Open Letter Boxing Vs Muay Thai in NZ here is a letter that I have sent off to a few papers. Any comments?

Open letter,

Boxing VS Muay Thai – Crash of the codes.

For too long amateur boxing has tried to keep Muay Thai (often known as Thai boxing or kickboxing) away from the sport of boxing.

This is damaging both codes and I must ask why?

Why are amateur Muay Thai fighters not allowed to complete in boxing competitions? I have been informed that it is because the boxing association does not think that Muay Thai safety checks are enough and that a Muay Thai fighter may get KO’d and then try to fight a couple of days later in boxing. While I support any attempt to ensure the safety of a fighter the current 90 day stand down period between a Muay Thai fight and a boxing bout is ridiculous (this rule is not enforced for anyone who plays rugby gets concussed and then enters the boxing ring!!).

This attitude also appears amongst trainers who are not allowed to associate with Muay Thai exponents, Muay Thai Trainers are not allowed to put boxers into amateur competition because they are not licensed trainers. This seems reasonable - however they are not allowed to become Boxing trainers without signing an affidavit renouncing their sport – this prevents them from becoming boxing trainers and learning about one of the best games on earth.

Strangely this separatist view is only held in the amateur ranks of boxing many Muay Thai fighters such as Ray Sefo, Jaraud Aborruine, Todd Keedwell, Rafael and Daniel Tai were in the New Zealand pro boxing ranks. In fact Daniel Tai gave Sean Sullivan a hard battle in Sean’s last title defense. It cannot be denied that the quality of these competitors has made boxing stronger and improved the pool of competition.

How can amateur boxing avoid this competition and become weaker?

The Olympics is not far away, the hopes of NZ boxing rests on the dedicated individuals who are being hindered by the lack of vision of people who are slow to change and open up competition to all. Many future boxing prospects will already be sparring against Muay Thai fighters and both will learn from those experiences and improve.

Together both codes will only become stronger. And be able to compete against other nations that do not have issues like the Aussies.

Dave Jackson