International Thai Boxing 24th June 2001 Maryport

Report by Tony Myers

Tommy Collins hosted what proved to be an exciting, Holland versus England international MuayThai event on Sunday 24th June 2001 at Maryport Civic Hall.

The first of the two five round internationals featured Kevin Barr (Dragons, Maryport) in his debut international against Jim Porter (Holland) in a 70kg contest. Barr started the first round strongly, taking the fight to Porter. Barr attacked with punches, body kicks and knees. The Dutch fighter weathered Barr's attacks, responding with his own punches and sharp low kicks. Although Porter had some success, Barr won the round.

The second round began with Barr attacking once again and Porter fighting on the retreat. During the round Barr demonstrated greater technique variety and his kicks, knees and punches had real effect on the Dutchman, although his blocking proved less effective.

Round three continued in the same pattern as rounds one and two, with Barr initiating the attack. However, Porter's strong leg kick counters began to take their toll. Although Barr attempted to fight on and ignore his obvious pain, the accumulative effect of Porter's leg kicks rendered him, in the referee's opinion, unable to continue. The referee stopped the fight in favour of the Dutch fighter part way through round three.


The second international featured Chris Stenson (Dragons, Maryport), a rising star from the north of England, against Colin Masour (Holland) in 66kg contest. Masour entered the ring in flamboyant style ignoring the crowd's vocal dissent and signalled to them and the more subdued but confident Stenson his intention to win. Stenson, still with the scent of a recent victory against another Dutch opponent, was not intimidated by Masour's display and went on the attack as the bell sounded for the start of round one. The Dutch fighter's initial confidence seemed to abandon him as Stenson attacked with strong punches and knees. During the round, one of Stenson's kneeing attacks went astray, making contact with Masour's groin guard. The Dutch fighter doubled up at first but then sprung back gesturing angrily at Stenson. After a short recovery period, Stenson continued his relentless attack. Masour attempted to counter with low kicks, but Stenson, growing in confidence, had anticipated this response and employed a sound defensive strategy.

Round two began as round one had finished, with Stenson attacking with strong well-placed attacks. The Dutch fighter had no answer to Stenson's strong attacks and it was only a matter of time before the English fighter took his second Dutch scalp in a month. The inevitable stoppage happened as Masour was KOd in Stenson's corner. The Dutchman was caught with a strong combination attack that finished with a devastating knee strike that left him unconscious. A second round KO victory in round two to Stenson.

Other results:
3 x 1½ minute rounds: Ricky McKaise (Sandy Holt, Bolton) v James Henderson (Phraya Pichai, Kirkcaldy).
Result: Hendserson won on points.

3 x 2 minute rounds: Tam (Heavy Hitters, Chester) v Andre Henderson (Nai Khanom Tom, Scotland).
Result: Tamn won on points.

3 x 2 minute rounds: Dave Holmes (Dragons, Maryport) v Rooney (Phraya Pichai, Kirkcaldy).
Result: Holmes won RSC on a cut.

3 x 2 minute rounds: Jay Kilner (Sandy Holt, Bolton) v Mike Dicks (Paul Hamilton , Darlington).
Result: Draw (This fight was voted fight of the night).

3 x 2 minute rounds: Paul Young (Dragons, Maryport) v Lloyd Cochrane (Nai Khanom Tom, Scotland).
Result: Young won TKO.

3 x 2 minute rounds: Dave Lettice (Dragons, Maryport) v Jim Notini (Nai Khanom Tom, Scotland).
Result: Notini won on points.
3 x 2 minute rounds: Mark Brown (Dragons, Maryport) v Trevor Saint (Heavy Hitters, Chester).
Result: Saint won KO.
5 x 2 minute rounds: Elwyn Sheridan (Sitnarong, Bradford) v Neil Walton (Paul Hamilton, Darlington).
Result: Walton won on points.
5 x 2 minute rounds: Kevin Barr (Dragons, Maryport) v Jim Porter (Holland).
Result: Porter won RSC injury.

5 x 2 minute rounds: Chris Stenson (Dragons, Maryport) v Colin Masour (Holland).
Stenson won KO.