Muay Thai is in the mind and heart

by John Wolcott

 

As I sit here 10,000 meters above sea level I could not help but think about the latest articles I have read regarding the current state of Muaythai in America and the continuous debate on the whole East Coast versus West Coast matter. There have been some recent discussions whether the fighters on the East Coast can call what they do Muaythai or should it be referred to as kickboxing. The most recent article I read while siting at JFK Airport en route to Thailand featured some comments by professional Muaythai fighter Chaz Mulkey. Mulkey, who holds a passionate stance on the matter, openly invited East Coast fighters to step up and take the challenge of competing against a few of the West Coast fighters. He also stated that East Coast fighters are amateur at best, amongst other things. What better way to kill a handful of this fifteen and a half hour plane ride than to explore some ideas on the situation at hand?

New York fighters respond to Chaz Mulkey's comments

Chaz Mulkey stirred up some controversy this past week with his comments regarding New York Muay Thai. He goes as far as referring to the fights in New York as "sissy pants fights". Muay Thai Authority gathered some feedback from some of New York's top Muay Thai fighters such as Omar Ahmed, Chris Romulo, and Rami Ibrahim. Although they seem to respect Mulkey's freedom to state is own opinion, they don't agree with his statements.

Chris Romulo - 

"I think its a great way to finally get both coast on a show to prove which people work the hardest. As far as his quote, it is ignorant, disrespectful and childish. Muay Thai is not only about the art of combat, but also the art of humility which Chaz sounds like he missed out on. But I get where he is coming from, he wants to test himself just like every other "muay thai" fighter here in NY. Its on the promoters to take the padlocks off their wallets and make this scrap happen. I am up for the challenge and I am pretty sure so is everyone here in NY."

West Coast fighters speak about Mulkey's comments

So we filled you in on what some fighters who frequently fight in New York thing, now it's time to see what some West Coast fighters think. We received feedback from Kevin Ross and Joe Schilling, two of the potential West Coast team mates of Chaz Mulkey if a tournament against the East Coast takes place.


Kevin Ross -


"Ahahahahahaha, classic :) well I deffinitley agree that there needs to be a east coast/west coast fight and I'll fight any weight you can get me one at. I do think it's bad that they have modified rules fights and still call it Muay Thai. Yes they do gotta work with what they got, but at the same time it's missrepresenting our sport. It's like saying a boxing fight is muay thai without elbows,kicks,knees."

Fighters that are not from NY that have fought there respond

Here are some responses from fighters that are not based in New York, or from there regarding Chaz Mulkey's comments about New York Muay Thai. As previously reported on Muay Thai Authority, Stand Up Promotions is looking to host a West Coast vs. East Coast event in June. The three fighters below would all love a crack at some West Coast fighters, but not because they represent the East Coast, its because they just love to fight.

Joesph Valtellini -

"After reading Chaz’s comments the other day I feel that I should respond to give my point of view.

Stand Up Promotions planning West Coast vs. East Coast event for June

The statement made by Chaz Mulkey regarding New York Muay Thai started a firestorm, and it is probably safe to say he is public enemy number one in the New York Muay Thai scene. Since the comments about West Coast vs. East Coast have gained some steam, and with the fans asking for it more than ever, it seems Stand Up Promotions in stepping up to the plate to deliver.

Muay Thai Authority has received confirmation from Stand Up Promotions which brought you last years fight of the year between Malaipet and Kevin Ross, that they plan to hold a West Coast vs. East Coast three man team event. Three fighters from the West Coast will take on three fighters from the East Coast. The weight classes are expected to be 140lb, 160lb, and 168lb.