Results and Recap: Super 4 Tournament; Saiyok edges Watson in Finals

A four man tournament took place in Thailand yesterday featuring Saiyok Pumphanmuang, Jordan Watson, Ilya Grad and Vuyisile Colossa. The opening round matched up Saiyok vs. Colossa and Watson vs. Grad. Saiyok and Watson were both victorious as they each beat their opponents by decision. In the finals of the tournament Saiyok and Watson put on an entertaining fight for the fans. Saiyok is known for his aggressive style and Watson was more than willing to oblige as the pair exchanged kicks, punches, knees and elbows for five rounds. At one point Saiyok caught Watson with an elbow that seemed to knock out some of his teeth. In the end Saiyok did enough to take home a decision victory it what was a close and very exciting fight.

Also victorious on the card were Lerdsila Chumpairtour and Leo Monteiro. Lerdsila defeated Sofiane Derdega from France via decision and Monteiro scored a second round (T)KO due to knees over Jack Sitpoopantoo.

Saiyok, Watson, Grad and Colossa set for four man tournament in Thailand on April 3rd

As previously reported by Total Muay Thai, the Bangkok Convention Center will play host to a four man tournament on April 3rd. Scheduled to be part of the tournament will be U.K. standout Jordan Watson, Thailand’s Saiyok Pumphanmuang, Israeli fighter Ilya Grad and South African fighter Vuyisile Colossa.

Of the four fighters in the tournament, three (Watson, Grad and Colossa) were part of the reality TV show The Challenger Muaythai. Saiyok has to be considered the favorite going in to the tournament, but Watson, Colossa and Grad should all be formidable opponents.

The event is part of the "Sport is your Gang" campaign, which will launch on April 3rd. The purpose behind “Sport is your Gang” is to create a project where at risk youths will be encouraged to take up Muay Thai and encouraged to continue their education so that they can focus their efforts on positive self-development.

Results and Recap: I-1 World Muay Thai Grand Extreme 2011

I-1 World Muay Thai Grand Extreme took place in Hong Kong. The event didn’t go off without some drama in the days leading up to it. Brothers, Antoine and Victor Pinto were set to compete at the event, but a last second disagreement between them and the promoter had them removed from the event. Antoine was set to take place in the 4-man tournament, but was replaced by M-100 Sitpolek. Victor was set to take part in a super fight against Lo Kit Fung, but was replaced y Choong Yen Meng.

In the opening round of the 4-man tournament Vuyisile Colossa punched his ticket to the final by scoring a (T)KO victory in the 2nd round of his bout with Pavlos Kaponis. Ilya Grad defeated M-100 Sitpolek to secure his spot in the finals. Colossa and Grad, both alumni of the reality TV show “The Challenger Muaythai” went the distance in the tournament finals with Vuyisile Colossa scoring the win by unanimous decision.

Antoine Pinto talks upcoming I-1 World Muay Thai Extreme 2011 event

Antoine Pinto a.k.a. Antuan Siangboxing will be fighting as part of the one night, four man tournament at the I-1 Extreme 2011 event. Coming off a good run on “The Challenger Muaythai” reality TV show, the young fighter has been very active as he continues to take on some of the best fighters around the world. Antoine took some time to answer a few questions for Muay Thai Authority about the upcoming tournament, who he would like to fight in the future and more.

MTA: The Challenger Muaythai just finished airing; it seemed people enjoyed you on the show. How was the experience?

Antoine: I think the viewers of TV have loves and enjoyed my Thai boxing style. It was a new experience to live with other fighters but I don't like to prepare and fight without my trainer, coaches and family.

I-1 World Muay Thai Grand Extreme set for December 19th in Hong Kong

I-1 World Muay Thai Grand Extreme will take place on December 19th at the Star Hall in Hong Kong, China. The night's main attraction will be the “4-Man Elimination Tournament”, which will feature three fighters from the reality TV Show “The Challenger Muaythai”. Vuyisile “The Cheetah” Colossa, Antoine “Kid Shark” Pinto and Ilya "Achilles" Grad are all familiar with one another because of "The Challenger Muaythai" and will now have a chance to face off as they all try and claim the tournament crown. The fourth fighter that will be part of the tournament will be China’s Zhang Lei.

The event will also feature some super fights in addition to the tournament. Fighters that will be fighting in super fights include Teelak Fairtex, formerly a ranked No. 1 at Lumpinee Stadium, as well as Valdet Gashi from Germany and Victor Pinto a.k.a. Leo Siangboxing."The Challenger Muaythai" competitor, Jason Woodham will also be in action that night as part of the evenings super fights.

The Challenger Muaythai blog - Ilya Grad

by Ilya Grad

Israel's citizens are not allowed to enter Malaysia; I knew it as a fact! So when I was called for The Challenger, naturally I got a bit doubtful, but I was assured that some influential people in Malaysia had my back and would do everything in their powers to get me in. Although some friends and loved ones were concerned and even urged me not to go, the thought I might just be the first to ever raise the Israeli flag in Malaysia was an idea I couldn't resist. Not to mention the fact I would meet the best Muaythai fighters in the world to share my experience with.

Tickets were booked and I left Thailand praying for a smooth pass through Malaysian border, but once upon arrival I was stopped and told I had to spend the night at the terminal. After a long wait of 25 hours the Malaysian Muaythai Federation, with the support of the Malaysian sports minister finally made it happen and got the necessary papers to let me in the country. Just like that I crossed the border with a special pass, a very special pass indeed for my Israeli passport wasn't even stamped!

The Challenger Muaythai blog - Antoine Pinto

by Antoine Pinto

I was very honored to be chosen with Cedric Muller to represent my country in this international Muaythai show, as well as being an ambassador for the sport because this event will affect millions of viewers worldwide. I think Stephan Fox and his team chose me for my experience in Thailand and my good results this past year.

It was a beautiful experience of for me to participate in The Challenger Muay Thai, but it was also a tough experience because I am one of the youngest boxers, one of the lightest and for the first time I had to fight, train and live without my family, coaches and elsewhere.
The hardest part was being forbidden to communicate with the outside and you having to choose which boxer to fight, because every boxer lives day and night with you. It definitely creates tension in the house.