I've sat back and watched the comments coming in and fully expected the critisism of the show. after all, that is what we are all good at.
I was there and chatted with both Alby and Ronnie beforehand, as well as listening to all the stories of the tantrums and gamesplaying at the weigh in.
Most people would have backed out at that point, but they were adamant that the show would go on despite all the set backs.
If the sport of Muay Thai is to be taken to the next level, then now is the time to come together and not take cheap shots at someone who has tried to do their utmost to promote our sport.
If someone turns up for any type of title contest in any sport, being unfit or not making the agreed weight for the said contest, it is totally unprofessional and disrespectful to both their opponent as well as the promoter who has put their money forward for the event to take place.
I thought that Liam and his camp were very accomodating in agreeing to the fight despite the weight difference, and to be honest, a draw was a very fair result. There was a lot of showboating from the "Antuan camp" but not a lot of anything else.
That was not the only fight of the night mind you. 2 of our finest youngsters were due to fight for european titles, and both their opponents came in severely overweight.
However, on a more positive note, there were several well matched fights that saved the day, and to see someone as humble and well respected as Alby is, receive his well deserved grading in the ring, certainly made up for the well publicised let downs.
There is so much more that could be said, and probably will be, but for now let's try and take some positives out of this and try and work together to make this fantastic sport move forward.
Thanks to Sandy for his top job of MC, and thanks to Nathan for showing me how many exciting things you can do with a red shoe when you're bladdered!!!!
Liam was a true gent also at the aftershow party, despite all our attempts to put him off his stride when trying to conduct a serious discussion with other parties.....He'll know what i'm on about!! lol

Kindest Regards.....UK(Mark)