[Denver]

Originally Posted by johndon

Hi Denver,
I will be in Patong from August 27 to September 10. My partner is really keen to see some kickboxing while we are there-he represented Scotland in karate when he was younger( how about that for shattering myths about gay men). Anyway-what do u think-is it worth going to see when we are there in Patong?

Hi Johndon, great to hear from you.

I'll be perfectly honest with you here and say that I don't know too much about it. Yes, there is a place in Patong where there are bouts almost, if not, every night and guys on the street trying to get you in to watch. I did go one night and got a good (more expensive) seat near the front. The guys are going for it yes, but after watching some regional (for the National title) bouts in BKK, I thought they were going through the motions a little. I am guessing they have a pool of fighters who put on a 'bit of a show' for us, the tourists.

Like the BG's, these guys are trying to earn a crust from putting themselves through extreme physical training to fight and sometimes get the living sh1t kicked out of them to earn some dosh to pay the rent/bills/live etc. It's a hard life for these guys.

They fight in weight divisions and to aspire to be the Thai champion and all the kudos that brings is what they eventually strive for. They are held in as much esteem in thier sport as your David Beckhams, Michael Schumachers, Tiger Woods etc by the local kids. Posters, magazine articles, autographs etc.

The fight I went to in BKK, I was taken to by a taxi driver who I had asked to take me to a 'real' tournament. My god Johndon, I bought us both tickets and we again had good seats. It was something else. Those lads are atheletes and work bloody hard. Blood, snot, sweat and tears and that was my T-Shirt at the end of the night!!! I was entertained by some very good kick-boxing and recommend to anyone into boxing/martial arts to try and take in a bout or two.

Yes, I would say the Patong fighting is a bit for the tourists, not as much 'on the line' if they lose. If you get two guys who you can tell are up for it then look out! You are in for some serious stuff and a kick-boxing spectacle. Take your mate along, enjoy the evening. You are putting some money back into these guys pockets, who will be up and finished thier training when we are contemplating what to have for breakfast the next day.

Enjoy Johndon. Hope this helps and I am sure there are others on the Forum who will be able to give you some more advice.