"BABY FIGHTS"

Joe, Lucas and I decided to go to Pattaya to see the some fights. 2 kids from Fairtex camp were on the card so we wanted see them fight and give them some support. It’s also a great way to learn. So about 4pm we were ready. Potae (Joe’s trainer) got a cab to drive us there. We were 4 adults and 2 children (the fighters) in a small car. The road there was bumpy in the beginning and a cloud of dust laid ahead of us. We were 2 hours away from the venue. The children, 11 and 12 years old, have had already about 40-50 fights which made me feel like the “baby”. They were joking and singing in the car giving me the impression we were going to the Zoo for a fun time. We have arrived at the Fairtex camp in Pattaya where we stopped to stretch out our bodies and had a soda at a local bodega. I was sitting there watching the kids run around when I noticed a couple at the next table, a beautiful Thai girl in her 20’s with an old rich Caucasian man. My stomach turned…too soon…because shortly 2 more couples showed up of the same kind. Joe and Lucas saw the horror on my face and shortly after we left. I just couldn’t understand how those men can be so slimy and low to take advantage of those girls. We got back in the cab and went to the venue. I got off the car and heard the traditional Thai music playing and immediately smelt the liniment. I felt the adrenaline rush. The ticket was 1000 bah ($30) which I thought was pretty expensive for Thailand. But most Thai pay that because they can bet on the fighters and make good money. And they scream and get very excited making large gestures. No, I didn’t bet. It just didn’t seems right. The venue was empty, the fighters started to show up and lay a blanket on the concrete floor and settle. I was still nervous to see those little kids fight. They go for 5 rounds (2 min each) with no protective gear and full muay thai rules (including elbows and knees to the head). The first fight I watched closing my eyes every time the kids were hitting each other so I haven’t seen much of that bout. Next, one the boys from our camp was scheduled. He was sitting on the bench waiting his turn and looked like he was about to cry. Then he got in the ring and his entire demeanor changed. He was strong and controlled and imperturbable. And he was 11. The fight ended with victory for our camp. After the fight I congratulated him and gave him a hug. He got all shy and childish again. I bought him candy and soda and he was laughing and running around as an eleven year old boy should. There were several boys fights and a few adult fights. I noticed a very interesting and sportsmanlike thing. If by the fourth round one of the fighters was clearly winning then in the 5th round the fighters were just circling each other waiting for the bell. It is a sign of respect. I found that very impressive. It is important that the fighters don’t get too hurt during a bout. A bad cut or injury might keep them out of the fighting game for a while and that means no income. Towards the end of the night two little girls about 8 years old got in the ring to battle for the belt. And that fight was incredible to watch. Not only they were really good but they were taunting each other. They did put on a great show. They were so cute and so vicious! Finally the show ended around 11:30 pm with the victory of one of the kids from Fairtex. People bet a lot of money on him but he wasn’t doing that great. He did win the fight but he was sad and refused to eat or drink afterwards considering his performance poor. It was hard to see a child feeling that burden. We got back to the camp around 2:30am. We slept in the car the way back and I felt like I was the one fighting all those bouts. It was an intense experience.