Grandwest Market Hall was the setting for the South African amateur Muaythai fight night on the 28th August 2010. Hosted by Dragon Power promotions in conjunction with Cheftrapps, three provinces from around South Africa, including Kwazulu Natal, Boland and Western Province, all converged on the Grandwest Markethall with their best fighters for the South African Muaythai nationals. Unfortunately, due to sickness and injuries in their camps Eastern Province, Gauteng, and Orange Free state were not able to attend and compete. With 10 fights scheduled for a night of excitement and entertainment. All was at stake with the winners of each Muaythai division going to represent South Africa in Bangkok, Thailand in this years world championships held in honour of His Majesty the king of Thailand’s 83rd birthday.
The night kicked off with Wesley van der Bank of Western Province taking a points decision over his opponent Albie Theron of Boland, and thus progressing to the finals of his division. Wesley would later, go on to win his division with a convincing points decision against Mzamo Madlophe of KZN.
Sihle Khuboni of KZN dispatched his first opponent, Boland’s Jave Hill second round, by TKO, and earning himself a place in the finals of his division, against Jarred Rothwell of Western Province, Jarred however proved to strong for Sihle and won by way of TKO in the second round. The referee had to stop the fight, as Sihle was not able to defend himself.
A short break was kept interesting by a pre-recorded video of Gary Trappler (Vice president of IFMA), Sifu Kru Quentin “Dragon” Chong and Madeliene Ross wishing all the fighters best of luck. They were not able to attend as they were in Beijing for the inaugural 2010 Sport Accord Combat Games, and were accompanied by the South African Sports Minister Stophile.
In the third fight it was Scelo Mavundla of KZN proving to strong for his Western Province opponent Travis Matodes and won a close points decision. Next up was fighter of the night Kevin Pheko displaying beautiful Muaythai technique and dominating his opponent Dumisani of KZN, and winning by way of TKO in the 2nd round.
After the hotly contested welterweight finals was the Light Middleweights. It was a strong toe to toe battle from the get go, but Cee Khuboni’, from KZN, experience showed and came back in the second and third round to over power his opponent Sobuntu Nxaci of Western Cape and win by TKO.
Next up was the competitive Middleweight division with Justin Sham of Western Province showing his advanced strength and technique to win his fight by TKO in the 2nd round.
Another break from all the fighting excitement, the Ubuntu break dancers enthralled the crowds with their amazing agility and talent.
Now we were getting to the big boys and they delivered the action as is expected. First up was Daniel Marcus of Western Cape displaying his experience and technique to win the fight by KO in the 2nd round over Chesslyn Baily of Boland. Next up was the super heavyweights, and the air was electric with anticipation as the fighter made their way to the ring. Ruan Potts of Western Province greatly overpowered his Craig Moyce of Boland and won by TKO in the first round
Thus ended the sold out event at Grand West Market Hall. We would like to wish congratulations to all the fighters and good luck to those fighters that qualified for the SA team to fight at the IFMA World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand 2010.
