To Sei Shindo:

Yes, Kyoko was very good. But, She was 20 years old when she
Yes, Kyoko was only 20, and still green at the time dshe fough long.I spoke with her recently and she rates Long and Rijker and Naoko Kumagai as the three toughest women she has fought. And Kyoko had 28 pro fights before she retired two years ago. Would she ever have beaten Long? I doubt it-but she would have made it intesteing had they rematched a few years later. She has lost only to Rijker, Long, Gatto and Undershute, and Naoko Kumagai, who is also one of the top ten muay thai fighters in the world-in my opinion.
Remember, only two persons Willa Bell (early in Kathy's carer) and Lisa Howarth have ever beaten Kathy. And oh yes, Pixie Elmore fought Kathy to a draw. Pixie stopped fighting after a serious motorcycle accident,but ought to be on the list of all time greats for sure. I didn't mention Messer (an all time great) or Rijker, as both have abandoned the sport for boxing.I prefer to give recognition, and publicity, and encpouragement, to those who are stickin to the sport of kickboxing. Hopefully we can stop the exodus of women kick boxers into [pro boxing, with all it's unsavory politics, etc.
But, you are absolutley right: Messer, Long, Riley, defintely belong in
the "hall of fame".
BTW props to Lisa Houghton and Richard Smith for scoring impressive 3rd ko's in Thailand!! BTW, Lisa has challenged Kim Messer, to a Thai rules bout.Now, That would be a great match!Thanks for the input!! Dan