Nick Lembo talks about the unified Muay Thai rules passed by the Association of Boxing Commissions

With the recent passing of unified Muay Thai rules by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), Muay Thai Authority caught up with Nick Lembo of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission, also the main person behind the new unified rules. Nick took some time to answer a few questions for Muay Thai Authority about the new rules.

MTA: Nick, who worked with you to establish the unified rules?

Nick: I would be remiss if I did not single out the legendary Tony Moore of England as a constant contact who provided valuable insight and information. There were a select few others who were routinely and deeply involved over the past two years and deserve special mention. These individuals would include Dr. Sherry Wulkan, Vladimir Borodine, Tony Myers, and Stephan Strotmeyer. 

Other significant and worthy contributors would include John Baker, Mick Doyle, Clint Heyliger, Samasek Kanthawong, Coban Lookchaomaesaitong, Siraphop Ratanasuban, Jr., Kaensak Sor Ploenjit, Manuel Taningco and Kumron Vaitayanon. Finally, I must mention that Tim Lueckenhoff, the President of the Association of Boxing Commissions, was very supportive of this group, this project, and the findings.

MTA: With the passing of the rules, your goal is to have all 50 states enforce these rules and the scoring presented. What challenges do you see if any in having this accomplished.

Nick: I am certain that the scoring will present concerns or issues in certain jurisdictions. A traditional 10 point must point system could be utilized, but such a system was not the consensus choice for this Committee.

MTA: Where do you think Muay Thai in North America will benefit the most from the unified rules?

Nick: The idea for the Committee arose after certain jurisdictions were hesitant on allowing full rules Muay Thai events because of an unfamiliarity with the sport and the lack of a proper rule set to refer to. An increase in familiarity and knowledge should help the sport to grow. Further, it will help fighters and trainers if they know the exact rule set and criteria that will be utilized in the jurisdiction that they compete in.

MTA: The scoring is a bit different from the 10 point scoring system that many states use. Can you highlight some of the key differences?

Nick: The winner in Muay Thai should be the stronger fighter over the entire contest. In addition, the use of superior technique should be a crucial scoring factor. Judges need to assess the effect of the technique on the opponent. 

These assessments would include stopping an opponent's advance, unbalancing the opponent, causing the opponent to show pain, and cutting the opponent. It is important how the fighter finishes the bout in the last three rounds. A boxer ahead early can be overtaken and lose as the finish of the fight will indicate the fresher, stronger fighter who maintained proper technique.

MTA: Judging in states such as California and Nevada has been under fire recently, are there any efforts being made for the ABC to help retrain judges?

Nick: Yes, we intend to set up approved training courses for referees and judges in the same fashion as Tim Lueckenhoff has already established for boxing and mixed martial arts. I also intend to keep spreading the word that you need to utilize separate officials who have deep backgrounds in Muay Thai and understand and appreciate its nuances and specialties. For example, in New Jersey, Coban and Rigel Balsamico are our main referees and our professional judges include Kaensak, Vlad Borodine and Jose Tabora.