Muay Thai Martial Artists Grapple for Supremacy in Santa Clara, California

By Robert Haugh, Photos by Tony Medina and Kina Asok

Bringing an Olympic-caliber martial art event to Santa Clara, “War of Heroes 2” brought a true sense of international martial arts competition to Santa Clara on February 21, 2009.

According to Fairtex’s Anthony Lin, President of the United States Muaythai Federation (USMF), the event was sold out, with Muay Thai fans gathering at the Santa Clara Convention Center for the highly energetic evening.

Featuring a full card of 16 action-packed men’s and women’s amateur and professional bouts, including four championship bouts --- featuring two professional bouts to determine USMF and WMC rankings, the event was a huge hit.

With a fantastic evening of fights, building on the momentum established in the first installment last summer, X-Fight promotions, USMF and Fairtex were proud of the success of the event.

For future events, Lin says USMF and Fairtex are planning two more events this year, likely in June and again in September or October 2009, both at the Convention Center, depending on availability.

USMF is in the process of selecting athletes to represent the USA at the IFMA World Cup scheduled November 26-December 5, in honor of the Authority King of Thailand's birthday.  Winner of the USMF Title is guaranteed a spot on USMF National Muaythai Team.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will also be present at the World Cup along with other world sports federations.

“For the next two events, we also plan to have more talented athletes from Thailand to showcase their talents against athletes from other countries such as France, Holland, Australia, Japan, Brazil, etc.,” says Michael Borbet, President of XFight Promotions.

The final pro bout of the evening featured a devastating knockout, as Thailand’s Coke Chunawat drilled Fumihiro Tanno with a vicious elbow strike in the third round.

“War Of The Heroes 2 seemed to reenergize the Muay Thai scene on the US West Coast. Once again the promoters were able to present a great night of fights, with a young, high-energy feel. Everyone at Fairtex is excited to see what the next event holds in store. We are sure it will be a success,” concludes Lin.

Visit http://www.ifmamuaythai.org for more information on Muaythai, or http://www.fairtex.com for more information on Fairtex and their martial arts programs.

Full results:
Phillip Jucaban def. Medwin Mina by Unanimous Decision
Tyler Cronin def.Guston Bolonas by Split Decision
Christine Ferea def. Lenore Kelly by TKO (ref stoppage)
Phil Devera def. Derek Leung by Unanimous Decision
Amber Pope def. Christie Cheeketts by Split Decision
Bryan Padilla def. Fernando Parez Jr. by Unanimous Decision
Damien Negrete def. Justin Roman by Split Decision
Bryan Petro def. Chris Kwiatkowski by Split Decision (USMF Title)
Mari Balilo def. Malia Spaynol by Split Decision
Daniel Kim def. Caley Scott by Split Decision (USMF Title)
Ashly Altman def. Jennifer Nguyen by Unanimous Decision
Nathan Willet def. Ben Yelle by Unanimous Decision
Coke Chunawat def. Fumihiro Tanno by KO
Gabriel Carrasco def. James Agloro by Unanimous Decision
Zack Bargiomo def. Jake Timoteo by KO
Rick Erles DRAW Carlos Valero