MSA MuayThai Premier League

The state of MuayThai is something that always sits quietly in the back of my mind.   Within the past few years I’ve been feeling pretty optimistic.

I think things are looking up… Honestly I don’t think there has ever been a period where there has been so much interest in MuayThai or people training MuayThai.  Take a look at what’s happening in Phuket and that should be evidence enough.

Internationally (outside of Thailand) lots of people are putting on high caliber shows.  Nowhere near the budget or draw of the big MMA promotions, but that’s fine with me.

The other day I was invited to the Inaugural MSA Premier League show at the Reebok Arena in Bolton UK.

I had a chance to meet with Dr. Swee Lip Quek the man behind the MSA Premier League.

Dr. Quek is a serial entrepreneur who’s invested in and exited several successful companies.  Within moments of speaking with him it became very apparent that he had a very definite plan, direction and grand goals for his organization.

Coming primarily from a business and investing standpoint, Dr. Quek is big advocate of business process and planning.  He was quick to point out that this inaugural show was going to be the smallest show planned, as they wanted to make all their big mistakes in this initial show.

I was curious how long it was going to be until an MMA bout was going to work its way onto the programme.  Dr. Quek said the goal of the organization was to stay purely focused on Muaythai.  He’s a strong advocate of the martial way and MuayThai.

He admitted you could definitely sell more tickets if he had two knuckle dragging fighters talking shit at the press conference, but they would be directly contradicting the message of their organization.

Our conversation turned to the medium and long-term goals of the organization.  Dr. Quek was quick to point out they were very interested in expanding their franchise, reality shows and becoming the preeminent muaythai promotions company.

Being the cynical American, I quickly jumped on the whole franchise idea.  I was asked if he was concerned about the perception of being the Starbucks of MuayThai?

He began talking about the overall lack of positive roles models in a lot of the lives of children.  He see’s the franchise as an effective vehicle to affect change in the lives of at risk youths.  Not a bad idea in my book…

Their next show is going to be held at the much larger Manchester Arena (MEN).  So far the only fight I’m aware of is the Liam Harrison, Anuwat Kaewsamrit re-match.  Very curious to see who else is slated for the show.

I was impressed with last nights show, and thought it was very well run. (in front and in back) They’ve got big goals, and I hope they can stick to their guns.  It looks as if they’ve put together a solid team with the right expertise.

I have every confidence that with Dr. Quek at the helm they’re going to be successful at raising the profile of MuayThai in the UK and Europe.