west coast to come prove yourselves....
ReplyDeleteMany of the fighters featured in NY bouts are from areas surrounding NY. Do people really think they don't regularly take fights in places like New Jersey or Massachusetts where elbows are legal? It's absurd not to think so! Elbows are part of regular training over here in NY.
ReplyDeleteThis is possibly the most childish argument I've ever seen. Grow up. My state is better than your state. We are individuals, not states. Act like it. Friggin insecure tools.
ReplyDelete