Liam Harrison talks about loss to Mohamed Khamal, not happy with judges scoring and referee

World ranked UK Muay Thai fighter Liam Harrison dropped a split decision to Mohamed Khamal this past Saturday at the Muaythai Premier League's (MPL) "Strength and Honour" event in Padova, Italy. Harrison was not happy with the decision of the bout as well as the work the referee did in the ring. Harrison was kind enough to speak to Muay Thai Authority about the judging and the refereeing that he felt kept him from getting the win.

MTA: Looking back at the fight now, why do you feel he got the judges' decision over you and in your mind is there any sound reason for him getting that decision?

Liam: The only reason I can think of is they have no idea how to score a muaythai fight. I got a count in round 1 which was total bull shit too which would have also played a factor in it.

MTA: Now as far as the knockdown goes, you aren't happy because you weren't hurt by the strike, but simply caught of balance correct?

Liam: The knockdown was a clean strike, but I was knocked off balance and jumped straight back up. I know the rules of muaythai and it was 100 percent not an 8 count.

MTA: Do you feel there is anything you could have done differently aside from finishing the fight to secure the judges' decision?

Liam: Not really I was happy with my performance and I think I used the better variety of weapons.

MTA: You received some cuts in the fight. Do you think that might have swayed the judges opinion, as they might have seen it as more damage caused?

Liam: Yes probably, although the cuts were not affecting my vision or anything. It was only 2 clean shots landed by elbows, I landed countless body kicvs and takedowns so I think that evens things up.

MTA: Your teammate Jordan Watson also suffered a decision loss that you likewise didn't agree with. Being a spectator for that bout, why did you disagree with that decision?

Liam: Jordan also got a bull shit 8 count, his fight was close like mine, but once again he scored with more body kicks.

MTA: With both Jordan and yourself not happy with the decisions do you plan on filing any kind of appeal to have the results over turned?

Liam: That's up to my boss Richard Smith.

MTA: Did you have an opportunity to speak to any of the referees or the judges after your fight to address the issues you had with the scoring, or with anyone at all that was a part of the promotion?

Liam: No I didnt speak to any judges or refs after as if there's any appealing etc to be done then my boss can take care of that behind closed doors.

MTA: Do you plan on changing anything regarding your strategy for your next fight that is a part of the MPL league format?

Liam: I will have to find out if the judges will be scoring it K1 rules and not muaythai rules like they did this time. It's called MUAYTHAI premier league not K1 premier league.