Friday, July 29, 2011

The future of North American Muay Thai


It has been said that men peak athletically (strength, cardiovascular system, etc) around the age of 28-32. This is when most athletes are considered to be in their prime. Following this rationale we have compiled a list of ten fighters that we believe will be the future of North American Muay Thai. There are a few fighters on the list that are already carrying North America to the next level, but have yet to hit their "prime". As long as all of the fighters on the list continue to compete in Muay Thai there is no reason why they shouldn't be part of the next generation of great North American Muay Thai fighters. The list is in no particular order and all of the fighters on it have vast potential and as mentioned before many have already started to make their mark.

Ognjen Topic (25)
Topic is a somewhat of an anomaly for being an American Muay Thai practitioner. His style mirrors the Thai style of fighting which isn't common amongst many American based fighters, but he also comes from a very traditional camp in North Jersey Muay Thai. He recently turned professional and has shown he has the skills to go a long way. Technically he should be undefeated as a pro, but after a controversial loss in his second fight his record stands at 2-1. His laid back Thai style is accompanied by the full package, he knows how to fight in and out of the clinch and is very accurate with his attacks.

Ky Hollenbeck (23)
At 23 Hollenbeck has already shown that he will play a major roll in carrying Muay Thai in North America. With his recent win over Gregory Choplin he won the WBC Muay Thai interim middleweight world title. Already taking on top international competition it will be interesting to see how Hollenbeck's career progresses. His style is explosive and dynamic and if you step into the ring against him you have to be ready to have someone in your face the entire fight. His strength is also a factor in many of his fights as he is able to out muscle most of his opponents while he consistently presses the action.

Artem Sharoshkin (24)
Sharoshkin has had a pretty successful start to his pro career after leaving the amateur ranks in 2010, originally from Russia he now calls San Diego home. He is a fast paced fighter who's game is still developing, but he has already shown glimpses of what is to come. Despite suffering his first pro loss via decision in his last fight, the always improving Sharoshkin should take valuable experience from the fight and bounce back nicely.

Alex Berrios (25)
Berrios is very technical fighter, but also packs power in his strikes. He is very accurate and methodical in his attacks and it is rare if you see him lose control. Fighting smarter and not harder is his game plan and he executes it perfectly. Despite being inactive for quite sometime while in college if Berrios decides to continuously fight he will play a major roll in helping the United States put its name on the Muay Thai map.

Joseph Valtellini (26)
Valtellini is and explosive and athletic fighter, but unlike similar fighters he doesn't simply rely on that to win fights. Valtellini along with his coaches focus on improving his technique and that is what will help set him apart from the rest. He already holds notable wins on his resume over Dorian Price, Ben Case and Sean Hinds. Not looking for easy fights Valtellini has passed up fights because he only wants to challenge himself rather than pick up easy wins.

Michael Corley (26)
Corley has returned to the U.S. after a few years in Thailand. The Texas born fighter has an explosive style and having already faced international competition and competed in such events as the Toyota Cup he has gained valuable experience. He is a difficult match up for anyone in North America and in a few years could easily be at the top of the mountain.

Joe Schilling (27)
Schilling has already made a name for himself in the states. His violent style make him a fan favorite and the man they call "Stitch em Up" is waiting for his chance to face international competition. He is arguably the top fighter in North America in his weight class (super middleweight) and has the potential to really put America on the map when he gets the opportunity to face international talent. He is a finisher who never comes into a fight looking to simply get a win, his goal is to not let you make it to the judges scorecards if you step in against him.

Simon Marcus (23)
Already with tons of experience under his belt he will definitely be tested in the Muaythai Premier League. Names such as Artem Levin and Kaoklai Kaennorsing wait the Canadian based fighter, victories over fighters of their caliber will help catapult Marcus' career to the top. Explosive and powerful anyone stepping in front of Marcus Simon will have their hands full.

Matt Embree (22)
The Siam no. 1 fighter has been making waves in the North American Muay Thai scene. Not only because of his victories, but because he often fights above his normal weight class. Technical in all aspect of his game it is scary to imagine what he will be like when he hits his late 20's or early 30's. At only 22 years of age Embree, like his team mate Simon Marcus already has plenty of experience. If he is that good above his normal weight imagine how good he can look fighting at his normal weight.

Shane Oblonsky (25)
Oblonsky has showed vast improvement since turning pro a few years back. His boxing is some of the best you will see in Muay Thai and as long as he continues to improve the rest of his game there should no reason as to why he wouldn't play a pivotal roll in helping carry American Muay Thai to the next level. He has already shown improvement in some areas that were questionable making it clear he is consistently working to improve. Tough an always ready to fight Oblonsky is a game opponent against anyone in North America right now between 147 and 154lbs.
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