After the training was over I was given word that one of the resident fighters, a former champion, Yuthajack Kaewsamrit was going to be fighting at Rajadamnern Stadium. Rajadamnern, Raja for short, is one of 2 major boxing stadiums in Thailand. It has a seating capacity of over 10K people and ringside seats cost about 2000 baht ($60 US). Since I was going with the gym I would only have to pay 1500 baht ($45 US).
I expressed interest in going with the gym but none of the other "tourist" boxers wanted to go. Yuthajack seemed touched that I was actually going to go watch him do battle. I wouldn't miss it, I am training but I'm also on vacation. I wouldn't miss it for anything.
After eating breakfast my friend Carlito, a friend and former World Champion from France, decided to visit MBK. I had my lunch there and then he, referred me to a store called Action Sports Zone. I bought stuff over there but then I also went to the Top King Store to buy some equipment for my gym back home.
At the Top King Store I met a girl named Bea. Bea, who looked liked Kim Tae Hee from the Korean Dramas, was the employee working the Top King Store. I bought what I needed to buy but then she asked me if I was studying Thai boxing. I replied, "yes, I train at Kaewsamrit". Then she stated, "if you are training Thai Boxing, then why are you so fat?" That totally sucked because I've lost a lot of weight since I arrived. But then I just gave a wry smile and she gave me hint that I better come back to see her again.
I was able to get back to my room by 1 pm and rest for a few hours before I went back to bang the pads. I've been working with Ong since my second session last Monday. Working with Ong has been good but an old nagging injury had started to plague me. A couple of months ago, my left foot had a nagging nerve injury right at the arch by the heel of my left foot. I've been able to deal with it, it hasn't been painful, but the aching really got to me. I was able to finish the majority of my workout when the gym owner and a couple of trainers told me stop, take a shower, and get ready to leave for the fights. There was still another 30 minutes left to train but I was happy to stop and get ready to watch live Muay Thai.
I was able to ride with the team and watch fights. Watching live Muay Thai is an experience every fight fan should watch. With the spectators screaming and yelling after every punch and kick it becomes such a great atmosphere to behold. During the intermission I was able to reconnect with an old colleague Rob Cox from England. Rob currently lives in Thailand, owns his own house, and owns his own gym (Kiatphontip Muay Thai). He had a fighter fighting in the show and his fighter was a betting under dog. Since Rob is well connected in the Muay Thai world I asked him about the girl at the Top King Store. Rob was like, "you mean Bea?" I said "yes." Rob replied, 'well, since you're a decent looking American I suggest you ask her out before you leave for the States.'
Rob's fighter ended up winning a close decision. It was then time for our fighter Yuthajack to fight. Yuthajack had won multiple titles in his day but I was getting the impression that he may be a little bit old. The first couple of rounds were good but by the 4th round it was apparent that Yuthajack was getting tired. By the end of the fifth and final round, one of the trainers that was standing next to me told me he lost, this was even before the decision was announced.
It was not all doom and gloom for me. I was able to meet both Nong-Oh Sit Or (AKA Super Boy) and Sam-A. Both are superstars in Thailand. I was able to take photos with both of them. Also, I was notified that both are going to be fighting at a Mega Show in Lumpinee Stadium (the most popular stadium in all of Bangkok).
After getting back to gym I was notified that I appeared on the Bangkok Times as a result of the documentary crew that came to the gym. I purchased a couple of copies and will be bringing these back home with me.
Need to rest up. I'll update tomorrow.
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