|
When Muay Thai fighters do well, they are often referred to as "That Thai Fighter" or the "Thai Fighter".
When a Western or European Muay Thai Fighter does well they get front covers of magazines. What does this have to do with
boxing and Muay Thai? Simple, popularity. No one will argue that boxing is more popular then Muay Thai. It's my personal belief
that boxing applies to the lowest common denominator. In other words it's simple. More people can relate to it. Pretty much
anyone can throw a punch, but can anyone throw a proper elbow, knee or a swing kick? No. This is my personal belief mind you.
There have been many successful Thai Boxers that have converted to boxing for the money i.e. Khaosai Galaxy (not his real
name) & Saman Sorjaturong. Galaxy was the longest WBA reigning Jr. Batamweight champion in history, and a member of the
International Boxing Hall of Fame. Sorjaturong was a WBC and IBF junior flyweight champion. What does this show? It shows
a Thai Fighter can convert to boxing, but can it be done the other way around? Very unlikely that we will see a boxer convert
to Muay Thai and be successful. Galaxy will be the first to tell you that his Muay Thai skills are more deadlier then his
boxing skills, but it was boxing that made him his comfortable living. Boxing is just one part of Muay Thai. Even this aspect
of Muay Thai is not even close to Western Boxing. If a Muay Thai Fighter was to duck a punch like Mike Tyson does, they more
then likely would be kneed in the head in the process of ducking. There are more elements to the boxing of Muay Thai then
just regular boxing. Muay Thai has been around for 3000 years, boxing is barely a few hundred years old. All fighters specialize
in an arsenal i.e. boxing. If a fighter is to be successful, they must be able to defend against all arsenals if they want
to survive in the ring with a Muay Thai Fighter. I do not think you will ever see a boxer successful in the ring with a Thai
Boxer......(1999)
(2006) I believe Muay Thai may become a bigger sport then boxing at it's current success.
|
