PREVIOUS EVENTS 2001


"NIGHT OF WARRIORS" - (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) Pay-per-view November 16th, 2001 / Live November 3rd, 2001
On Saturday November 3rd, 2001, Mike Miles Productions hosted the international Muay Thai/Kickboxing event called the "Night of Warriors". The event featured Team Canada taking on athletes from Thailand, Mexico, the USA with an under card of three Canada vs. Canada athletes. The event was held at the Canadian Armed Forces Base (former Currie Barracks).

The event was filmed for pay-per-view (Bell ExpressVU and Viewers Choice) and was aired on these channels on the 16th of November. The event featured 13 bouts and will also be aired in 2002 on TSN - Canada’s Sports Network.

Seating was arranged for 2500 people. The promoter was not to be disappointed as the event was a complete sell out with spectators buying seats in the beer garden where the fights were piped in live to 4 large screen monitors.

The event featured the promoters showing their support to the USA and the Firefighter’s and Police who lost their lives in the wake of the September 11th tragedy in New York. Midway through the event, the Promoter Mike Miles as well as some of the major sponsors, CJAY 92 Radio the Calgary SUN, and West Canadian Graphics presented a respectable sum to a local Calgary firefighter for those affected by the tragedy. "Every cent goes to those in need! There are no administration costs", said the Firefighter.

The Main Event of the evening featured Canada’s Trevor ‘T.N.T.’ Smandych (Mike Miles Muay Thai) stepping into the ring in a full Muay Thai rules bout against Chaiyaphum’s pride and joy, Rambo Ban MuayThai. In terms of experience, Smandych had less than half the amount of bouts that the Thai did. Rambo had 10 times the professional experience of Smandych who was fighting for his fourth time under an A Class Muay Thai rules (5 rounds of 3 minutes with a two minute rest allowing full Muay Thai rules - punches, kicks, elbows and knees). The only difference was the fact that the local Boxing & Wrestling Commission made it mandatory for any of the athletes fighting under full Muay Thai rules to wear elbow pads. "This does not bother me as it allows athletes less of a chance of getting cut if hit by elbows. Less cuts mean the bouts go for a longer duration. Even with the elbow pads, one of the athletes still ended up getting cut in his bout", said Mike Miles.

In the Smandych vs. Ban MuayThai bout, the Canadian seemed dwarfed by the taller and more muscular looking Thai athlete. "I thought Smandych would have difficulty finding his target at such range. I also thought if Smandych got in close, the Thai would attempt to tear him to pieces with his knees and in the clinch", said Mike Miles. The first round had both athletes come out slowly and feel each other out with easy probing strikes. Each pawed at and threw some punches and kicks to see how the other athlete would react. As the round progressed both athletes turned up the tempo a notch or two but Smandych seemed to be getting in and scoring the more decisive and clean shots. Ban MuayThai landed several vicious left roundhouse kicks to the arm and shoulder of Smandych. One kick hurt the Canadian and his arm went limp and dropped after the powerful kick, but Ban MuayThai either did not see the kick’s devastation or was still not sure if Smandych was playing a game with him, so he did not apply further pressure. Smandych’s shoulder immediately bruised and swelled up but Smandych continued fighting and using the arm in his game plan. The round was most likely a draw or with possibly a slight nod to the hometown Canadian athlete. In the second round, both athletes came out and looked like consummate professionals taking their time, picking their shots, feinting, reacting as well as playing a mental game of chess. Several strikes caught the Thai on the chin but this seemed to inspire him to taunt the Canadian. Smandych never fell into the game plan of the Thai to become angry, but instead he took his time firing good intercepting blows as well as landing some excellent counter attacks. The Thai was picking up the pace but was still picking his shots sporadically while seeming to still try and figure the Canadian out. The second round was clearly Smandych’s. In the third round, both athletes picked the pace up and Smandych was landing some good low kicks as well as clean punches to the body and head of Ban MuayThai. Even when a hard shot would land, it seemed like the Thai was made out of steel because he kept a very calm look on his face. Ban MuayThai was landing his high left roundhouse kick to both Smandych’s shoulder and arm. The Canadian showed true grit by never flinching or showing any pain and more so by effectively counter kicking. The round also went to the Canadian. In the fourth round, Smandych turned the heat up another notch and started landing some excellent punch and kick combinations. A few times Ban MuayThai looked frustrated as he could not land the techniques the way he wanted, and more so with the consistency and effectiveness he was hoping for. Towards the end of the round, Smandych landed a beautiful roundhouse kick to the rib cage of the Thai who surprisingly winced from the impact. Smandych had taken this round and was now ahead on points. In the final round, the Thai threw caution to the wind and knew the only way he could win the bout was by a knockout. Ban MuayThai came alive and started pressuring Smandych around the ring with the resolve to try and force Smandych into the clinch. Smandych caught one of Ban MuayThai’s kicks and fell backwards. Quick to react, Ban MuayThai walked through and caught Smandych with a knee to the chin of the falling Canadian. The audience held their breath and became quiet while waiting to see if Smandych had survived the blow. Both athletes got up and smiled at each other and touched gloves in mutual respect. Ban MuayThai forced Smandych back to the ropes. Smandych countered with a few effective knees of his own. Amazingly, during the clinch, the Thai landed a short elbow to the Canadian’s face. Smandych went limp and grabbed onto the Thai to stay up. Smandych survived the blow and continued fighting defensively on the ever advancing Thai. As the round drew to a close Smandych attempted a spinning elbow that Ban MuayThai blocked. This round was unquestionably Ban MuayThai’s. Smandych and the audience waited and listened to how the judges would score the bout. The decision was split with Smandych winning. "I was surprised it was a split decision", said Mike Miles. "I believe Trevor did more than enough to win the bout. It was a great test for Trevor and Ban MuayThai was brilliant with some of his attacks." Trevor’s win was good for Muay Thai in Canada. If Trevor continues improving each time, I predict he can become a Superstar in Muay Thai in the future", said Acharn Panya Kraitus. "When Trevor’s fighting he should keep in control emotionally, and think about what he must do to win."

There were 2 semi main events. Both were international bouts. In a modified Muay Thai bout (no elbow attacks and no knees to the head), Canada’s Erin Linley (Mike Miles Muay Thai) took on Mexico’s undefeated athlete Rosalba Basurto Arredondo. As the bout began, Linley looked a little impatient wanting to get it on. Several long range kicks were delivered and all missed their targets. Becoming more impatient, Linley started moving in quickly towards her retreating foe. Basurto was not to disappoint. Basurto suddenly changed gears and intercepted Linley with some very heavy punches which forced Linley into a clinch. As soon as the clinch was engaged, Basurto would force Linley back onto the ropes to choke the knees out and wait until the referee was to break them apart. Linley did not look effective in this round with her hands and in fact looked somewhat out of her element when Basurto would throw and land her heavy punches. "She punched very hard!", said Linley. The round ended with Basurto taking the first round. The second round saw Linley become more aggressive, but with more determination and far more ring control and generalship. She started forcing Basurto backwards and when the Mexican athlete would try and unload a punch, Linley would lock into a clinch and start kneeing. As Basurto tried to choke out Linley in the clinch (by forcing the Canadian to the ropes), Linley would easily spin off the ropes and continue with her knee attack. Midway through the round, releasing from an effective knee attack, Linley unloaded a heavy punch which dropped Basurto onto her butt. After Basurto received an eight count, Linley moved forward again and fell into a clinch, attacking with a series of very hard knees. The knees were getting through and Basurto finally dropped her arms to try and block the incoming bombs. Linley delivered a series of heavy and effective knees to her foes arms. "I thought if the knees continued in this fashion, Basurto would end up with her arms being broken", said Mike Miles. Linley then explosively spun the Mexican girl off balance. Trying to avoid falling, Basurto forgot her defense and Linley landed a heavy left knee which caught Basurto in the belly. The Mexican girl fell onto her back on the canvas in obvious pain. This was the blow to finish the bout. The referee gave the count and Linley won the bout by knee KO. "Erin fought very well and used great knees. In the beginning of the fight she was a little too excited. If she keeps cool, she has a great future in Muay Thai", said Acharn Panya Kraitus.

In the second semi main event Canada’s Jason Fenton took on Thailand’s Keanpetch Sith Prayuth. The Canadian athlete had his hands full fighting an athlete with three times his own experience. "Keanpetch has fought in Radgdamnern Stadium as well as on TV Channel 7 in Thailand", said promoter Mike Miles. "This is a big step up for Fenton as he has been offered several times to step into the ring with Jongsanan Fairtex. I do not mean this as a slight to Jongsanan but Keanpetch is younger and is naturally a heavier fighter and would in my opinion, now defeat Jongsanan. This bout will show me Fenton’s attributes as well as weaknesses. The only way to get better is to fight with athletes who are better than you and I took this approach in arranging athletes from Thailand, as well as the other visiting countries." In the first round both athletes came out and Fenton seemed to be waiting while Keanpetch was leisurely taking his time but being very playful with his probing strikes. Towards the end of the first round, Fenton explosively moved in and dropped Keanpetch with a quick and perfectly timed right. Keanpetch got up and looked more embarrassed than anything else. With the knock down, the round went to Canadian Fenton. In the second round things started to change. Fenton was still somewhat in the fight but Keanpetch was basically landing what he wanted at will. By the end of the round Fenton was looking frustrated. The round went to the Thai. From the third to fifth and final round, Keanpetch appeared to be in a fairly one sided contest. The Thai took his time, landed what he wanted and was content with this. "In Thailand, when an athlete who is easily winning appears to be so far ahead in points, the winning boxer will do just enough to win, in essence carrying and not hurting the other athlete", said Mike Miles. "Had there been bad blood between these two athletes, the outcome could have been much different", Mike Miles commented, "Jason just did not fight. He could not get it going. There might be excuses but I put no credence in any of them. Keanpetch was just too good this night." Acharn Panya said, "If Fenton kicks and punches more, and uses less time for constantly thinking what to do, he will be a better fighter."

Jason Jillain (Mike Miles Muay Thai) stepped into the ring with Thailand’s Kraisumeth Jaritram. Thailand’s Jaritram had twice as many fights as his Canadian foe. The Thai also won the Gold Medal at the inaugural World Amateur Muay Thai Championships in Bangkok in 1995. Jaritram has even been competing in Tae kwon-Do Championships having won a bronze medal in the recent Asian Games. The Canadian was much taller but looked very lean and thin compared to the Thai who had legs the size of both the Canadian’s put together. In this bout Jillain played the aggressor but he had difficulty penetrating his opponent’s defenses. At times Jaritram was looking weary and suddenly he would blast off a roundhouse kick which would make a resounding smack in the venue. In terms of effectiveness, Jaritram won the bout on points. "I was happy that Jillain did not run away in this fight but he did look quite tentative when trying to move in", said Mike Miles. "Jason Jillain looked like he had no power. When he fought, he did not listen enough to his trainer. If he learns to listen to the advice given to him on how to defend and attack, he wil be a very good boxer", said Acharn Panya Kraitus. "The process has begun to bring Kraisumeth to Calgary and get him to help me train my athletes while I recuperate from the physical problems I have encountered from my motorcycle accident in the year 2000", said Mike Miles. "It will be great to have him assist me!"

In a great battle, Canada’s Sokhim Or (Mike Miles Muay Thai) stepped into the squared circle against Thailand’s Komsan Kriattisak. The first two rounds had Or forcing his opponent to the ropes while dishing out some heavy punches. In the second round Komsan was shook by several punches but he survived on instinct and tied his shorter foe up. By the third, Or was looking a little more tired than the Thai from spending more energy in the bout. Or had the Thai fighting defensively while moving backwards. While Or was marching in, Komsan started delivering some excellent elbow attacks, all of which started connecting. A series of elbows left Or staggering and before Komsan could capitalize, the bell went saving the Canadian. Dazed, Or finally made it back to his corner but he was definitely hurt and worse, he had 2 cuts above his eyes from the elbow attacks. The ringside doctor made it to Or’s corner and decided to stop the match with Komsan winning by TKO. "Sokhim fought good but he did not spend his energy correctly in each round. At times he moved too slow, but if he moves quickly in his next fight, he will win and prove he is still a very good boxer", said Acharn Panya Kraitus.

In a short and somewhat controversial bout, Canada’s Jason Taylor stepped into the ring with the more experienced Vselovod Berkolayko. The bout was fought under full Muay Thai rules. In typical fashion, Taylor came out slow, while Berkolayko was hot off the line. In the first round both athletes exchanged rocking each other but Berkolayko recuperated quickly from being shook and came back to rock the Canadian with some brutal punches. In the second round, Taylor was given several standing eight counts. Trying to finish the Canadian, both athletes fell into a clinch. Berkolayko spun Taylor and placed his arm across the Canadians face while the two athletes fell to the ground. Taylor landed underneath Berkolayko and paid the price. As Taylor’s head hit the canvas, Berkolayko drove all his weight onto Taylor’s jaw with his forearm. The result was the breaking of Taylor’s jaw. The bout was stopped while Berkolayko celebrated his win by TKO.

Calgary’s Ashley Odd (Mike Miles Muay Thai) stepped into the ring against Mexican Muay Thai Champion Efrain Martinez. Odd looked much more relaxed in the clinch than in previous Muay Thai attempts. The bout was to be short as the ‘Hands of Stone’ landed a bomb on Martinez’s head and the Mexican athlete fell to the canvas. Beating the count, Odd was all over him again and another punch was to stun the Mexican. As the Mexican fell, Odd landed a heavy elbow to finish the fight. "I caught him with an elbow and I think it hurt me more than it hurt Efrain", said Ashley Odd. "I think I was lucky that the fight finished early as I know what a good fighter Efrain is. I am sure had it went longer, I would have had a lot of trouble with the crafty Mexican athlete."

Lethbridge, Canada’s Brad Wall stepped into the ring with seasoned athlete Chan Pen of the USA. Pen did not look as sharp as his last encounter in Canada with Canadian Justin Parsons. Pen fought well but Wall seemed to out work his foe in the clinch as well as control the ring. At the conclusion of the bout, Wall won the bout by unanimous decision.

Mexico’s Brian Hernandez battled with Winnipeg athlete John Phommarath. In the beginning of the bout both athletes seemed evenly matched and in comparable shape. As the bout progressed, Phommarath seemed to want to fight in the clinch but he was getting hit while getting into the clinch and while in the clinch. Phommarath, though never in any trouble seemed to be tiring while Hernandez seemed to be getting stronger with each passing round. Hernandez took the bout by unanimous decision while Phommarath did a god job for Canada.

In a North American Superheavyweight Kickboxing Rules Title Bout, Canada’s Andre Beaulieu took on the USA’s Carter Williams. The bout started off with both athletes throwing heavy shots at each other. Connecting with one of these bombs was eventually to see one of the athletes go down. While Beaulieu stood and waited, Williams was the luckier of the two athletes and his boxing skills have improved immensely. Beaulieu took a punch on the chin and he went down but made it to the end of the round. In the second round as both athletes got off their stools Williams showed his boxing skills and threw a devastating series of punches which connected and saw the fight end. Williams won the title by second round KO.

The undercard featured the following three Canada vs. Canada bouts. Initially these bouts were supposed to feature Canada vs. the USA. "After the New York terrorist act of September 11th, the coaches and athletes from the USA pulled out stating a reluctance to fly at this time", said Mike Miles. "I totally understand their feelings, so I was lucky to find some willing athletes from Canada who wanted to compete on this event."

In a Women’s Canadian Featherweight Muay Thai Title match Calgary’s Jennifer Cutbill (Mike Miles Muay Thai) took on Winnipeg’s highly touted Melanie Carrington. The Calgarian girl gave up a height and weight advantage. In the first of the scheduled five rounds, Carrington came to fight but so did Cutbill. The two greeted each other like two locomotives. Carrington bloodied Cutbill’s nose but this was not to dampen the spirit of the Calgary athlete. In the second round, Cutbill turned the pressure up a notch while Carrington seemed to have tired a little. Cutbill would resort to the knee and this started tiring Carrington significantly. In the third round, Cutbill stormed forward and dropped Carrington with a right hand. Sensing blood, Cutbill stormed in overwhelming her opponent with sheer determination. Carrington took another standing eight count. At the end of the count her corner threw in the towel and Cutbill won the bout and title by third round TKO. "Carrington is tough. She has great potential. She was better on the inside than I gave her credit for. Cutbill is so determined, one must be able to stop her or be prepared for the bout of their lives", admitted Mike Miles. Acharn Panya Kraitus said, Jennifer fought good and was more prepared than the last fight and she proved she has good fighting heart. Sometimes when she wants to try a technique she looks a little too excited. She needs to keep calm. She has to keep watching her opponent at all times. I hope in the future she will keep improving and a good champion because she trains hard while still studying in university."

Calgary’s Shelley Evans (Mike Miles Muay Thai) took on Steinbach’s Jennifer Ranseth. Evans was more experienced while Ranseth had a definite height and weight advantage. Ranseth came to fight and she proved it by forcing Evans backwards with determined punches and kicks. Evans was hit by some of the blows but she quickly settled down and started landing some very heavy punches and kicks. Though Ranseth was never in any danger of being stopped, her nose did bleed from many of the shots and the bout was stopped numerous times while Ranseth was cleaned up. Evans went on to win a clear victory in this Kickboxing rules (Low kicks allowed) match. "Shelley had good punches and good cut kicks but she moved too slow. She has to be calm and not let her opponent get her too excited. In the future if she can keep cool, move with purpose to control the game, she will become better", said Acharn Panya Kraitus.

Calgary’s Rayelene Kellock (Mike Miles Muay Thai) took on Pine Falls Trisha Sammons in a Muay Thai bout. Sammons was smart in the first round hitting and moving while Kellock would try and follow but many times in vain. However when Kellock would corner Sammons and fall into the clinch, Kellock would strike quickly, effectively and wear Sammons down. By the second round it was clear that Sammons was not as good in the clinch and Kellock was to exploit this for the remainder of the bout. By the final round, Sammons was looking weary but fighting back with great heart though not scoring as effectively as Kellock. The Calgarian took the fight by unanimous decision. Acharn Panya Kraitus said "Rayelene has good fighting heart. She has a good heavy punch. Her kick is good and heavy though at times she has problems finding the correct range. In the future she should learn to use her eyes and read her opponent until she can learn what kind of thing her opponent wants to do. When she understands her opponents style she should then start intercepting and look strong. She has good endurance."

A highlight for all the officials was a seminar with TV Channel 7 Referee and Muay Thai Master, Acharn Prayuth Vong Praramat. The Master officiated many of the opening bouts at the event. The next few days he held a clinic on refereeing and judging.

After the event was complete, the Thai athletes came down to Mike Miles Muay Thai & Kickboxing and trained with all the Canadian athletes. "Where else but in this sport could you see two opposing athletes like Rambo Ban MuayThai holding pads for Trevor ’T.N.T.’ Smandych after they fought each other in the ring?", said Mike Miles. Acharn Panya Kraitus also spent his time preparing Mike Miles’ athletes for their busy competitive schedules throughout November and December. "It has been seventh heaven with everyone here training and teaching', said Mike Miles athlete Shelley Evans.