WMC Going Full Steam Towards the End of 2008

Muaythai is growing rapidly with events being held around the world by member countries of the World Muaythai Council (WMC), the world governing body for Muaythai under the directive of the Royal Thai government and the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA), a member of GAISF. All the events for this month in Madrid and Cape Town were sold out and December will have us see events that resemble a Muaythai festival around the globe.

For this weekend, there are five massive events with the Contender Qualifiers in Switzerland and England, the WMC World Title fight in Holland, the International Show in Singapore and the South American Championships in Brazil.

December will have the King’s Cup in Bangkok, in celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s birthday, with an expected audience of over 200,000 people. Next up after that are the WMC and Contender Shows in Australia, Russia and Czech Republic.

All the events mentioned above will be televised on Euro Sport, Fox Sport, Sky Sport, and TGN Global Network and in addition, by popular demand, AXN in 21 countries around Asia will be showing the re-run of The Contender Asia.

All event updates are available on the official websites of the WMC and IFMA, www.wmcmuaythai.org and www.ifmamuaythai.org

WMC Going Full Steam Towards the End of 2008

Muaythai is growing rapidly with events being held around the world by member countries of the World Muaythai Council (WMC), the world governing body for Muaythai under the directive of the Royal Thai government and the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA), a member of GAISF. All the events for this month in Madrid and Cape Town were sold out and December will have us see events that resemble a Muaythai festival around the globe.

For this weekend, there are five massive events with the Contender Qualifiers in Switzerland and England, the WMC World Title fight in Holland, the International Show in Singapore and the South American Championships in Brazil.

December will have the King’s Cup in Bangkok, in celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s birthday, with an expected audience of over 200,000 people. Next up after that are the WMC and Contender Shows in Australia, Russia and Czech Republic.

All the events mentioned above will be televised on Euro Sport, Fox Sport, Sky Sport, and TGN Global Network and in addition, by popular demand, AXN in 21 countries around Asia will be showing the re-run of The Contender Asia.

All event updates are available on the official websites of the WMC and IFMA, www.wmcmuaythai.org and www.ifmamuaythai.org

International Show in Singapore ?
HAVENT seen this advertised...wmc site down at the mo...

International Singapore show is called "Clash of the Gladiators" on the 29th November at Jurong East Sports Hall. :)

Maybe they are moving ahead a little too fast and leaving a few things in their wake. Seen as the WMC is posting, maybe they could let us know a few things, such as their rankings and a list of their world champs.

An explanation of why Liam is no longer champ and why JWP had to vacate his title would be good. This organization has slipped a lot, it seems to have become a tool of it's officials and their business interests. The WBC and WMPF are doing much better, especially in Thailand.

the title i supposedly hold was fought for at Rajadamnern last night between Jaroenchai keza gym and someone else??? even tho we have had countless emails sayin im champion so god knows whats happening!
In my opinion i think seeing as ive been totally overlooked as champion a fair answer would be the WMC pay my flight out to thailand and ill fight whoever won that title last night at Rajadamnern then no thais or anyone can complain....promoters over here payed lots of money to fly the thai champion in who i fought and sanction the fights and i wasnt even down as cjhampion....i think my idea is fair...anyone agree????

Get Liam out there, get him a decent purse also and main bout him at stadium least he deserves, if he beats Thai in stadium no-one can say anything he deserves it and should be treated like dekkers was because IMO Harrison is better he has shown recent fights ability in all areas beating Thais at their own game not just throwing punches all over the place, sort it out and give him the oppourtunity he deserves otherwise whats the point in anyone outside thailand competing for these titles.

I disagree Liam R, Harrison has already won and earned that title he doesnt need to win it again, However if WMC wish to fly Liam out to defend the title against the no.1 ranked fighter then fine, Im sure Liam will take up the challenge to HIS title.

In Thailand they acomodate the current champ, who in this case is Liam Harrison, I agree with you in saying get him a decent purse and fly him over decent accomodation and at least a week to settle to time zone and climate.

Dont let them think that he has to fight for the title again hes already won it simple as that.

i wish it was that easy mate but theres nothing i can do...they didnt list me as champion and thats that im willing to go there and fight whoever they want to put as champion at either stadium but dont see why i should have to pay my own way....i was considering sayin b*llocks to it all and letting them do want they want but its a point of principle now!
i was told the reason i wasnt listed at 1st was cos im a farang and one of the head guys on ranking commitee didnt want a non-thai champion under 69kg

If they didn't want a non thai as champion they shouldn't have let you fight for it in the first place. It's their problem that they picked the best farang boxer who beat their champ!

I think the least they can do is sort you out with the flght and fight you deserve!

FB'Slim

If they didn't want a non thai as champion they shouldn't have let you fight for it in the first place. It's their problem that they picked the best farang boxer who beat their champ!

I think the least they can do is sort you out with the flight and fight you deserve!

FB'Slim

Jaroenchai won the title last night at rajadamnern, also Sarmsamut the guy who i supposedly defended the title against in june fought on the show too. heres the link.

http://www.muaythaifocus.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=179

remember video of saenchai stopping him with body kick, digrace we watched in minibus with jittys lot they loved it.

Raven, Thais r very sneaky i think only way they will ever recognise is if he goes and does it in their backyard then he will become a star there and they cant say dick i know he shouldnt have to but hes willing to so fair play to him and they should cover everything flights hotels food transport the lot

thats the reason all the thais are holed up in the airports. they wont move till the wmc get liam over to show them who is the real champ.

lol

If WMC really want to remain credible you need to sort this out!!!! Liam IS the Champ, pay for him to DEFEND it at the stadium if you have a problem recognising it; problem solved.... Its supposed to be a WORLD title is it not???

shold email to the above all complaints to make sure they see them all.

How can the say that they don't want a non Thai to be 'World' Champion??? It's just plain stupid, you have to include other countries if you are going to call it a 'World' title!!!
i have tried to get a couple of Thai's (not through WMC) on my show and they are asking for silly money, so Liam should be flown out there and be paid the same amount that they are expecting to be paid over here.
Can anyone from WMC verify that no Non Thai's can be delcared 'World' Champion or is this just a rumour??

Come on WMC lets have a reply

Liam Harrison, you don't have to prove nothing, you will be remembered as one of the best Muay Thai boxers in the World, its who you fight not what for. You beat the W.M.C World champion and took the title, the W.M.C took the sanction fee excepted the fight you won it end of. All the so called new champions are false until they come and take it from you. They done the same thing to Stephen he beat Ying for the 69.8kg title and they took it away without ever giving him the chance to defend, then said he had to fight Jomod just to get in the rankings. He fought and beat Jomod and still didn't make the rankings. Does that make you or Steve a worse fighter, no it shows your two of the best in the world. Does it make W.M.C look good and professional, leave that for the people of Muay Thai to decide. Are the W.B.C any better There contracts are not worth the paper they are written on, they all do what they want when it suits them so none can really be taken seriously. If you go to Thailand and beat the new champion someone else will be fighting for it next month. Anyway your fight in February is better then any title and that will really put you in the history books. Good-luck on that one,

Let's put our money where our mouth's are....

http://www.wmcmuaythai.org/contact/index.htm

This is the contact page address....as many people as possible should send a letter of complaint about liam and Stephen's issue.

Their motto is 'One World, One Muay Thai'........But only if your Thai...

FB'Slim

Man , i cant imagine fulfilling my dream only to have the people who are the leading authority to steal! it of me ,
can only try to empathize with you Liam mate ,
as michael said ,
its who youv fought ,
not what youv fought for.
and atleast you NO your the champ ,
the people who fought yesters are cheating themselves.

bet you wouldnt mind getting a good wage ,
flying out there and knocking the "new" *cough* champion out tho haha

From Master Ronnie Green:

Sorry to hear about what has happened to you Liam.

Unfortunately this is what used to happen also years ago with other associations. Part of the reason I set up the Golden Belt with Alby.

You know what they say, out of small acorns, big trees grow.

Here is the note I have sent them through their website.....Here's waiting for a response......

FB'Slim


Dear Sirs,
I am writing to your organisation as a concerned Muay Thai fan. I have followed our fantastic sport for over 10 years and have travelled to Thailand on a few occasions to train and spectate in the sport of Muay Thai. An issue has come to my attention recently regarding your respected organisation. Two of the worlds best UK fighters have recently fought under sanction of the WMC for 'World titles', one being Liam Harrison and the other is Stephen Wakeling. Both these fighters won their respective fights and were crowned 'World Champion' by your organisation. I cannot see these names in your official rankings. Can you please ammend your rankings to reflect the status of these world champions. The UK fans are very proud of these two great fighters and we would like them to get the recognition they truly deserve from the WMC.

I look forward to your response.

Yours in Muay Thai.

Paul Hunt

The silence from the WMC is deafaning!They answered the 1st question asked by Hawkman, but funnily enough none about Liam or Stephen? Reading over the posts above its quite clear that this isnt about a belt round the waist, but about 2 lads having trained thier arses off, taken the hits and got the reward...for it then to be taken away. Liam mentioned principle above and thats exactly what it is, any organisation is only as good as the people who represent it and in Liam and Stephen they had 2 hardworking lads who 'lived the dream' they didnt just fight the best, they beat them to! (not sure about Stephen, but in Liams case defended it to!) I hope this is sorted out for you both and you get your reward at being listed at NO.1 in the relevant rankings. WORLD CHAMPIONS.

TTT - would be nice to at least hear a response regarding the rankings, vacating of titles.

Wow, I have always regarded a Wmc World title as the most legitamite outside Lumpini an Raja. I will be watching closely to see if this is sorted as a reflection on the Wmc credibility.

wmc news please make a statement about what you think about all these comments! do you agree that your company is becoming a joke like everyone is saying? how can you just take the titles people have won and not give them the chance to defend them, what kind of world title is one that you hold for as long as you can see it but when out of sight gets given to someone else? shows how far our sport needs to go, also shows the laxydazycal attitude of thailand thinking its ok to treat people like this, you would never see the ufc just strip a champion for no reason!

I agree with Mark too, I fought for the WBC Muay Thai International Cruiserweight Title and won it but NEVER got it!!!

Even though it looks like they are more active worldwide at the moment.
: )

P.S. Liam and Steve are Legends already and will further prove themself - they don't need any organization to do so!!!

maybe this is why every tom, dick and harry starts an association now adays! I was loving the idea of all of us being under one governing body, I love idea of being able to help muaythai grow in my small way. Being associated with the largest most respected association outside of thailand the WMC but as this goes on with no answer from WMC news its makes it look dodgy! if our top fighters can't be respected in thailand why should we bother trying to be thai style theres more money in K1, we should all start going over to holland and japan and earn proper money. But we won't cos we love Muay Thai..............come on WMC news a statement please Liam and Steve have a massive fan base and support in British Muay Thai circles if they are not supported whats the point in us supporting your association.

I echo everyone elses comments.

This makes The WMC look like a mickey mouse organisation.
Reading between the lines, I suspect they thought Liam didn't have a chance against Namphon and so they were happy to take the sanctioning fee, expecting that Namphon would retain his title anyway.
Liam proved to them and everyone else that he can mix it with the best of Thailand and his achievements MUST be recognised.
Moreover, I understand that The WMC THEN sanctioned his title defence against Sarmsamut Kiatchongkao. This is ridiculous.

WMC please decide what you intend bringing to the sport. I say this without prejudice, however if you are not prepared to recognise a fighter simply because of his ethnicity then I believe that you have failed to realise your most fundamental obligation... to Council Muaythai WORLDWIDE.

If your own preconceived prejudices are stopping you from doing this then just be honest about it, call yourselves TMC (Thailand Muaythai Council), step aside and allow another association to do the job properly.

It's ironic that the WMC has become another mickey mouse organization, as it was originally set up to establish a credible body for Muay Thai. These days we have trainers from the (so called, but not really) WMC camp fighting for world titles.

Liam may have been given the excuse that non-Thais aren't wanted for lower weight titles, but I think there's more to it. If this was the case, how did he end up with a belt and certificate? The organization has non-Thais running the show and making decisions.

It would be good to hear from them, they started the thread but are staying away. This is why I'm not a fan of the Contender. Sure it's great exposure, however I think WMC officials have serious financial interests in it, so we can be sure this is the direction the organization will take.

We need to be careful how much support we give to this reality TV program, because it excludes most good fighters. We don't want to encourage a repeat of what's happened to Stephen, Liam and others.

Yes, this thread makes disappointing reading especially as we were expecting so many good things from the WMC.

Their failure to address these points on their own promotional thread makes it sound like they just wish the problem would go away quietly.

But it won't!

Liam definitely deserves a shot at Jalerchai if hes the champion now, and i believe Liam can win that fight at stadium in Bangkok im not going to say their rules their judges etc as i believe Liam already fights PROPER Muay Thai and has been judged under those rules in "some" of his bouts in the UK. Liam fully understands how to win a Muay Thai fight he doesnt have to hope for a punch KO because he has leg kicked for 4 rounds, he can actually match the Thais kicking and with the knee as can Wakeling.
I think the one thing that will always be a slight problem is that while we match our fights say 5 6 months ahead one of our boxers could be matched to defend against the current number one thai contender, however they might have 8 fights in that time if they fight every 3 weeks or so and could dorp out of the thai rankings and be a whole new number 1,2,3 contenders at that weight.
It moves so fast, 1 trip you can go to Bangkok watch a fighter who is dominating a division, go back 6 months later excited to see him fight again and everyone say he is Zero now, he lose too many knockout or everybody knows he dont like clinch now or whatever. Changes like form of some of our premiership footballers ive heard thais say he is training properly now he is good again or he isnt training just sweats and fights for money not interested win or lose. I cannot see a matching pattern of improvement like Liams where he is clearly better with every bout, the Thais seem to have a run of good form then a dip or something changes like with Saenchai dominating for log periods now has to give weight etc. Underlying issue anyhow will always be £££

Thanks to everyone on here for their support - its good to see that Liam has a strong fanbase. This has been going on for some time now and I've been in direct contact with the WMC to try to sort it out.

Anyone who has any experience of dealing with stuff like this will know that it takes a long time especially in Thailand but I am happy that this is being looked at properly through the proper channels. It is being sorted so please will everyone leave off all the negative comments and concentrate on the positive stuff like the UK Contender last weekend.

Regarding the 'Liam's title', if I remember correctly this was at 61kgs. The recent Slamm event featured Anuwat fighting for a WMC World Title, with the weight listed at 61kgs? Does anyone have further info?

Mr. Smith, with respect the problems of the WMC stem from it's lack of transparency, so I think it's high time for a public discussion. It seems to operate as promoter and sanctioning body, which makes it ripe for conflict.

The fact this has gone unquestioned for so long, reflects the lack of development in our sport. The Contender has both positive and negative aspects. I think the involvement of the WMC will takes its focus away from 'real' Muay Thai.

slamm was a wbc show mate...dont think anuwat ended up fighting for a title in the end.

Oldfan with respect if the fighter in question's Trainer Manager has asked people not to get involved do you think it might becuase they are dealing with it and this public have a go will only damage the work that has been done.

Slamm was originally duwe to be WBC show, but the two sides couldnt come to agreement on title fights so WMC took over sanctioning of it and Anuwat's fight was due to be for WMC world title, not sure at what weight though

It appears that Mr. Smith has obviously been in contact with the WMC on the matter, so if he reckons the questions that are at the moment unanswered will be answered and hopefully rectified then I guess its a case of "WATCH THIS SPACE" on the outcome.

Apart from the two fighters involved LH & SW I imagine the next two poeple who want answers are their respective coaches/trainers.

So lets sit back and let them handle it eh.

Im sure the WMC are by now well aware that not only is the UK watching...but the whole of Europe, us here in Ireland and the rest of the world.

Hope it gets sort for you guys and well done on your victories for those titles in the first place.

rob im really lost now tho?? i thought anuwat boxed at 61kg on the slamm show?? and i thought Jaroenchai just won that belt at raja? its all too confusing for my feeble mind to handle.

lol me too mate, I dont know what weight Anuwat fought at, but know it was for WMC title

saying that though, just remembered that I think the Thai's asked to weigh in over the weights a bit due to the nightmare travel they had due to Bangkok airport being closed, so who knows???

If Liam was to be given the title it would be a travesty equal to it having been taken from him.

Jareonchai has legitimately won the title, as has Liam and possibly the guy who beat Anuwat. So a closed door meeting between WMC officials will only muddy the waters.

Transparency is needed, this includes rankings, lists of champs and press statements giving details of title fights, policies and important decisions.

Anuwat's fight was listed at 61kgs and his opponent was non-Thai. If he was allowed to come in overweight, then surely the title fight is off, because they can't just have it jump up to the next division. Who knows?

The WMC jumped at the opportunity with Slamm. It'd be good to know why the WBC pulled out. After a short time they are doing a much better job than the WMC. To gain a profile similar to boxing, Muay Thai needs a proper organization, lets hope the WBC can succeed where the WMC has failed.

Besides the problems with the 135 pnd title, I believe they also have two champs listed in other division, while most titles remain vacant - especailly in Thailand where they're based. Maybe they should stick to reality TV and other Muay Thai businesses.

"Maybe they should stick to reality TV and other Muay Thai businesses".

Ouch!

this has just gone to another level of crazyness...so theres another 135 champion?? anyone here from holland no what happened with anuwats fight did the dutch guy win title?

Anuwat fought Amrani at 63 kgs mate according to the website and I don't think it was for a title, the link is below.

http://www.mixfight.nl/forum/showthread.php?t=87702

Amrani was awarded a title belt that had the WMC logo on it.

Under 63 kg

how many champs are there now then 3 or 4? maybe when theres 8 champs at the weight they will do an 8man tourny on TV in samui like the one with the superpro boxers in it?

It was for a world title @ 63KG
http://www.sbs6.nl/web/show/id=136189/lang...ia=40741/page=1

Watch the fight on this link

Thats not the same as liams belt tho, maybe another version of it like the M.A.D. one! I don't know! like liam said its getting quite confusing now! LOL

The way the WMC are dealing with fighters now this is what their belts may end up looking like.so if you fancy wearing 1 of these get ready.

If the WMC do not change their ways muay thai will end up with plastic fighter!

Not a bad idea Alan??? Maybe I should get onto Mattel for a Jordan Watson Doll??? Everyone keeps asking me to buy his 6ft Banner? Would make a killing! :-)

The 135pnd belt has been discussed at length, how about we take a look at the middleweight title...

Buakow had this title, but was stripped for some reason? Then JWP won it, but had to give it up straight away for the Contender show.

Yodseanklai won it and has defended it since. But wait, here we have Ryan Simpson wearing the belt after beating Lamsongkram. Not only that the WBC have also announced Lertmongkol Sor Tharnthip is the Champion.

So the middleweight division now has 3 champs. Not only that, but the Contender celebs will be fighting for this title.

Somewhere in the back streets of Bangkok a belt maker is hard at work...

wow. this really is a disgrace

Paul, how has your communication been with the WMC? It would be good if they could reply here, as it seems the WMC News isn't looking good these days.

Maybe we'll end up with several Contender shows running at the same time on different stations!

Iwas told only Anuwat's fight was for world title, the other two fights with Lamsongkram and Bovy I think were for intercontinental titles?

Oh dear-- this is getting a bit farcical...

BOA @ ROGUEMAG.COM
Editor

I have had no response from the WMC as yet.....

Here's hoping..

FB'Slim

Please remember that it is the Kings Cup going on right now and Thailand have had an utter nightmare with the airport chaos?

I do know however, the WMC will respond only to those directly involved and have had communication with Richard Smith with regards to Liam?

As far as the WMC is concerned with Contender, any questions that were asked were immediately answered.

Cant help you any more than that? sorry

Would be good for the fans to be given a heads up, ultimately they are the ones supporting the sport and deserve better treatment.

In another thread an official is saying that a statement by the Commission would be released this week. Since then Anuwat has fought for the title in question, so farcical is definitely the right term.

Oldfan, you will have to then rely on those closely dealing with it to fill you in with what ever information they have been given?

Paul, so it's like an 'inside joke' is it? What about public statements on important things like championships?

rob - that is right. Rayen's belt is intercontinental, only anuwat v. mosab was a world title belt.

Hi Paul, I don't want to be negative and I think the Contender Asia has the potential to be great for the sport. It has brought Muay Thai to a much wider audience. I also understand that it's right that they do communicate first and foremost with the fighters and their managers.
However, they did choose to big themselves up on a thread on a popular Muay Thai forum entitled 'WMC Full steam ahead' They should not be surprised if other forum users pose legitimate questions. If it's a simple misunderstanding, I'm sure they could put the matter straight quickly. The longer they leave it, the more suspicious it sounds.

Oldfan, Why is it an inside joke?? of course it is not? all I am saying is, like any political issues, approriate bodies will only dicuss issues with those involved? and that is what I am saying? if we want to know inside information, the only way we are going to get it is through the people that have it?

Yes I agree with you, as the public, it would be nice to know, but sadly that is the way that it is?

Sometimes, when the public become vocal on matters, it can make things harder for those that are desperately trying to sort it out, hence why I believe Richard Smith posted what he did?

I am not trying to cause an argument or a debate? all I am doing is answering the question to try and help with what ever knowledge I have :-)

Raymond,

I agree with you whole heartedly!If questions are not answered, this simply leads to speculation!! Lets hope once the kings cup is out of the way, they will respond to all the questions that have been asked in general?