The seventh fight was more than stellar,
more than classic...it was one of those unique and unrepeatable
experiences for those of us who had the fortune of attending this event.
The fight for the international FIDAM welterweight title. The
environment was electrifying previous to the encounter anxiously waited
for and it didn't disapoint at all...on the contrary it exceeded by much
any expectation and forecast without a doubt and it raised the bar on
how a muay thai combat should be.
In the red corner RODLFO ARCE from Sityodtong Mexico with his trainer
Carlos Navarro facing their biggest challenge to date in the blue
corner: KEVIN ROSS comming from Las Vegas, Nevada and famous fighter
from the world renowned school of Master Toddy, having in his corner the
experienced Mark "the Hyena" Beecher. The stage was Set, players in
place and the vibe got intense. Mr. Marco Tulio, official announcer of
the nite, presented both fighters to the fans and the wai kru/ram muay
music started. In the ring as well, one of the best referees in the
country Pedro Joya from Lanna Muay thai in puerto vallarta was ready.
Rodo opts no to do the ritual dance while Kevin performs a beautiful Ram
Muay that amazes everyone. The ref. gives both fighters some
indications. The staredown is very intense between the fighters and the
energy is out of this world. The start of the first round is announced.
Kevin starts the agressions but Rodo is not stepping back starts
throwing hard jabs and lowkicks, Kevin answers with kicks of his own and
they exchange combos, very close first round that Kevin seems to have a
slight advantage but its minimal.
In the second round both fighters start agressive but sort of getting in
a chess game of sorts where both fighter's techniques expect a mistake
on their counterparts to capitalize on that. At the end of the round
Rodo connects a couple of punches after the bell , reason enough why
Pedro Joya instructs the Judges to deduct one point from Arce. Kevin
winning the round. Without the deduction it could have been a tie in
this round.
In the 3rd. Rodo comes out positive and connects with excellent
technique in his punching and kicking, after a flurry of punches and
elbows manages to cut Kevin Ross in the left part of his head at the end
Rodo winning this round.
In the 4th. Rodo comes out again looking to impose the same pace he
pushed in the third but Kevin breaks his rythm and imposes his own pace
nullifying Rodo's agression and connecting with excellent boxing and
knee techniques, trying various types of elbow techniques to see Rodo
blocking some of them, Kevin throws a spinning elbow that is blocked by
Arce , great work by Arce but the kudos are for Kevin for being the
smarter and sharper fighter in this round , being victorious in the 4th.
The 5th. and last round starts and both fighters hug , separate and
start to fight. Kevin takes control of this round trying various
techniques including his trademark right highkick (the one he used vs.
Dumaine) but Rodo showing skill and courage tries to march forward and
connects some hits on Kevin which he answers with more techniue and
vicious body punches and elbows, Kevin seems fresh in the end and
controls the round, but Rodo never stops comming forward.
From Beggining to end a fight full of action where the agression was
never one way traffic.
At the end there was a mistake announcing the scores but more or less
(if the result was announced thai style) the scores would have been
49-47 on the 3 judges for the winner by unanimous decision and still
welterweight champion by FIDAM:
KEVIN ROSS!
One of the most exciting fights we've seen this far reminiscing thos
classic thrillers by Bovy Sor Udomsom , Sakmonkon Sitchuchoke or
Pongsiri "Rambo" por. Rumrudee...that's how good this fight was!!!
Congrats to the current champion Kevin Ross for his kindness, humbleness
and sportsmanship but also a lot of respect and recognition for Rodo
Arce cause he made a wonderful fight. We are pround not only of the
event also the oportunity to witness this combat of epic
proportions.Special thanks to the referee of the nite Pedro Joya, Fellow
Judges Mr. Pion from Sityodtong Mexico, Vero Gomez from Muay thai
Janjira Mexico and my friend and collaborator Jorge "cowboy warrior"
Chavez for the excellent pics shown in this report that we hope you
like.
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