Bad Company Rock Leeds
The Oceana Night Club in Leeds was the venue for tonight’s show from Bad Company Promotions, in association with Showsport International. There was a very good crowd on the night to see what could well go down as one of the highlights of the year in UK Thai Boxing.
Although not billed as a major event, and with no title fights on the card, the fighters on the night provided top class entertainment and gave their all in some of the most exciting Muay Thai action one could hope to see. It is a testament to the fighters, coaches, the organisers of the event, and all involved that a show of this calibre could be produced, and with shows of this calibre, it is surely only a matter of time before Muay Thai is, in some way, presented to a wider public. A brief review of the fights follows:
JORDAN (MASTER A’s ACADEMY) v DUNCAN SCOTT (KAO LOI) (3x2min)
Both fighters really get stuck in from the start, though Scott does most of the work in the first round. In the second, both fighters are still looking strong and throwing plenty of kicks and knees, but Scott is still doing more of the advancing. At the end of three rounds, with both fighters really putting a high work rate, Scott just seems to have more gas in the tank wins on points.
LUKE IMIESON (BAD COMPANY) v WARREN GREAVES (HANUMAN) (5x1.5min)
Greaves starts off slightly stronger and gets into attacking mode a little quicker, though Imieson soon starts giving like for like, responding to each attack with a venomous counter. In the second, Imieson comes forward with much more determination, and the excitement level is cranked up. Greaves seems to be getting slightly the better of things in the clinch with his use of the knee. Again in round three, Greaves just takes the edge in the clinch, catching Imieson with some powerful knees. Imieson is still giving a spirited fight though, and at no point does either fighter look too comfortable or in overall control. In the fourth, Imieson closes the gap even more, coming in with some really strong punches, and in the clinch answering Greaves with some good knee strikes of his own. In the fifth, Imieson gives his all, coming forward with powerful techniques. This is a really hard fought final round and a fantastic show by both fighters. Imieson hadn’t quite done enough to woo the judges and the decision goes to Greaves, but both fighters can hold their heads high after such a hard fought bout. One has to concur with MC Tony Dean, who describes them as Muay Thai stars of the future. I, for one, look forward to seeing much more of these two spirited fighters.
LIAM HUGHES (TEAM TIEU GYMBOX) v MARTIN (CHOCK DEE) (5x1.5min)
Hughes dominates the fight from the first bell and is all over Martin. In the first round, Martin is felled twice and the second time, from a powerful body blow, does not beat the count. Disheartening though it must be for any fighter to be knocked out early, the simple, undeniable fact is that everybody has an ‘off-switch’ and, by extension, victory or defeat can always lurk just one punch away. Hughes wins by KO.
ROB WALKER (MASTER A’s) v SIMON LITTLE (HANUMAN) (3x2)
In the opening round, both fighters are looking strong, but Little is definitely making better use of his knee in the clinch. At one point, he also fells Walker with a kick. Walker is straight back up, but the first round has to go to Little. Walker claws things back a bit in the second. He has good, powerful punches, but Little still looks the more dangerous. A really good third round sees Walker, knowing that there is distance to make up, giving his all with some massive punches. Little’s nose is bleeding quite profusely, and he is certainly slowed up a degree. Ultimately, however, Walker’s fight back is not enough and Little takes the judges decision.
TIM NUTTER (PEGASUS) v SEAN SILVER (SALFORD) (5x1.5min)
This is another fight that only goes the one round, though it is, undeniably, an incredibly spirited round. It culminates in Nutter knocking out Silver with a very hard left hand. Silver is momentarily out cold. To call it a flurry of punches would not be doing justice to an impressive combination of hand techniques. The last one to land was a left, but with the speed and power of the combination, it could have been one of the preceding blows that actually found Silver’s ‘off switch’. Nutter wins by KO.
ASHLEY TWIST (BAD COMPANY) v JOSH BUCKLE (KAO LOI) (5x1.5min)
Early on, both fighters are showing good technique. There is initially not much happening in the clinch, but at distance, both fighters make their mark. A close second round leaves both fighters looking about even. Towards the end of the second round, Buckle has started to get the advantage, being the more aggressive in attack. He has a really good left hand and his punching skills, allied to the awkwardness of facing a Southpaw like himself, seem to be giving him the edge, despite Twist being slightly energetic with his legs. After five rounds, Buckle wins on points.
LUKE KENNEDY (TOBINS) v MARK PRICE (WOSSABAMA) (5x1.5)
The first round is quite close, though Kennedy is getting slightly the better of things. The second is another close round, developing into the kind of chess game that elevates the sport above a simple show of force, with both fighters testing each others strategies before committing too much with an all out attack. At this point, I have Kennedy just ahead. In the third, both fighters get stuck in a bit more, with Price now throwing more of the meaningful techniques. Round four sees a much higher work-rate from both fighters, with some clinch-work early on, which Kennedy seems to get the better of. There are also some stinging low kicks, with the fighters now starting to pull out the stops. In the fifth round, both fighters go hell for leather, knowing that there is still everything to fight for. Price has to take a standing count towards the end of the round, and ultimately, Kennedy wins on points.
LUKE TURNER (BAD COMPANY) v BRETT HEALY (COVENTRY) (5x3min)
The last time that I saw Luke Turner fight, was when he received a defeat at the hands of Leroy Mugado. I wrote at the time that that he would be back, and back he is tonight, showing great form from the off. He first displays his ability with sharp, whip-like low kicks, before winning by a very impressive first round knockout. He drops in a powerful knee to Healy’s ribs, which takes the wind out of his sails and brings him forward, and then follows it with an uppercut that settles the evening’s business in style. Turner wins by KO.
KYLE FELLA (BAD COMPANY) v RYAN LOWNEY (PYTHONS) (5x2min)
In the first round, both fighters are eager to make their mark. Fella attacks with his usual no-nonsense style, his low kicks as stinging and sharp as ever. Lowney returns fire with some good kicks of his own, as if to make it clear that he is happy to trade at this point. When Fella attacks with some biting punches, Lowney shows admirable bravado, giving a big grin and a nod as if to day ‘I’m not hurt’, (which, let’s face it, usually means “That hurt, but I’m not showing it.”). It only serves to spur Fella on, and brings in a succession of massive knee strikes and a combination of strong punches which obliterate Lowney’s chances in the second round. Despite being a game and tough fighter, it seems that Lowney is not prepared for the kind of controlled mayhem that Fella is capable of pulling out of the hat at a moments notice. Fella wins by KO.
KAI (MASTER A) v MATT CRAVEN (JAI) (3x2min)
After the first round, it seems that Kai is the neater of the two, and is landing the technically better techniques, though Craven drops in some powerful punches. In round two, Kai gets in the majority of the good strikes. Craven lands some big punches, though most of the crisp, neat techniques are landed by Kai. In the third round, for all the good textbook work from Kai, Craven is putting in some good blows, and his knees seem to do some damage. After three rounds, the Judges decision is a draw.
BEN LEWIS (BAD COMPANY) v MATT EVANS (RUSS WILLIAMS) (5x2mins)
Very early in the opening round, both fighters in this bout go over the ropes whilst trying to get the better of each other in the clinch. The rough landing leaves them both worse for wear. After a few worrying moments, both fighters resume and partake in some spirited exchanges. Presently Evans is thrown out of the ring again. Although the ring is within the required size and well constructed, these two very tall fighters are going to keep having problems with the height of the top rope and referee Darren Philips very sensibly stops the fight and declares a no contest to preserve the safety of both contestants.
GEORGE BERRY (BAD COMPANY) v JONNO CHIPCHASE (MFA) (5x3min)
The first round is very close, with both Berry and Chipchase very good and very determined. Chipchase has matured a great deal as a fighter since the last time I saw him fight. He looks more focussed this time out, as does Berry, who has not only the skills, but a remarkably mature outlook and posture for a young man of his age. Chipchase does slightly more of the advancing in the first, though Berry makes good use of the knee. In the second, Berry is taken to the canvas a couple of times, but each time immediately comes back strong. Both fighters working the knees well. In the third, Chipchase lands some good punches, although Berry makes use of the knee again, Chipchase’s punching is very accurate and stands out. Overall in that round, Berry’s knee work might have bought him some ground back. In the fourth, a determined Berry’s work-rate is much higher. When Chipchase lands punches, they are good, solid and accurate, but Berry is throwing more techniques overall in the round. In the fifth, it becomes an absolute war. Berry is throwing some good knees, but Chipchase’s punches really make their mark. Jonno Chipchase wins by split decision. A great performance from both fighters.
BILLY HATTON (2 TECHNICAL/SITNARONG) v SAM SHAMBLEY (FIGHT UNIT) (5x1.5min)
This is a very spirited fight, and both fighters really go for it from the very beginning. Shambley very aggressive with his punches and despite having his legs taken briefly, early has Hatton out of the ring early on. In technical terms, Hatton looks neater and more polished, but Shambley more than makes up for it with raw aggression. In the second both fighters are very busy and despite Hatton’s neatness of technique, Shambley looks to be enjoying proceedings more. He’s moving forward and loving every minute. He gets caught by Hatton with some good blows, but seems unconcerned by anything that comes his way. Shambley is the one doing all the advancing and most of the meaningful attacking. The third is more of the same. I look forward to seeing more of both of these fighters. In the fourth, both fighters continue to give it 100%. Hatton still looking more technical, Shambley still showing an immense spirit. After five rounds, the fight has been action from beginning to end. Hatton received a ticking off from the referee for throwing a spinning elbow, but both fighters gave it everything and were absolutely brilliant. Sam Shambley takes the decision after five incredibly exciting rounds.
RICHARD CADDEN (BAD COMPANY) v PAUL KELLY (WOSSABAMA) (5x3mins)
The final fight of the night proves as spectacular as all the others. In the first round, Caddon dominates, showing excellent footwork to control the ring and lands the majority of the blows. Kelly is quite fast and gets in a few punches, but Cadden is definitely in charge overall. In the second again, Cadden controls the fight. His understanding of the mechanics of the art showing through with his textbook positioning and movement, placing him perfectly to land not only kicks, but a devastating knee which takes its toll. The fight ends in the third with a knockout. A combination of punches from Cadden, culminating in a left hook which finds Kelly’s ‘off switch’, and serves to punctuate the result that had to come. Cadden had dominated the fight from the off, and deserved the win.
19 April 2010
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