Joseph Valtellini talks win over Mehdi Baghdad at MTIA "In Honor of the King"

Joseph Valtellini (@BazookaJoeV) defeated Mehdi Baghdad last weekend at Muay Thai in America "In Honor of the King" by unanimous decision. It was an exciting fight from start to finish that displayed Valtellini's crisp combinations and toughness. Vatlellini took some time to answer some questions for Muay Thai Authority about his victory over Baghdad.

MTA: Big win this past weekend against Mehdi Baghdad at MTIA: In Honor of the King. How are you feeling after that fight?
 

Joseph: Thanks MTA. I feel really good after this win. With all the media and attention surrounding the MTiA event, and having other top fighters from around the world there, I really wanted to put on a great performance. Mehdi is an experienced opponent, and this was a great win to keep pushing my career forward. I really wanted to end 2012 on a high note and carry that momentum in to the new year. 

MTA: You really attacked Mehdi's legs, was that the game plan all along or something you saw was available during the fight and just kept taking advantage of the opening?

Joseph: I don’t really like creating game plans. Fighters are constantly evolving and improving, so you never know what to predict. My coach trains me to let things unfold in the ring. I had a general idea that the leg kick would be there, but when I found my timing with it early, I kept taking advantage of it. 

MTA: It seemed you were ahead on points when in the 4th round he landed an elbow that opened you up. You started bleeding quite a bit, what was the first thing that went through your mind when you saw the blood?
 
Joseph: I knew I was winning all the rounds when I got cut. I just had to block out the bleeding and stay focused on what I had to do to keep winning the rounds and the fight. 

MTA: The fight was stopped so the doctor could take a look at the cut, did you think it was going to be stopped?

Joseph: I really didn’t know how bad the cut was. Even the smallest of cuts can bleed a lot. But I didn’t think the fight was going to be stopped. It wasn’t really affecting my vision and I was still landing my combinations. I have a great corner, that stopped the bleeding, and I was able to come out and win the 5th round.

MTA: You always want to improve as a fighter, when you are done with a fight how much time do you spend dissecting a fight to see where improvements can be made?

Joseph: It’s actually hard to remember details after the fight. When I receive the footage, I will sit down with my team and see what I did right and what I could have done differently. I train all year long, so I’m constantly improving all aspects of my game.
 
MTA: What's next for you now?

Joseph: This was my last fight for 2012, so I’m excited for the new year and the new challenges ahead. I don’t have anything booked as of now.  

MTA: Is there anyone in particular you would like to fight?
 
Joseph: There is no one in particular that I would like to fight. I want to continue taking fights with opponents with more experience and keep working my way up to the top. It has motivated me and my team to keep training hard and to keep improving. I would like to keep fighting international opponents and continue representing Canada and North America. 

MTA: Any words for your supporters?

Joseph: The support that I have received for this fight and the entire year has really been amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough for it. I’m truly blessed to be surrounded by such amazing, positive and supportive people. I’d like to especially thank my coach Paul Minhas, my main teammates Troy Sheridan and Matt Speciale, my strength & conditioning coach Costa Kladianos at Tempus Performance, my family, friends, and my entire team at Ultimate Martial Arts (Team Ultimate). I’d also like to thank Nathan and Muay Thai Authority for the interview and their dedication to helping promote North American Muay Thai.

Keep up to date about my career and what’s next by adding me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (@BazookaJoeV).

Paul Karpowicz talks win over Coke Chunhawat at Muay Thai in America "In Honor of the King"

Paul Karpowicz defeated Coke Chunhawat this past weekend at Muay Thai in America “In Honor of the King” in Los Angeles, CA. The fight was the first in America for the Karpowicz and he made sure to impress fight fans with his aggressive and technical style. Paul took a few minutes to answer a few questions for Muay Thai Authority about his win against Coke and his experience in America.

MTA: Huge win at Muay Thai in America “In Honor of the King” this past weekend against Coke Chunhawat, how are you feeling after that victory?

Paul: I was feeling great after the fight even more happy as I had a long flight back and no injuries.

MTA: You came out aggressive and throwing many different attacks at Coke. Do you think the fact that you mixed up your attacks so well might have frustrated him in the ring?

Paul: Yes it is very possible I frustrated Coke in the ring I know my style is a little different to the normal Thai way. I always start kinda fast n aggressive that is my style but I just try and enjoy myself ya know because I believe this is the most important thing to remember to do.

MTA: Coke has so much experience, when you here the amount of fights he has compared to yours what do you think about, he has over 200 fights?

Paul: I know coke is very experienced and I have a lot of respect for him but I believe in myself and my abilities n my team no matter who is stood in front of me in the ring.

MTA: This was your first time fighting in the United States, what did you think of it?

Paul: I enjoyed fighting in the states so much I loved everything about it. I felt safe and well looked after, the crowd was amazing and I love the way how every round and all techniques score as it suits my style specially coz I feel in the UK I have won fights but lost the decision because of how fights are scored. I love how the Americans do things and everyone I met was really cool.

MTA: What can fight fans expect from you next; do you have any fights lined up and is there anyone in particular you have your sights on that you would like to fight?

Paul: I’m not bothered by who I fight.

MTA: Any words for all of your supporters?

Paul: Massive shout to all the people who support me and like and dislike me. Everyone keeps me motivated and can’t thank them enough without the followers der wouldn’t be a sport so thank you.

Results and Recap: Muay Thai in America "In Honor of the King"

Muay Thai in America “In Honor of the King” took place last night at Raleigh Studios in Playa Vista, CA. In the night’s main event Canadian powerhouse Simon Marcus faced Sadibou Sy of Sweden. Marcus was able to keep his perfect record intact as he improved to 29-0 with a third round knockout. Early on in the fight Sy was using some good ring movement to keep Marcus from walking him down, Sy was also able to connect with some solid punches. In the third round Marcus continued to move forward as he tried to walk Sy down, once in range Marcus connected with a right elbow to the head of Sy that clearly hurt him and Marcus followed with a left elbow that sent Sy down. Sy was unable to get up and the fight was stopped. Marcus is now 6-0 in 2012 and continues to show why he is considered one of the best in the world.

In the night’s co-main event Amanda Kelly and Julie Kitchen put on a show for the fans as they fought five hard rounds of non stop action. From the start of the fight Kelly was the aggressor in the bout and was very comfortable in the clinch as she looked to land elbows and knees. Kitchen was more than willing to exchange with Kelly and as the rounds passed she got a bit more aggressive. In the end it seems like Kelly’s constant pressure and forward movement helped her get the split decision victory from the judges. A huge win for Amanda Kelly, it will be interesting to see who she fights next.

Chike Lindsay was able to defeat Christpohe Pruvost by unanimous decision after five hard fought rounds. Lindsay took the lead early as he used his blend of speed and strength to connect with nice combinations as well as work well in the clinch. Pruvost began to get more aggressive in the later rounds, but Lindsay was accurate with his strikes. Despite Pruvost being able to land some solid strikes in the later rounds it was too little too late.

In what can simply be descried as a back and forth barn burner of a fight Andy Howson and Thanit Watthanaya showed nothing but heart in their bout. After a slow first round things rapidly picked up when Watthanaya knocked Howson down in the second round with a perfectly timed punch. In the third round Howson returned the favor by landing a right that sent Watthanaya to the canvas. Once back on his feet Watthanaya seemed to still be dazed a bit and Howson pounced trying to finish the fight and both fighters exchanged shot for shot in an exciting round. In the fourth round Howson was once again able to knockdown Watthanaya and after Watthanaya was back on his feet both fighters continued to sling the leather, but it was clear that Howson was getting the better of the exchanges. In the fifth round Watthanaya connected with a right that sent Howson down. As Howson tried to get back to his feet it was clear he was hurt as he wobbled trying to gain in his balance and the referee was forced to stop the fight. This was a huge win for Watthanaya and an extremely exciting fight.

Paul Karpowicz and Coke Chunhawat kicked off the main card in a solid bout that introduced one of England’s best young talents to the American audience. Karpowicz from the start of the fight used solid combinations and good movement to stifle Coke’s attacks. Karpowicz used a well versed attack than included everything tool in his arsenal. Despite Chunhawat turning the pressure on in the later rounds, Karpowicz was able to hold his ground and continue his attacks. All three judges scored the bout 50-45 for Karpowicz, awarding him the unanimous decision victory.

In the night’s first under card bout Joseph Valtellini out struck Mehdi Baghdad to win a unanimous decision. Valtellini used nice combinations in the fight and constantly attacked Baghdad’s legs with kicks. Baghdad seemed to have no answer for Valtellini’s attack, but in the fourth round an elbow from Baghdad opened up a cut on the top of Valtellini’s head that began to bleed profusely. At one point the bout was stopped so the doctor could check on the cut, it seemed it might be over but they allowed the fight to continue. Valtellini continued to attack Baghdad’s legs and use his combinations to score until the end of the fight.

Salah Abdelsalam defeated Justin Greskiewicz by (T)KO in the third round. Greskiewicz and Abdelsalam were involved in a close fight when Abdelsalam landed a perfectly timed elbow to the right eye of Greskiewicz. It was immediately noticeable that Greskiewicz was hurt as he dropped to the canvas and signaled he could not continue. His right eye immediately became swollen and was closed as the elbow from Abdelsalam cut Greskiewicz eyelid.

Greg Wootton and Noun Soriya were involved in an entertaining fight. It was clear that the taller Wootton was on a mission from the start of the fight as he pressed forward attacking Soriya. Despite Wootton’s clear height advantage Soriya used everything in his arsenal, including some unorthodox methods. At one point Soriya fell to his knees after a slip but continued to punch Wootton to the body. The referee gave Soriya a warning but the crowd loved it as laughs and cheers came for Soriya. In the third round Wootton came out on a clear mission and after cornering Soriya he began to unload elbows and punches on Soriya eventually landing a knee to the body that knocked Soriya down and the referee stopped the bout.

Results:

Simon Marcus def. Sadibou Sy via KO (Elbow) at 1:07 of Rd. 3

Amanda Kelly def. Julie Kitchen via Split Decision

Chike Lindsay def. Christophe Pruvost via Unanimous Decision

Thanit Watthanaya def. Andy Howson via KO at 1:01 of Rd. 5

Paul Karpowicz def. Coke Chunhawat via Unanimous Decision

Joseph Valtellini def. Mehdi Baghdad via Unanimous Decision

Salah Abdelsalam def. Justin Greskiewicz via KO at 2:28 of Rd. 3

Greg Wootton def. Noun Soriya via (T)KO at 2:27 of Rd. 3

Video: Joseph Valtellini talks about upcoming fight with Mehdi Baghdad

Joseph Vatellini sits down with Muay Thai Authority to talk about his upcoming bout with Mehdi Baghdad. The bout will take place December 1, 2012 at Raleigh Studios in Playa Vista, CA at the Muay Thai in America: In Honor of the King event.

Valtellini also talks about bouncing back from the first loss of his career and confidence in the ring.

Video: Simon Marcus talks upcoming fight with Sadibou Sy

Simon Marcus will be fighting Sadibou Sy at Muay Thai in America: In Honor of the King on December 1st at Raleigh Studios in Playa Vista, CA. Muay Thai Authority caught up with Marcus to talk about the upcoming fight against Sy. 

Marcus will be fighting after a six month layoff, and will face a stiff test in Sy. He addresses the layoff as well as a potential match up with Artem Levin .

Nuon Sorya replaces Matt Embree against Greg Wootton

It was announced last week that Canadian fighter Matt Embree was forced to withdraw form his bout with Greg Wootton at Muay Thai in America: In Honor of the King on December 1st. Stepping in to replace Embree is Nuon Sorya from Cambodia. 

The 39 year old Sorya will be taking on one of the best young talents from the UK in Wootton. It should be interesting to see if the veteran can use his experience and come out victorious in the fight or if youth will end up prevailing. 

Current Fight Card:
Simon Marcus vs. Sadibou Sy
Julie Kitchen vs. Amanda Kelly
Paowarit Sasiprapa vs. Matthew Tieu
Andy Howson vs. Thanit Whattanaya
Coke Chunhawat vs. Paul Karpowicz
Christophe Pruvost vs. Chike Lindsay
Joseph Valtellini vs. Mehdi Baghdad
Nuon Sorya vs. Greg Wootton
Justin Greskiewicz vs. Salah Abdelsalam

Pictures: Julie Kitchen training for Amanda Kelly

Scott Hirano (@ScottHirano) was on hand to cover Julie Kitchen as she trains for her upcoming fight against Amanda Kelly at Muay Thai In America's "In Honor of the King." Julie has been training in Los Angeles with trainer Paulo Tocha and will be fighting Amanda on December 1st at Raleigh Studios. Here are few snap shots, but be sure to  check out the entire gallery on the embedded slideshow below.

 

Weigh-ins for MTIA: In Honor of the King open to the public, tailgate party scheduled day of event

The weigh-ins for MTIA: In Honor of the King will be open to the public. They will take place November 30, 2012 at Raleigh Studios at 1pm. The event will offer a meet and greet with fighters.

On the day of the event a tailgate party will begin at 2pm in the parking log of Raleigh Studios. The tailgate will feature food trucks, giveaways and more. For more information read the press release from MTIA below.

Saturday, December. 1 from Raleigh Studios – Playa Vista, CA.

Live on Direct TV® and INDEMAND® at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

TICKETS ON SALE NOVEMBER 10, 2012

LOS ANGELES – The highly anticipated MUAY THAI IN AMERICA: IN HONOR OF THE KING event is set for Play Vista, CA on Saturday, Dec. 1. The event will air live on DIRECT TV® and INDEMAND® at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Weigh-ins for MTIA: IN HONOR OF THE KING will take place at 1:00 PM on November 30, 2012 at Raleigh Studios. A meet and greet with fans will take place during the weigh-ins. There will be several photo opportunities for fans and a discussion panel will also take place.

On December 1, 2012 there will be a tail gate party in the parking lot of Raleigh Studios starting at 2:00 PM. Food trucks, fan interviews, t-shirts, poster and ticket giveaways will occur during the tail gate party.

MTIA encourages fans that plan on attending to purchase their tickets in advance. A limited amount of walk up purchases will be available at the venue. Tickets are rapidly selling; to ensure that you can get into this historic event purchasing your ticket ahead of time is greatly advised.

MUAY THAI IN AMERICA in honor of the King of Thailand’s birthday will air live on DIRECT TV® an INDEMAND® at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for MUAY THAI IN AMERICA will go on sale to the public on November 10, 2012. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and local gyms.

In addition to being undefeated with a perfect record of 28-0, Simon Marcus is known for his brutal strength and excellent technique. In 2012 alone he has added five dominant victories to his record. They include wins over legend Kaoklai Kaennorsing, American powerhouse Joe Schilling (twice), as well as two wins in China where he fought two opponents in one night. Training out of Siam No. 1 in Toronto, Canada under Ajahn Suchart, Marcus has quickly made his impact felt not only in the North American Muay Thai scene, but world wide.

With a record of 42-3, Sadibou Sy is expected to test the fast rising Simon Marcus. Born in Sweden but of West African decent, Sy broke on the international scene at the age of 19 when he won the Nordic Open Championship by spinning heel-kick knockout. He went on to compete in the ISKA World Championships where he won 2 gold medals as well as the championship award for most outstanding fighter of the tournament.

Know as “The Queen of Muay Thai” Julie Kitchen quickly became a fan favorite amongst American Muay Thai fans. Always looking to push women’s Muay Thai to the forefront, Kitchen has been an ambassador of the sport for years. As beautiful as she is deadly, she will be looking to not only continue to impress her fans but take home the win against her fellow UK native.

Looking to make her name on the American Muay Thai scene, Amanda Kelly is ready to take advantage of her opportunity. Facing a legend in Muay Thai like Julie Kitchen paired up with the opportunity to gain new fans we should expect nothing but a tremendous effort from Kelly as she takes on “The Queen of Muaythai”.

For more information or the latest MUAY THAI IN AMERICA news, visit www.MuayThaiInAmerica.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

Matt Embree out of December 1st fight with Greg Wootton due to injury

Matt Embree has been forced to pull out of his upcoming fight against Greg Wootton on the December 1st Muay Thai in America. Embree fractured his foot in training and the search for a replacement is underway.

Embree had recently defeated Nate Smandych at Journey Fight Series VIII. Wootton is considered by many to be the best 140lb fighter from England. He has scored win in Thailand at Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium, he is known for his excellent technique and should provide a difficult test for any replacement that steps in for Matt Embree.

Matthew Tieu replaces Damien Trainor at MTIA: In Honor of the King

Rungravee Sasiprapa was originally set to fight Damien Trainor (@Damien_Trainor) at Muay Thai in America: In Honor of the King (@MuayThaiAmerica) on December 1st, but last week Rungravee was forced to withdraw due to injury. Stepping in to replace Rungravee is his teammate Paowarit Sasiprapa, now Damien Trainor has withdrawn from the bout due to unknown reasons. Stepping in to replace Trainor is Vietnamese/U.K. fighter Matthew Tieu, number three on the MuaythaiOnline.org British Rankings and number two on the UKMTF rankings.

Tieu is fresh off a win over Lucien Gross at Super MTC which took place in London, England. In July of this year Tieu defeated Ming Le of Finland by (T)KO at Xplosion 7. It should prove to be an exciting fight between Paowarit and Tieu.

Current Fight Card:
Simon Marcus vs. Sadibou Sy
Julie Kitchen vs. Amanda Kelly
Paowarit Sasiprapa vs. Matthew Tieu
Andy Howson vs. Thanit Whattanaya
Coke Chunhawat vs. Paul Karpowicz
Christophe Pruvost vs. Chike Lindsay
Joseph Valtellini vs. Mehdi Baghdad
Matt Embree vs. Greg Wootton
Justin Greskiewicz vs. Salah Abdelsalam

Paowarit Sasiprapa replaces Rungravee against Damien Trainor at Muay Thai in America: In Honor of the King on December 1st

Damien Trainor’s (@Damien_Trainor) opportunity to avenge his loss to Rungravee Sasiprapa will have to wait. Rungravee and Trainor were set to fight at Muay Thai in America: In Honor of the King (@MuayThaiAmerica) on December 1, 2012 in Playa Vista, CA. Rungravee, however, has been forced to withdraw from the bout due to an injury. Stepping in to replace Rungravee is Sasiprapa team mate Paowarit Sasiprapa.

Paowarit is just as dangerous as Rungravee. He is an Omnoi Stadium champion, a Rajadamnern Stadium champion, and WMC champion. Muay Thai in America will mark the debut of Paowarit on American soil, and being paired up with Trainor should make for an exciting fight.

The re-match between Rungravee and Trainor is now expected to take place at Muay Thai In America: Songkran America Promotion on April 13, 2013.

Pictures: Mehdi Baghdad training for Joseph Valtellini

Scott Hirano (@ScottHirano) was recently at Team Quest in Temecula, CA to shoot Mehdi Baghdad training for his upcoming bout against Joseph Valtellini (@BazookaJoeV) on December 1, 2012 at Muay Thai in America: In Honor of the King. Mehdi is originally from France, where he made his name on the Kickboxing circuit, a former K-1 tournament champion in France and Belgium has been fighting MMA recently, but will be looking to make successful return against the hard hitting Valtellini.