One of the best things about going to Thailand for boxing fans is the incredible standard of the fights there - day in, day out you just see the best.
And on this trip I got to see two great women fighters take centre stage on the Yokkao Show in Pattaya a few weeks ago.
American Sylvie Von Duuglas Ittu (you may remember my interview here with her) took on Thai fighter Lommanee Sor Hirun. The card was very strong with fighters like Saenchai MuayThaigym and Ekapop Sor Klinmee getting in the ring, and the women's bout definitely belonged in the mix.
Sor Hirun is a joy to watch, strong and clean shots from legs and fists and beautiful elbows.
Well, Von Duuglas Ittu might disagree with that assessment as she took full brunt of two powerful elbow strikes - ending the night with 28 stitches over two cuts.
The first cut landed early in the first round, and hats off to the American for keeping going. I was wincing on my seat, trying to peer around and work out how bad it was. I had no idea. And when she came out for the second, Sor Hirun was waiting and just cut through again.
This time the doctor pulled Von Duuglas Ittu over (as in the pic above here) and adamantly forbade her to go keep going - yes, folks he had to stop it as she bouncing up and down with that eager - I'm good, I'm good that some people get.
Really impressive showing from both women- strength, determination, skills and sheer grit really. A definite eye-opener for many people sitting around me by the sounds of it too, so that's always good.
On to the next for both of them, - Von Duuglas Ittu is heading back to the North of Thailand for more fights. I was delighted to catch up with her and her husband before the fights for coffee; all I can say is the passion you see in the ring is reflected in how she thinks and lives her MuayThai life. You can follow her road to 100 fights here on 8 Limbs Us
I spoke to Sor Hirun briefly after the fight, she was excited of course but already looking forward to her next bout! She hadn't even left the stadium .... She's fighting with Yokkao Boxing now so hopefully there will be more info online with that exposure.
2 comments
Love this post and love your writing style. :)
Hope Sylvie recovers well though I'm sure she'll be fine. She's a warrior!
I watched that 5 min video clip of her. Really liked what she said about things being more beautiful if they were a collection of experience rather than just numbers on paper.
Women's Muay Thai doesn't get enough exposure so I'm glad you cover it so well.
I just found out you are the same Niamh Griffin who fought and won Muay Thai championships. You rock!
Anyway, looking forward to more of your posts!
@Solmadrid - thanks for the comments! Yes,Sylvie is a real warrior, that was hard coming out for the second. Just had a look at your site - great blog to go with the products. I'll drop you an email later!
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