Contender Asia #1
This first episode featured an elimination match between Trevor Smandych of Canada in the red corner vs. Naruepol of Thailand in the blue corner. Though I haven’t had the opportunity to see Trevor fight, I have read of his career for the past few years. He is one of North America’s premier MuayThai fighters.
While I did not get to see the entire episode, I did enjoy the footage of the two fighters preparing for their upcoming match in the dressing rooms. Trevor had the honor of having one of the greatest international MuayThai fighters in his corner, John Wayne Parr. Naruepol talked of his desire to win for his Mother, as a tribute to her lifetime of hard work.
It was also interesting to make note of the differences in preparations prior to a bout between Thailand and Internationally. As an example, the pre-fight massage with Thai liniment is standard practice in Thailand. Internationally, on the other hand, this is often banned as the oil is deemed a “foreign substance” over fear that it could get into a fighters eyes. Another interesting difference is in the method of hand wrapping. On the international scene, with the application of athletic tape strictly governed. No tape can go across a fighters knuckles. In Thailand, however, fighters begin by having tape packed heavily across their knuckles, and gauze wrapped over it.
I enjoyed how the program took the time to feature the Wai Kru, also called the Ram Muay, prior to the bout, explaining it’s significance. They also discussed the ceremonial headband, the Mongkon, and it’s meaning.
Related VDO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeyudbBQz0s
Tags: Contender Asia