Five Nations Fight Night - 20th May 2001, Caesars Nightclub, Streatham Hill, London, England

Report by Tony Myers

Thompson (Wales) defeated O'Carrol (Ireland) on points, for a Five Nations title in a hard fought close match. The match was fought using full MuayThai rules. Although Thompson received a number of cuts from the elbows of O'Carrol, his strength and aggression won through. What the bout lacked in technical finesse was more than made up for by the resilience and courage of both boxers. The fight was a real crowd pleaser.

Hood (Pra Chao Suua, Rugeley)the challenger defeated Otame(Wales)in a unanimous points decision for the BTBC light heavyweight title. The fight was again fought under full MuayThai rules. Hood, the taller boxer used his height and superior kneeing ability to attack with knees throughout the fight. Otame had some success during the bout with a few of his punches, but was hit with more than twenty unanswered knees in each round from Hood who won each of the five rounds on the judges score cards. Although the defeated champion took defeat graciously he and his supporters were unhappy with the decision. He went on to say after the bout that he was never hurt at any time in the fight. Hood said he would be happy to give Otame a rematch.

In an international prestige fight Zwaams(Vos gym, Amsterdam)defeated Hastings(Pra Chao Suua, Rugeley)in a majority points decision. Hastings started the fight strongly attacking the Dutchman and having particular success with knee and elbow techniques. Although Hastings looked in complete control during the first round it led to some complacency in the second round that saw a dramatic change in fortunes. Hastings got caught with a heavy punch combination that was swiftly followed by a series of knees to head. Hastings showed enormous courage to survive the relentless attack of Zwaams and finish the round. Hastings somehow regained control of the fight in the third round, although he was obviously fatigued by his second round ordeal. Zwaams continued to take the fight to Hastings in the fourth and fifth rounds. Although Hastings showed a full range of defensive skills that neutralised Zwaams attacks he couldn't muster the energy for any effective attacks. Hastings' courage and ability impressed Zwaam's coach, the legendary Ivan Hyppolite, who said after the fight he would like to invite him to fight on one of his promotions in Amsterdam.

Other results:
Light heavy weight Southern area title:
Hefford (Phraya Pichai, Birmingham)defeated Terry (Raja Naresuan, London)stoppage round 5.

British Amateur light heavy weight title
Basra(Raja Naresuan, London)defeated Bailey (Phraya Pichai, Birmingham)RSC injury then went to the score cards.

The other international fight between Stein (Scotland) and Takens (Holland) didn't take place, Stein pulled out of the fight.