And here we go!
Page to be updated – keep refreshing it for the updates as and when they come, and follow FightSportAsia on twitter (click link).
—
The wifi puzzle took over ninety minutes to decipher. Finally online and good to go – the prelims are over, and ceremony is about to begin for the benefit of the Olympic committee present.
-
We are treated to a demonstration with drums, somersaults, and girls displaying Muay Thai on the stage. The Olympic committee look suitably impressed.
-
Singing now – soldiers on stage, giving reverence to sport, king and country. Nice hype for the tournament in fairness.
-
Wifi crashes again, for several minutes.
-
Singing now – soldiers on stage, giving reverence to sport, king and country. It’s a good buildup to the tournament, there is anticipation.
-
Shoutouts to General whatshisface, and Mr General Deputy-Prime Minister. Some hot air about the King’s trophy for the “ultimate champion” of tonight’s tournament. Ceremony. There’s a nice buzz in the air, Saiyok (it goes without saying) and Jordan seem to have the most vocal support.
-
An Uzebeki lady is singing “the official Muay Thai song”. If ever the sport deserved Olympic recognition eh?
-
Official song over – now on stage presenting the Uzbekistan singer with some flowers, three legends – one is whom is Yodsanklai Fairtex. See FSA’s Champion Profiles: Thailand here if you do not know who Yodsanklai Fairtex is.
-
Here they come – Colossa, Saiyok (to rapturous applause), Ilya, and finally Jordan (to applause from a vocal English contingent) are introduced on stage.
-
They perform Wai Kru together in the ring, then Ilya and Jordan leave together amicably. Colossa is left to face that monstrous beast alone.
-
Tournament format which Saiyok, Jordan and Colossa have all fought before; 3x2min rounds. It means no initial hesitance or “settling period”, no open betting and gambling here, strictly business – Saiyok throws lethal kicks from the getgo, Colossa triees to match them. Fast paced six minute bouts.
-
Saiyok comfortably takes round 2; lands hurtful liver kicks to Colossa’s body. The size difference is not as marked as I thought it would be.
-
Saiyok takes the fight after kicking into overdrive round 3.
-
Jordan vs. Ilya immediately follows – Ilya is a model and Jordan is a pretty boy too, so this is a good one for the gays out there.
-
wifi signal crashed again! Very dodgy. JORDAN WATSON beats Ilya Grad via dec, faces SAIYOK in the tournament final. Both looked comfortable
-
everything Saiyok threw was as vicious as ever, Jordan more calculating & technical in his fight with Ilya. Neither victor is too banged up
-
an amateur bout – obviously to show the Olympic committee what it will entail – is hosted, then a female fight. Saiyok/Jordan will be great
-
Saiyok is slightly flabbier than the others, but more comfortable at 72kg than I anticipated. The size difference vs. Colossa wasn’t huge
-
video playing with Jordan and others talking about what Muay Thai has done for them. WMC are doing a good job selling the sport to the OC
-
FINAL IN PROGRESS
-
(Tweet) Saiyok wins WMC 72kg tournament – Jordan thinks he won and so do I. AWESOME job bro @jordanbadco you are the man
-
Saiyok landed some hurtful body shots + 1 elbow but Jordan outstruck him imo – I definitely gave him the second, third and fourth, 5th close
-
Saiyok & Jordan Watson = equals imo. Three even fights with Thai legends, this one 51/49 imo. Maybe I need to rewatch the fight… war Jord
-
After the decision, Jordan walks over to corner, looks at me and says “I thought I won that?” So it’s not just my bias coming into play here.
-
Full review to follow, with videos of Jordan Watson vs. Ilya Grad & Jordan Watson vs. Saiyok.
