Muay Thai in America

Muay Thai in America Recap & Results:
By Breanna Armstrong

Muay Thai in America took flight at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, Calif., for a VIP show that showcased entertainment as well as some great Muay Thai fights on April, 3.

When one walked in through the VIP entrance, the red carpet was rolled out for Muay Thai in America’s founder Don McDaniels’ most honored guests. As you walked in, you immediately entered Thailand as you passed the authentically dressed Thai dancers and experienced the almost enchanted VIP lounge before entering the arena where you were greeted with champagne.

The show opened with some dramatic performances and the VIP section was more than pleased with an all-you-can-eat Thai cuisine buffet and open bars.

The show included amateur and professional bouts. In the second amateur bout of the night, middleweight, Kenney Finister was a stand out as he defeated a worthy opponent, Joe Davidson via KO at 2:33 in round 2. The first KO of the night got the crowd excited and was immediately followed by two more knockouts from the amateur fight card.

In the best fight of the night, Romie Adanza (25-2-2), from Team Oyama in Irvine, Calif., defeated Andrew Howson (23-5-1) from Bad Company in Leeds, U.K. via split decision. With much speculation in favor to Adanza, this close decision will have chance to redeem itself as Adanza and Howson plan to rematch in June. In the first round, Adanza laid on the heavy kicks and punches to his opponent. Towards the end of round 1, Howson attempted an elbow at Adanza’s head, but it was blocked. The fight continued with the excellent display of talent from both of these fighters.

Check out the exclusive video of all 5 rounds from their fight below. Adanza took the decision, but is excited for a rematch with Howson.

The most anticipated fight of the night between Malaipet and Christophe Pruvost, became the most surprising fight of the night as Malaipet “The Diamond” was defeated by Pruvost via unanimous decision. Malipet looked tired after a round with Pruvost and exhausted by the last round in the ring, while Pruvost, who trains out of Tokyo, Japan looked like he could go another 5 rounds.

Malaipet was under the weather leading up to the fight, which could possibly explain this out of character exhaustion from the crowd’s champion.

Results:

Jorge Perez defeated Glen Spencer via unanimous decision

Kenney Finister defeated Joe Davidson via KO at 2:33 in Round 2

Andy Kapel defeated Danny Davis Jr. via KO

Benjamin Yelle defeated Raymond Cole via KO at 0:33 in Round 3

Neunsiam Samphusri defeated Nat McIntyre via unanimous decision

Mariam Nakamoto defeated Angela Parri via unanimous decision

Romie Adanza defeated Andrew Howson via split decision

Christophe Pruvost defeated Malaipet via unanimous decision