Hi Billybigconkers

As Shaun pointed out, we are independent of governing or sanctioning bodies. Carl quite correctly the sport is small and we all have some level of affiliations or association with others. Given we are all involved in the sport we cannot be independent in that sense. Nevertheless, the fact that we are associated with gyms doesn't mean that we can't put measures in place to ensure that fighters are judged by independent judges. By independent I mean in the sense they are not associated directly with the actual fighters they are judging.

The board members listed are part of the decision making team but will not be the only officials involved. We aim to use and train as many high quality officials as possible. The idea being that trained officials independent of the fighters they are judging will apply consistent judging criteria. A consistent approach means fighters and coaches know what they have to do to win. We aim to apply a system of scoring that is as close to that used in Thailand as is possible and practical for the UK. That system will be informed not only by my personal research but by Thai nationals who still have strong connections with Muay Thai in Thailand and have access to high level Thai officials for advice. Importantly they also have a cultural appreciation of the UK and the Muay This scene here.

I do understand why you may consider that Dean and Liam are likely to support my views on officiating, but they both are excellent judges, have their own minds and given they only represent two votes out of eleven on the board will not be able to 'rail road' any decisions through the board.

Nige, I know you are a shrewd businessman and intelligent observer of the sport. However, like me you can only guess what the future holds for the sport here in the UK, internationally and in Thailand. Big promoters and main stream television - should they take off - are eventually likely to shape what the sport becomes. Greater levels of commercialisation do have an impact on sports. All sport's rules are dynamic and responsive to external pressures although I do feel the way the sport is marketed is key to its overall success rather than any particular rule interpretation or application.

I just feel that we should not use uncertainlty as an excuse for inaction. We can't know what the future will bring but we can try to improve what we have at present and attempt to deal with what the future brings in an intelligent way - when it actually happens.

The Independent Board of Muay Thai Officials has to prove itself, only time will tell whether it is able to achieve all its aims. All I can say with any certainty is we are going to give this our very best and try to raise the bar by producing high quality officials who are fair and consistent.