Kickboxing Empire set for March 8th in Las Vegas

Kickboxing Empire is set to take place March 8th at the Planet Hollywood Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The event will feature a main event bout between Agron Preteni of Croatia and Luis Tavares of Holland. The co-main event will feature the return of Shawn Yarborough as he takes on Pavel Turuk in a re-match.

Preteni will be looking to rebound from his (T)KO loss to Pavel Zhuravlev in Russia in November of 2013 when he takes on Tavares. Before his loss to Zhuravlev, Preteni had won five consecutive fights including two against Romanian powerhouse Andrei Stoica. Tavares is a Glory veteran who will be looking add an impressive win over the likes of Preteni to his resume.

Yarborough has not fought in nearly two years, the veteran fighter had hit a skid before his hiatus going 1-4 in his last five fights. His most recent fight was a KO loss to Joseph Valtellini under the Friday Night Fights banner. Before his loss to Valtellini, Yarborough dropped a split decision to Turuk and will undoubtedly be looking to return to the ring with a band as well as avenging his previous loss to Turuk.

Fight Card:
Agron Preteni vs. Luis Tavares
Shawn Yarborough vs. Pavel Turuk
Redouan Cairo vs. Dzianis Hancharonak
Jennie Neddell vs. Sofie Bagherdai
Vitaly Herkov vs. Tony Hervey 

Matches to make after M-One "Reborn"

M-One “Reborn” took place this past week and it was a nice return for the M-One promotion after a year long hiatus. The theme of the event was Team Thailand vs. The World, and Team Thailand walked away with a clean 4-0 sweep. Despite only one North American based fighter being on the world team, there were several other on the fight card. So what’s next for the winning fighters after M-One “Reborn”? Here are a few match ups that we feel would be good moves for the four North American winner on the under card, and for the only North American on the world team, Romie Adanza, whether they be on a future M-One card or another promotion.

Romie Adanza vs. Jomhod Sagami
Their bout at M-One ended early due to a nicely placed elbow from Jomhod that opened up a cut on Adanza’s head. There is no saying what would have happened had Adanza not been cut so early in the bout. Fans definitely weren’t happy about the stoppage, and would probably be more than excited to see a re-match.

Bryce Krause vs. Luis Bio
Bryce Krause defeated Douglas Edwards by unanimous decision at M-One “Reborn”. Krause used some accurate counter striking to find his mark and out point Edwards. A match-up that would not only be exciting, but would make sense would be against Mexico’s Luis Bio. Both are two of the top 154lb fighters in North America and would likely engage in an exciting bout. Krause’s heavy hands vs. Bio’s clinch and elbow game would be a treat for the fans.

Glen Spencer vs. Shawn Yarborough or Brandon Banda
Glen Spencer stumbled out of the gates as a pro dropping a decision to Mike Lemaire, but has won his last two bouts by (T)KO. His victory over Sebastian Lopez at M-One was a solid victory for the Sityodtong LA product, but it would be nice to see Spencer face a more seasoned veteran his next time out. Shawn Yarborough or Brandon Banda would each fit the bill. Both are veterans that, although not as active lately have been solid fighters throughout their career, and could test Spencer in a five round fight.

Adam Rothweiler vs. Jason Andrada
Adam Rothweiler was active in the MMA scene before switching to Muay Thai, and so far it seems like it has been the right choice. Rothweiler defeated Adrian Morilla in his pro debut, and at M-One “Reborn” scored a spectacular head kick knockout over Jessie Magusen. Rothweiler was known as an exciting fighter when he was competing in MMA never holding anything back and it seems that he’s bringing that trait over to Muay Thai. Rothweiler keeps a fast pace and doesn’t seem to slow down. Andrada is another young fighter who doesn’t seem to have a pause button. From start to finish both of these fighters go full force, and if you place them both in the same ring the only result possible seems to be one of the craziest fights that could ever take place.

Joey Pagliuso vs. Jose Palacios
Joey Pagliuso has seemed like a man possessed in his last two fights. Both fights have been one sided stoppages of his opponents, with Karlos Aldama being his victim at M-One “Reborn”. Pagliuso has come out fighting like a bat out of hell looking to let the leather fly early and it has paid dividends. In 2011 Pagliuso suffered a knockout loss to Jose Palacios after a head kick dropped him in the final round of the bout. Up until that point many thought Pagliuso was on his way to winning a decision. It would be interesting to see these two meet again.

Video: Joseph Valtellini talks about his KO victory over Shawn Yarborough at Friday Night Fights

Results and Recap: Friday Night Fights Muay Thai "Yarborough vs. Valtellini"

New York--Friday Night Fights Muay Thai was back at the Broad Street Ballroom where their main event featured Joseph Valtellini vs. Shawn Yarborough. The fight was considered a test for Valtellini as Yarborough normally fights at a higher weight class and had never been stopped in his career before. Valtellini, however, made quick work of Yarborough as he went to work on his opponents legs early with kicks. A right by Valtellini dropped Yarborough, but he was able to answer the referee’s count. It was clear that Yarborough was in trouble and it wasn’t long before the end came. Valtellini cornered Yarborough and connected with a left hook that had Yarborough out on his feet, he then followed up with a vicious right uppercut to seal the deal and send Yarborough down for good. With the victory Joseph Valtellini pushes his pro record to 6-0 and becomes the first person to stop Shawn Yarborough.

Predictions for Friday Night Fights Muay Thai "Yarborough vs. Valtellini"

Friday Night Fights Muay Thai: Yarborough vs. Valtellini will take place on Friday, March 9th. With three pro fights on tap here we go with our predictions for the event.

Shawn Yarborough vs. Joseph Valtellini
Yarborough should be the toughest test of Valtellini’s young career. Yarbrough typically fights in the 175lb weight class and packs power in his fist and feet. Valtellini is known for his power, but has yet to take on an opponent the size of Yarborough. None of Valtellini’s fights have gone the distance and he keeps a fast pace throughout his fights as opposed to Yarborough who is more methodical in his approach. Valtellini should be able to out work Yarborough throughout the fight, but needs be careful because one strike from Yarborough could change the fight in a heartbeat. Valtellini won’t be able to finish Yarborough, who has yet to be stopped in his pro career. Instead Valtellini will have to settle for a decision win to keep his perfect record in tact.

Friday Night Fights now officially Friday Night Fights Muay Thai, new website launches

Earlier in 2011, North America’s longest running Muay Thai promotion; Friday Night Fights officially changed their name to Friday Night Fights Muay Thai. The name change came ahead of their new website launch, www.FridayNightFights.com. The official names change indicates their commitment to the Muay Thai community. When asked about the name change, FNFMT President Justin Blair had the following to say about the name change.

“While in addition to Muay Thai, we have also produced Boxing and MMA, our focus over the last few years has been predominantly Muay Thai. In 2011, we decided to produce Muay Thai exclusively under the Friday Night Fights banner and felt that our name should reflect our commitment to the sport.”

Yarborough vs. Valtellini headline March 9th Friday Night Fights Muay Thai event, Fisher vs. Horowitz set for undercard

Friday Night Fights Muay Thai has announced the main event for their March 9th event at the Broad Street Ballroom in New York. Joseph Valtellini will be taking on Las Vegas based fighter Shawn Yarborough. 

Valtellini has put together a perfect 5-0 record since turning pro, with none of his fights going the distance. Known not only for his aggression in the ring, but also his technique, Valtellini is one of the future stars of the North American Muay Thai scene. Notable wins includes stoppages of Dorian Price, Ben Case, Sean Hinds and most recently Alex Berrios. Valtellini seems to have one goal in mind and that is to earn everyone’s respect. 

Malaipet, Yarborough, and Njokuani kickboxing results

Saturday night the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV played host to IKA kickboxing action. Some noteable Muay Thai practitioners were on the card including former WBC Muay Thai U.S. national champion Shawn Yarborough, current WBC Muay Thai international champion Malaipet, and Chidi Njokuani.

Malaipet was a late addition to the card as he replaced Tony Hervey against U.K. fighter Tim Thomas. Despite the event being K-1 rules Malaipet was risking a lot in the fight. Scheduled to be defending his WBC Muay Thai international title against Chike Lindsay in two weeks at Stand Up Promotions "M1 Grand Muay Thai Championship" event, an injury could have easily erased those plans. Malaipet, however, came out of the bout unscathed as he fought to a majority draw with Thomas.

Shawn Yarborough stripped of WBC Muay Thai National Light Heavyweight Title

Light Heavyweight Shawn Yarborough has been stripped of his 175 lb WBC Muay Thai USA National Title. Muay Thai Authority confirmed that the decision was made last night by the WBC Muay Thai office in Bangkok, Thailand.

Yarborough last defended his title over a year ago on April 17th of 2010 -- when he defeated Tom Munro via first round TKO. Since then, Yarborough lost back to back fights to Stephan Richards and Brandon Bandon, both by unanimous decision. His WBC Muay Thai USA title was not up for grabs in either of those fights. Yarborough ended his two- fight skid by defeating Chris Romulo via split decision on May 14th in another non-title fight which took place in the lower super-middleweight division.

Updated North American Men's Rankings 5/25/2011

There is some shake up in the rankings. Most notably the rise of Ky Hollenbeck who has now claimed the number one spot, and dropping Kevin Ross down to number two. It's a tight race for the number one spot which in the coming months could continue to flip flop back and forth.

1. Ky Hollenbeck (10-0-1) 
Hollenbeck has jumped into the number one position after defeating two world ranked fighters in back to back fights. First Hollenbeck took on Vuyisile Colossa in China in late April and was able to snag a unanimous decision from "The Cheetah". Hollenbeck then faced Gregory Choplin for the WBC Muay Thai interim middleweight world title at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2". After pressing forward the entire fight and stifling Choplin's technical attack Hollenbeck once again walked away with a unanimous decision, and the WBC belt. Next for Hollenbeck is a fight with Gornpet "Diamond Hands" DeJrat at Push Kick Promotions "World Stand Off" on July 16th.

2. Kevin Ross (17-6)
Kevin Ross got back to his winning ways by stopping Mark DeLuca at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2". Ross was able to impose his will, and eventually earned a doctor stoppage. The win now sets up the stage for his August showdown with Saenchai Sinibi Gym at Stand Up Promotions "World Championship Muay Thai". If Ross can defeat arguably the best fighter in the world, then the number one spot in the rankings would likely have have his name.

Video: Shawn Yarborough talks about his split decision win over Chris Romulo

Video: Chris Romulo talks split decision loss to Shawn Yarborough

Pictures: Battle in the Desert 2 Pro Fights

Scott Hirano was on hand for Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2" to capture all the action. Below are photos from the pro portion of the event. Enjoy.

Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2" event recap

by Faye Lucas

Primm  Valley, NV -- It was an action packed night of fights at the Star of the Desert Arena at Buffalo Bill's Casino. Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2" featured some of the biggest names in American Muay Thai as well as some highly regarded international fighters.

In the nights main event Kevin Ross looked to defend his WBC Muay Thai Super Lightweight International Title against Mark DeLuca. The fight started out with both fighters feeling each other out, once the second round came Ross started to turn up the pressure. By the third round Ross had taken over the fight, as was able to get off first with his attacks, eventually cutting DeLuca's lip with an elbow. Despite DeLuca hanging tough the doctor stopped the fight after the third round due to the cut on his lip.

Pictures: Battle In The Desert 2 Weigh-Ins

Scott Hirano was on hand to cover Lion Fight Promotions "The Battle In The Desert 2" weigh-ins. All fighters made weight and the three title fights are official.

Chris Romulo - A Muay Thai Lifer

Chris Romulo has been training Muay Thai for fifteen years. Being from New York, government policies have kept him from being able to utilize all of the weapons he has been training the fifteen years he has been a Muay Thai practitioner. On May 14th all of that will change as he will fight in the first full rules Muay Thai fight of his career. Romulo will face current WBC Muay Thai Light Heavyweight champion Shawn Yarborough in a fight scheduled for 168lbs.

Much debate has been made about New York Muay Thai, and if it should really be called Muay Thai due to the fact that no elbows are allowed. Talks turned into East vs. West soon enough, and coming from New York to face a fighter in Yarborough who is based in Las Vegas the talks continue to escalate. Despite being seen by many as the New York representative, the pressure that might come with that does nothing for Romulo.

Video: Shawn Yarborough talks upcoming fight with Chris Romulo

Pictures: Shawn Yarborough training for Chris Romulo

Scott Hirano was on hand at Throwdown gym to photograph Shawn Yarborough as he prepares for his fight with Chris Romulo at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2".

Upated North American Men's Rankings 4/27/2011

To expand on the rankings, all fighters born in North America are eligible. North America will include fighters from the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Rankings are based on P4P. Fighters are not to be inactive for any period longer than 6 months or they will be dropped from the rankings unless a fight is schedule within a month from the date they become ineligible.

1. Kevin Ross (16-6)

Despite his split decision loss to Sittiask Por Sirichai at Battle in the Desert. He hung in the fight with Sittisak, and showed he has the grit to fight through adversity after injuring his hand early, and suffering some bad cuts. Ross now looks to get back on the winning track against Mark DeLuca at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2" on May 14th.

2. Ky Hollenbeck (10-0-1) 

Hollenbeck was the under dog going into his fight with Vuyisile Colossa but came out the winner. In what was his toughest challenge he defeated the highly ranked and regarded Colossa. Hollenbeck is already scheduled to fight another world class fighter in Gregory Choplin at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2" on May 14th. If Hollenbeck were to come out on top against Choplin it would be back to back victories against world class opponents, and an argument could be made that he is the number one Muay Thai fighter from America.

 

Upated North American Men's Rankings 4/14/2011

To expand on the rankings, all fighters born in North America are eligible. North America will include fighters from the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Rankings are based on P4P. Fighters are not to be inactive for any period longer than 6 months or they will be dropped from the rankings unless a fight is schedule within a month from the date they become ineligible.

1. Kevin Ross (16-6)

Despite his split decision loss to Sittiask Por Sirichai at Battle in the Desert, it is going to be difficult for Ross to lose the number one spot. He hung in the fight with Sittisak, and showed he has the grit to fight through adversity after injuring his hand early, and suffering some bad cuts. Ross now looks to get back on the winning track against Mark DeLuca at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2" on May 14th.

2. Romie Adanza (9-2)

Adanza competed in the WCK Muay Thai China 4-man tournament in December. He made it to the finals but lost a decision to the much larger Li Ning. It will be interesting to see if Adanza decides stick around at the higher weights where he will find more opponents, or he can move down back to the 115lb weight class where he will likely rule supreme, but it might be harder to find fights.Whatever he decides he is going to be trouble for anyone who steps into the ring with him, and event at the higher weights, his technique and skill should be enough to mitigate any size disadvantage he might face.