Malaipet vs. Michael Mananquil (Welterweight Title Bout)
This re-match is happening awful quick, it was just last July that Malaipet walked away with a split decision over Mananquil. Since then Malaipet has lost two consecutive fights, one a high profile bout with American Kevin Ross. Mananquil dropped a decision in the first round of the WKN Belarus tournament, and a later bout with Gilmar China Sales which was set to take place at War of the Heroes 8 in November was scrapped at the last minute.
Malaipet's lack of training has been well documented, and he himself has stated before that he doesn't need to train that hard for Americans. It seems to be a consensus that if Malaipet trains he can beat anyone, the big question mark there is if he trained. Mananquil comes from a very disciplined camp in World Team USA, so you know that he is coming prepared, and ready to avenge the close split decision loss.
Pick: This one will be close, just like last time. Malaipet will start strong, but fade in the later rounds where Mananquil will make his move. The third round will be crucial in this fight, as it will end up going to the judges once again for another split decision, this time going in favor of Mananquil.
Chaz Mulkey vs. Douglas Edwards
In another re-match Chaz Mulkey and Douglas Edwards are likely to put on a show, and this one wont go to the judges. Mulkey is trying to end two fight skid, while Edwards comes in looking to avenge his previous loss to Mulkey. Although Mulkey's record might deceive many, his losses have all been to high caliber opponents, as he tends to fight up in competition.
Pick: Mulkey's experience with high caliber competition will pay off, as he is able to TKO Edwards in the third round. Expect Edwards to make it a scrap though, as he won't go away easily, but Mulkey's length and solid clinch game will be the deciding factors.
Kevin Ross vs. Sittisak Petchyindee
Ross enters his first fight of 2011 riding a very successful 2010 campaign. Never looking for an easy fight Kevin will be taking on Thai fighter Sittisak Petchyindee, which should prove a tough test for Ross. After being named the 2010 fighter of the year, the pressure is on Ross to follow up his successful 2010 campaign. He has become the face of American Muay Thai, and a loss could kill the momentum he has built up.
Pick: It won't be easy, but Ross will take a unanimous decision. His gamesmanship is always in full effect when he fights, and this won't be any different. He pushes all five rounds, and after finding his range he will begin to connect, and get into his groove.
Remy Bonnel vs. Singsiri Por Sirichai
Bonnel is a world class fighter from France, and has competed at the highest levels. Now fighting out of Miami, FL he will be looking to get a victory over Thai fighter Singsiri Por Sirichai, who was formerly set to appear on The Contender Asia 2, before the project was scrapped. Bonnel's advantage will be his length, as he is a fairly tall fighter, and if he can keep Singsiri from closing the distance he should be able to have success.
Pick: This will be a very close fight, Bonnel should use his reach advantage here, but he will be very willing to engage in the clinch with Singsiri. Expect this one to go the distance, and likely end in a split decision, for Singsiri.
Scotty Leffler vs. Coke Chunhawat
Scotty Leffler will face the toughest challenge of his Muay Thai career when he takes on Coke Chunhuawat. Having well over 100 fights under his belt Chunhawat the experience advantage. Leffler, however is a game opponent, and should make it interesting. Chunhawat's last two fights have been very close and split decisions over Matt Embree, and Jose Palacios. Chunhawat was expected to beat both fighters, which he did, but they both made them close fights to the surprise of many.
Pick: Like Palacios and Embree, Leffler will make it a close fight with Chunhawat, and he could potentially pull out a close decision, but Chunhawat will end up getting the nod.
Amy Davis vs. Emily Bearden
The only female pro fight on the card should be a good one. Davis and Bearden are both fierce competitors, and both are going to make sure they put on a show for the fans. Davis focused her efforts on MMA in late 2010, but Bearden's effort have fully been focused on Muay Thai.
Pick: Experience will be the determining factor here, as Bearden has more against high level competition. It will be Bearden via TKO in the second or third round.
Shawn Yarborough vs. Brandon Banda
Yarborough is looking to get back on the winning track after his August, 2010 loss to Stephen Richards, Banda is a tough and durable opponent. Yarborough has heavy kicks which he should use to chop down Banda, but he has to be careful as Banda is not afraid to let his hands goes and possesses KO power. Yarborough, however has the better all around game, and should be able to come out on top.
Pick: Yarborough via TKO in the third round. This is going to be a hell of a test for Banda. Yarborough is going to come out looking to make a statement from the beginning and likely wont let up until he has done just that.
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