Amateur Fighter Spotlight: Robby Squyers Jr.

The Muay Thai and Kickboxing world is filled with amateur fighters. Most of the amateurs won't turn into a professional fighter for one reason or another, while some will go on to make excellent pro athletes. Wherever their path leads them, whether it is to the pro ranks or not one fact remains. They play a significant role in shaping the future of Muay Thai and Kickboxing. In our Amateur Spotlight segment will will be interviewing a current amateur fighter and she what drives them to step in the ring, and what their plans are in the sport. For our first segment we interviewed Robby Squyers Jr.

Robby is a 24 year old from San Francisco, CA. He started his training at World Team USA under Kru Sam Phimsoutham and has competed in several smokers and has an official amateur record of 3-1-1. He currently resided in Las Vegas where he trains with Chaz Mulkey, Dewey Cooper, and Jonathan Balgame.

MTA: When and why did you start training Muay Thai? 

Robby Squyers Jr: I started Muay Thai back in 2010, after being sent to the hospital after being jumped by 9 individuals, I became depressed, lost hope in everything, dropped out of college and quit my job back a year prior in August of 2009. It was during this year I met a SFPD Gang Task force member who eventually lead me to my home gym World Team USA under the watchful eye of Master Reyes and Kru Sam. I became a bit discourage because I couldn't afford it and then Kru Sam offered to teach me, and take me under his wing if I were to clean the gym, and be there everyday to stay outta trouble. So this started my journey. 

MTA: What is your record amateur record? 

Robby Squyers Jr: 3-1-1. IKF Superheavyweight Champion, 2012 Golden Gate Games Champion. 

MTA: What has been your best experience this far in Muay Thai? 

Robby Squyers Jr: It turned my entire life around, Muay Thai became an answered prayer whilst being in the hospital. I was literally a troubled teen, in the clubs 4 nights out of the week. Partying, drinking, just wasting life, I wanted to change my life. I'm still alive today because of what its taught me. Muay Thai has taught me confidence in life, being strong and never giving up. Even though I still would consider my self not much, what I have accomplished in these past 5 years. I went from fighting in bars to main eventing my last fight in Las Vegas. If i were to tell you where I'd see myself in 5 years, 5 years ago I would of said dead.

MTA: What was it about Muay Thai that peaked your interest? 

Robby Squyers Jr: It was always the mix of savagery and beauty of respect involved. The family that I came to know and the legacy I came to understand. 

MTA: When you started did you plan on competing or look at it just as an activity to stay out of trouble? 

Robby Squyers Jr: Lol, I never thought I was going to fight. To be dead honest I was knocked out cold from my first day of sparring. From that day I told myself I cant quit now. If that's the worst thing to happen I want to fight and so 3 months later I did my 1st smoker and fought the state champion. got a broken nose and busted up rib... I fell in love. 

MTA: World Team USA has had some great fighters, Michael Mananquil, Ky Hollenbeck, Bebe Etzler. Have you gotten to work with them in the past? 

Robby Squyers Jr: You cant exclude the other people I've gotten to work with including up and coming pro fighters TJ Arcangel, Jade Hayes, Kevin Arceo, Skylr Pena and Vishnu Gulati and Kenneth Giang. All under the guidance of Kru Sam. The whole fight team from ‘09- until current days, I have gotten to work with all of them. Being the gyms “heavy bag” I've been able to learn from the best and just watching them and their work ethic. I learned from all these great champions and took a little from each of them, its because of them I am the fighter I am today. Kru Sam could of not given me a 2nd glance, but he developed me into his 43rd champion and I hope I still make the team proud and can leave something behind like Micheal, Ky and Bebe.

MTA: What are your short term goals in Muay Thai? 

Robby Squyers Jr: Currently looking for a heavyweight to fight in Cali before the end of the year. Its hard finding opponents. Within 6 months, if no fight at heavyweight happens I'll start heading down lower than 235 or less. I would love an opportunity to fight for my country and represent it well. 

MTA: What are your long term goals in Muay Thai? 

Robby Squyers Jr: I plan on opening up a gym one day in the future, to help like I was helped. I feel its super important to help the community from where your from so opening up one will give me a chance to help people out. I plan to fight pro one day if the opportunity is there, I've been given an opportunity and I plan on running towards the goal of becoming a world heavyweight champion. 

MTA: You recently moved from San Francisco to Vegas. What gym are you training at now? 

Robby Squyers Jr: I've been blessed to finish up my schooling here in Las Vegas for hospitality management an I've been learning a lot from Chaz Mulkey at Syndicate MMA, Dewey Cooper at TMT and Kru Jong at Fight Capital. Its a blessing having people pour into you and want to help. I owe these people credit too. Other goals are maybe doing an MMA fight as well, but well see.

MTA: Any words for your supporters Robby?

Robby Squyers Jr: Thanks to everyone who believes in me and my dreams, my teammates back home at World Team, my sponsors Thaismai, Nor Cal Fight Shop, Dome Piece Audio, and my great friends over at Action Pro Gear, and to an amazing supporting Girl friend Jackie. I hope soon to represent our great country and show you all what this heavyweight can do!

Michael Mananquil talks Road to Glory tournament victory

Michael Mananquil recently won the Road to Glory USA lightweight tournament in Milwaukee. The tournament victory netted the bay area native a $20,000 grand prize and contract with Glory. Michael took some time to chat with us here at Muay Thai Authority about the tournament victory. Enjoy.

MTA: Michael, big tournament win at Road to Glory, how are you feeling now that the dust has settled from the tournament?

Michael: Even though it has been a few days my Mrs. and I still have celebration hugs, almost star struck of the past events. We're still very happy about the results.

MTA: Are you a fan of the one night tournament format, and would you be willing to do another one?

Michael: I've only done one tournament similar to this format. Unfortunately, the previous time I was bumped out early by Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee, the tournament winner. After our first match in the GLORY tournament I went to Coach Rudi and Jose Palacios from Unlimited Kickboxing and we both agreed that the tournament style was not an easy task as both Jose and I wobbled around to try to warm up for out next bout that evening. As for doing it again, if the right opportunity arises of course I'll participate in the next one.

MTA: When the final was over were you confident that the decision was going to go your way?

Michael: I felt I won most of the fight as a whole but we have all seen decisions from all angles so concluding the 3rd round I was mentally still ready for a 4th round just in case the judges wanted the show to continue. When the announcer stated the victor was by unanimous victory I was very confident that it would swing my way and thankfully it did.

MTA: Who was the hard fight in the tournament for you?

Michael: All 3 of the opponents were fairly equally as tough as the other. What makes the fight itself tough is the state I am in during those fights. The first fight against Jameel Massouh was so difficult for me to warm into. Perhaps it was the first fight jitters. Everyone wants to win and no one wants to get sent home early. After that fight Ajarn Sam gave me the biggest verbal slap I've received in some time stating that I will not win this if I perform as I did the previous fight. Even with all the aches I was much more comfortable in the following bout vs. Muhsin Corbbrey whom in my opinion dominated in his previous bout. Going against Troy was the same as the previous, focused and aggressive. Troy was a big man with a nice range advantage but I glad I managed to persevere. In short the entire night felt like one long fight. It was difficult throughout. When I was finally able to take my gloves off it felt like I had been wearing those gloves for weeks.

MTA: You have recently been fighting at 154lbs, why the move up from 147lbs?

Michael: In sport combat I think 147lbs is the weight I would be optimal in but opportunities in the 154lbs class have been presenting themselves to me so as a professional I do my best to keep my mouth shut and get to work regardless of "my preferences". And no, I'm not getting daddy fat.

MTA: You haven't been fighting as often as before, why the long layoff and do you have any plans of being more active?

Michael: After my K-1 slug fest I had with Scotty Ray Leffler back in Sept 2012 I was meaning to get some fights all through out the beginning of 2013, but for some reason fights just kept falling through the cracks. Finally one fight stuck to their guns I was able to participate in the Road To GLORY 8-man Tournament.

MTA: Now that you are in Glory is there anyone you want your first fight to be against?

Michael: No one in particular. Especially since I haven't seen the line up and I haven't done any studies on them yet. Like all the other participants, we all want a clean shot at the top, so Georgio Petrosyan is always in our sights.

MTA: What can fans expect to see from you next?

Michael: I'll train as I always do. Who knows what I will be like next. My teacher Ajarn Sam always seems to give me something new before every time I enter the ring. I hope to keep the ball rolling in my favor and the only way to do that is to work hard and stay dedicated. No secret sauce, just good old fashion hard work.

MTA: Any words for your supporters?

Michael: I got tons of texts and messages during my time away from California and I so thankful for that. Even though my supporters weren't there in person they were all there with me in spirit. I'm glad both my parents were there in and to have my wife and my father in-law both help in the corner was another blessing. I couldn't do anything with my teammates at World Team USA and my trainer Ajarn Sam Phimsoutham. All GLORY to god for always keeping me safe. Thanks Muay Thai Authority for pushing the latest and greatest Muay Thai occurrences these past years.

Ky Hollenbeck talks upcoming bout with Aegpracha Meenayothin

Ky Hollenbeck will look to continue to cement his name in the international Muay Thai scene when he takes on Aegpracha Meenayothin on August 18th at Push Kick Promotions “Thailand vs. The Americas”. Hollenbeck has made his name by beating some the world top fighters and looks to continue the trend when he steps into the ring with the man known as “Hitman”. Ky took some time from his busy schedule to answer a few questions about the upcoming fight.

MTA: Big fight coming up on August 18th as you take on Aegpracha Meenoytin. This fight was being talked about at last years Push Kick event. How has preparation been going?

Ky: Preparation is going really good. I’ve had a lot of really good guys to train with that are helping me get ready. Mike Mananquil has been working a lot with me because he is preparing for K-1 so we get to push each other. Also Kru Sam has been working with me on some new weapons to help me deal with the southpaw style. I’ve also had a ton of great left handed training partners helping me out.

Pictures: WCK Muay Thai "Beach Bash"

Scott Hirano was on hand to shoot all the action that went down in Oxnard, CA at WCK Muay Thai's "Beach Bash". Enjoy the great pictures by Scott and to see more of his work make sure to visit ScottHirano.com.

Pictures: Legends Muay Thai Championship

Scott Hirano was on hand at Legends Muay Thai Championship in San Francisco to photograph all of the action. In the main event Ky Hollnebeck defeated Cyrus Washington to win the WMC Intercontinental Title. 

Results and Recap: Legends Muay Thai Championship

Legends Muay Thai Championship took place in San Francisco, CA yesterday. The event was held in conjunction with the 4th International Lao New Year Festival and the fights took place in front San Francisco's City Hall. The event was headlined by a bout between Ky Hollenbeck and Cyrus Washington for the WMC Intercontinental Title.

Hollenbeck made quick work of Washington as the bout ended in roughly 50 seconds. Washington landed some solid shots in that time frame, but Hollenbeck pushed the pace from the start. His unrelenting attack eventually yielded a devastating spinning back fist that ended the bout. Hollenbeck connected with the devastating blow and Washington's body went limp as he hit the canvas and the referee stopped the bout immediately. With the win Hollenbeck bounces back in spectacular fashion from his first career loss to Nieky Holzken back in November of 2011. Hollenbeck is now set to face Michael Corley in the opening round of the Glory World Series at the end of May.

Pictures: Ky Hollenbeck training for Cyrus Washington

Scott Hirano was on hand at World Team USA in San Francisco, CA to capture some shots of Ky Hollenbeck as he prepares for his bout with Cyrus Washington. All of the action will be going down on April 28th at Legends Fighting Championship.

Ky Hollenbeck vs. John Wayne Parr expected to take place at Knees of Fury 36 in February

American Muay Thai standout Ky Hollenbeck has faced a slew of talent this year and it seems things won’t slow down for him in 2012. Hollenbeck is expected to fight Australian Muay Thai legend, John Wayne Parr at Knees of Fury 36 in Australia in February of 2012.

Hollenbeck has confirmed that he will be fighting John Wayne Parr, although no official announcement from the promotion has been made. The date for Knees of Fury 36 is tentatively set for February 25th.

Pictures: Ky Hollenbeck training for Nieky Holzken

Ky Hollenbeck is a month removed from his victory over Jordan Watson in Italy. Hoping to continue to advance through the Muaythai Premier League's (MPL) middleweight division, his next challenge will be taking on hard hitting Nieky Holzken at the MPL's "Blood & Steel" event in Holland on November 6th. Muay Thai Authority's Scott Hirano captured some great pics of Hollenbeck in Holland as he trained for his upcoming bout with Holzken.

Ky Hollenbeck talks upcoming fight against Jordan Watson at the MPL's "Strength and Honour" event in Italy

On October 8th Ky Hollenbeck will face Jordan Watson in Padova, Italy as part of the MPL's "Strength and Honour" event. Hollenbeck is the only American in the tournament and will look to carry his countries as he tries to beat stable of world class competition. Ky took some time from his busy training to answer a few questions for Muay Thai Authority about the upcoming fight with Jordan.

MTA: You are fighting on the Muaythai Premier League's "Strength and Honour" on October 8th in Italy, you are facing Jordan Watson. How much do you know about Jordan?

Ky Hollenbeck joins the Muaythai Premier League

American standout Ky Hollenbeck has filled the last slot in the Muaythai Premier League's middleweight division. Hollenbeck joins a stacked division that already includes the likes of Yodsanklai, Yohan Lidon, Jordan Watson and Marco Pique to name a few. He is in group B along with Watson, Pique and Nieky Holzken.

Hollenbeck is currently set to defend his interim WBC Muay Thai middleweight world title against Simon Chu on August 20th at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 3" before entering the premier league. In what has been a marquee year for Hollenbeck, he defeated Vuyisile Colossa to set up his title shot with Gregory Choplin who he then defeated to claim the interim title. The actual WBC Muay Thai middleweight world champion is Yohan Lidon who resides in group A of the Muay Thai Premier League.

Video: Ky Hollenbeck talks about his two upcoming fights in the Philippines and LA

Pictures: Ky Hollenbeck training for fight in the Philippines and July 16th "World Stand Off" event

Scott Hirano stopped by World Team USA to capture some great pics of Ky Hollenbeck training for his upcoming fights. Hollenbeck will be fighting in the Philippines on June 25th, and again on July 16th in Pomona, CA at Push Kick Promotions "World Stand Off".

Video: Ky Hollenbeck talks about his WBC World Title victory over Gregory Choplin

Video: Ky Hollenbeck talks about his upcoming WBC World Title fight against Gregory Choplin

Ky Hollenbeck defeats Vuyisile Colossa

American Ky Hollenbeck faced the toughest test of his career when he stepped into the ring to take on Vuyisile Colossa for the WCK middleweight world title. Colossa is a highly ranked veteran fighter who has faced world class competition his entire career such as Yodsanklai Fairtex, Dmitry Valent, and Armen Petrosyan.

Entering the fight Hollenbeck was the under dog but as he told Muay Thai Authority "come fight night I'm gonna be the best Ky Hollenbeck I've ever been in the ring." When it was all said and done Ky Hollenbeck walked away with a decision victory over Vuyisile Colossa. The fight was bigger than most might think. A win over such a highly ranked opponent doesn't just help Ky Hollenbeck's career it helps the entire American Muay Thai scene, because Americans beating highly ranked international fighters brings us a little more respect in the world Muay Thai scene.

Pictures: Ky Hollenbeck training for Vuyisile Colossa

Scott Hirano snapped a few pics of Ky Hollenbeck training for his title fight against Vuyisile Colossa. Enjoy.

Ky Hollenebck talks upcoming WBC World Title Fight

Pictures: Michael Mananquil trains for re-match with Malaipet

Photographer Scott Hirano had the opportunity to visit World Team USA in San Francisco, CA and photograph Michael Mananquil as he trains for his upcoming re-match with Malaipet. The first fight was very close and Malaipet won a split decision, Mananquil gets a chance to avenge the loss on February 12th at Lion Fight Promotions Battle in the Desert. Enjoy.

Click on photo to enlarge

Michael Mananquil talks re-match with Malaipet

In July of 2010 Michael Mananquil and Malaipet met at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, CA. After a hard fought five rounds, to many the decision seemed to be up in the air, and when the judges announcement was made it was in favor of Malaipet via split decision. There was a large amount of fans that thought the fight should have been awarded to Malaipet, so now they are doing it one more time. 

Mananquil and Malaipet will meet on February 12th at The Star of the Desert Arena @ Buffalo Bill's Casino in Primm Valley, NV as part of the inaugural Lion Fight Promotions event. Muay Thai Authority caught up with Michael and get his thought on the first fight, and the re-match, as well as his future plans. Read below, and enjoy.