This is only the second time I have ever posted anything on AX but this time I feel compelled to do so. I have heard so many comments about the show so I thought i would tell you mine! but Just before that yes Manchester is my second home as I lived their a few years.

On to the show. On paper the matches were very good.The show had good and bad aspects to it.

The good stuff

1)It is rare to see so many top british fighters on one show.
2)Another televised event is good for thai boxing
3)I sold lots of tickets!
4)As most of you know I was involved in a big incident with Jacko years back but we have got it all solved now and I am glad to say that we are working together again. Many of the things that went wrong on the show werent all his fault. However as the promoter (like me) he has to take responsibilty for it.

The bad Stuff

1) The opening time said 4pm. I had family, freinds, children and pregnant women chequing up for over an hour for no good reason. This really pissed people off!
2) The show started nearly two hours late.
3) The drinks were ridicously overpriced which you wouldnt mind if they werent warmer than cups of tea and to add to that there was no ice!!!! I cant stand that! ( this is a problem the venue is responsible for not Jacko)
4) The view from the top balcony (back) was shite and all the people that I sold tickets too went early due to lack of decent view.
5) The Riyhad fight turned the show on its head. People didnt like what happened and to hear that two accomplished judges scored it the other way to shields is crazy. I never saw the fight so I can't comment. On my shows only the senior judge can decide and nobody else.
6) The interviews after the fights should have been ringside whilst the next fight enters as was the format for previous shows. It adds to much delay to the process of the show otherwise.Often fighters and trainers say things they dont mean after fights this looks bad televised!
7)The VIP tables were awful and my sponsers sat on that table. They were really pissed off with warm drinks and insufficient food supply. For 1200 quid it could have bben much better.You must look after people that pay 120 quid each!

The fights

The Thais I thought were well matched as follows
1) Liam Harrison a perfect match for his first big fight against a Thai. He found the Thais weakness quickly and gained the experience of having to get up from a knockdown to achieve a stunning victory. Superb for a seventeen year old.
2)Sak's Thai I thought very average. Cant comment on the result as I only saw elements of the fight. Remember Sak has only had 7 or 8 fights so this was a good match.
3) Darren Balshaw another good match although the Thai looked a bit small but they weighed the same! He fought better in round three and found the Thai weakness to put a good end to the fight. another excellent fight for Darren who has only had 14 fights! a good future ahead.
4) Kieran Keddles Thai good strong kicker excellent match finding a hip kick in the first thirty seconds forcing retirement. No complaints thats the way it goes.
5)Frankies thai was far too small but the vast experience made up for it this was however a simple weight mistake and you should not blame Frankie for this or the result because he was one clever little sod.
6)Damiens Thai was awesome as was Damien a good match but unlucky end with the cuts. Ive seen Damien fight better but it was hard cos the Thai was so fast with his hands.

Many of the problems evolved round the venue being unbefiting such a show. I suggest a better venue for the shows next time Jacko. The shows are better than that place. Also remember that promoting isnt just about good fights but an overall pachage of fair descisions, good matching, starting on time, organisation the lot. This is what the public want. Look at the WWF they dont even fight but look at the audience. They are there to be entertained! Some of my supporters will never return as they were too hot, couldn't get cold drinks and some couldnt see! You could have had the all time greats fighting but everyhting has to go with it not just the fights.You have my sympathy in many ways as many of the issues were clearly not your fault but that is what happens when you promote. I have promoted 15 shows alone or with Sean and Dan and all have started on time. Remember spectators have homes to go to and some have babysitters at home so you must start on time and cut out all the unecessary delays. Good luck in the future.



Alan