Muay Thai fighter Antoine Pinto, 20, dubbed 'Kid Shark' in Thai, hopes competing in The Challenger Muay Thai will raise his profile.
Photo: AXN

 

Muay Thai boxer Antoine Pinto will be facing 15 of the world's best fighters in a reality TV show

 

By Barry C Chung

 

Muay Thai fighters possess the most lethal leg kicks in martial arts. Although taekwondo kicks look more spectacular, they do not have the bone-on-bone impact of a tae tad, or Thai-style round kick.

Stand within striking range of a nak muay, or Thai boxer, and you will be overwhelmed by a flurry of deadly knees and razor-sharp elbows.

Antoine Pinto, aka Antuan Siangboxing, can tell you about that. Dubbed Dek Shlam, or "Kid Shark" in Thai, Pinto is only 20, yet he has more than 100 wins and 14 titles under his belt, including the eight-man I-1 World Muay Thai Grand Prix tournament in Hong Kong this April.

"I wake up at 6am every day and run about eight to 10km," Pinto tells Young Post from his home base in Thailand.

"Then I go back to the gym and train two hours, eat, rest and wake up at 3pm and go run again for 3 to 4km, [followed] by another three hours in the gym."

Despite all his accomplishments in the ring, it's his boyish good looks that give him extra appeal - particularly among female viewers of The Challenger Muay Thai.

The television programme will pit Pinto against 15 top Muay Thai fighters in the world.

Each of the 13 episodes will explore different Muay Thai techniques using fists, elbows, knees and feet.

Two fighters demonstrate them by fighting it out in the ring. The winner goes on to the next round; the loser goes home.

Pinto and the other fighters will be in Malaysia, living under the same roof. This group of feisty fighters should ensure great television.

The France-born Pinto moved to Thailand with his family 10 years ago. "My brother [Leo, also a Muay Thai fighter] and I had no friends here," he says. "But there was a little gym on the beach near our house. So we both went there to meet some boys and play around. I didn't know what was Muay Thai at all."

At first, he simply wanted to fit in by doing Muay Thai, but since then he has never looked back. He fought his first professional bout at 13. He quickly progressed and became junior champion of Southern Thailand in the 56kg category before he was 14.

Pinto says he decided to compete in The Challenger Muay Thai to pit himself against some of the world's best fighters. "If I win the first prize, maybe I'll set up a new gym in another country - perhaps Hong Kong or Singapore," he says.

The Challenger Muay Thai begins tomorrow at 10pm on AXN

MUAYTHAI AUTHORITY INTERVIEW

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Antoine Pinto talks about his time on "The Challenger" and more

Antoine Pinto, also known as Antuan Siangboxing is a French Muay Thai fighter. He moved to Thailand when he was nine years of age and at only the age of 20 is one of the sports bright young fighters. Antoine took some time to talk to Muay Thai Authority about his time on the upcoming reality TV series "The Challenger" as well as his the cancellation of his fight with Thanongdet.

MTA: You were recently on The Challenger Muay Thai, we know you probably cant give any results away, but overall how was the experience on the show?

Antoine: The Challenger Muaythai was a fantastic cultural and human experience for me. Living one month closed in a villa with very famous fighters coming from different nations. Living together 24h/24 when each guy wants to win the trophy wasn't easy. Maybe, because I was one of the younger boxers. Difficult to live, work, train and fight without my family, coach and trainer but a real good experience for me.

I think, today, I'm more mature and all fighters of the show will remain my friends for a long time. Watch The Challenger muaythai on TV and you understand.

MTA: You are very young, only 20, but you are very experienced. How old were you when you started training Muay Thai?

Antoine: I started training muaythai in Thailand when I was 10 years old.

MTA: You are the youngest foreigner to have fought at Lumpinee or Rajadmnern stadiums and have carved out a name internationally. Was being a Muay Thai fighter something you knew you wanted to do as soon as you began training?

Antoine: I think me and my young brother, Leo Siangboxing are the youngest foreigners to have fought at Lumpinee at 14 years old but that's not enough to make a name in Thailand. We are arrived 11 years ago in a small village and the muaythai was a good opportunity to learn the Thai language and local culture. Also, because it is a good way to get friends when you are the only two foreigners of the place. We never think we would be known or famous as we climbed step by step through the Thai circuit.

MTA: You had an upcoming fight against Thanongdet Chengsimiewgym in Germany under the Elite Boxing Challengers series, but the fight was canceled?

Antoine: Unfortunately the fight against Thanongdeth has been cancelled in Germany, but I think we'll meet him was another date in a Thai stadium. I am very disappointed, because I was prepared for a month and I refuse to fight for the MPL and Thai Fight to face the current Lumpinee champion, after beating Saenchainoi last month.

MTA: If you would have fought Thanongdet what do you feel would have been your strengths?

Antoine: I am more young than him ha ha ha.

MTA: What does he bring to the fight that you feel you would have to worry about?

Antoine: He is a fighter fimeu and dangerous, but I think have as much experience as him and be stronger physically.

MTA: Can you give us a prediction for the fight if it were to happen?

Antoine: I think that if the opportunity were re-introduced in the future this will surely make a beautiful fight or the French pride will dominate.

MTA: Being so young, but already having an established name in Muay Thai, what are you goals?

Antoine: Muaythai is a job, but also a succession of blows of hearts then I let go my boxing to passion without calculating.
Today, with my brother Leo we manage the family gym Siangboxing Camp and will open a new gym in the coming months.

MTA: Are there any fighters out there in particular that you would like to fight?

Antoine: For the pleasure of the spectators John Wayne Parr, Buakraw and Petrosyan before they are too old... ha ha ha

Who Will Rise To The Challenge?

Sweat, blood and adrenaline pump through AXN in The Challenger Muaythai

 Things are about to get bloody exciting on AXN. The network is bringing the heat of the fight back to TV screens with a brand new series The Challenger Muaythai, and in high definition no less!

Produced by the Imagine Group and The Group Entertainment, under supervision of the World Muaythai Council (WMC), the world’s governing body for the sport of muaythai, the reality competition series will be set and shot in Malaysia. Whether for glory or gain, 16 world-class fighters will fight it out to win the ultimate title of Muaythai World Champion and the grand prize of US$100,000! The fighters have been hand picked from a selection of international professional fighters from the WMC 128 member countries.

No one is more apt than renowned Muaythai personality Stephan Fox as host of the series, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience. With his illustrious background as the Vice-Pre sident of the World Muaythai Council, Fox will also play mentor to the fighters and take a hands-on approach in grooming these talents, hand-picked from the best breed of fighters around the world. Next to him, hosting the fight nights, it will be the gorgeous Asian tv celebrity, Sonia Couling.

From Malaysia, Thailand, to Israel and South Africa, the motley crew of fighters trail blaze an impressive track record both in their countries and in the international arena, with numerous championship titles under their belts. With ages ranging from 18 to 35, the calibre of fighters is certainly unparalleled. Some have started their training since the tender age of seven, while others have fought The Contender Asia champion Yodsanklai and even won. With intimidating monikers like ‘The Cheetah’, ‘The Sniper’ and ‘Black Dynamite’, it is clear that the boys are not in town to play. With such high stakes, each and every fighter will not go down without a fight!

 Each week, the fighters will be subjected to a rigorous bout of training from their two trainers Hanarong and Nugget, revolving around the ‘weapon of the week’. These include spiritual ideals such as respect and fearlessness, as well as focusing on each component of their body, their natural weapon in the context of Muaythai.

“As the entertainment destination for action and adventure, there is no other cable channel that is a better fit for the sheer adrenaline and thrill of The Challenger Muaythai. We are pleased to be working with the Imagine Group for th e show, with their proven track record in producing top-notch reality series in Asia,” said Mr Ricky Ow, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Networks, Asia, Sony Pictures Television.

“Nothing on the planet brings yo u this close to the action… our viewers will be on the edge of their seats,” added Mr Riaz Mehta, President and Founder of the Imagine Group.

Watch out for the titillating drama that will unfold in the fighters’ villa, as tension runs high with the progression of each fight night and the numbers dwindle. Alliances will be forged, blood will be shed and the fighters will be scraping through each win by the skin of their teeth! Who will rise to the challenge and emerge as the Muaythai World Champion? Who will overcome all odds and walk away with USD100,000? All will be unveiled on The Challenger Muaythai, set to premiere on AXN (Astro channel 701) and AXN HD (Astro B.yond channel 721) in the fourth quarter of this year and foreseeing over 400 Million spectators worldwide.

ANTUAN SIANGBOXING vs Ilya Grad (Pictures Fight 03)

ANTUAN SIANGBOXING vs FAIZAL (Malaysia) PICTURES

FITNESS FIRST - THE CHALLENGER MUAYTHAI ON AXN TV

SELECTIONS

MAKING OFF

INTRODUCTION - 01

INTRODUCTION - 02

INTRODUCTION 03

FIGHTERS PRESENTATION

THE MUAYTHAI RULES

THE TRADITIONAL WAI KHRU

FIGHT 01 - RECAP - Colossa (South Africa) vs Corley (USA)

AFTER FIGHT 01 in the villa

FIGHT 02 - CEDRIC MULLER vs FADDI MERTZA

AFTER FIGHT 02 in the villa

FIGHT 03 - Antuan Siangboxing(france) Vs Ilya Grad (Israel)

After fight 03 in the villa

FIGHT 04 - MATSUA (Thailand) Vs Ryse Saliba (Australia)

After Fight 04 in the villa

FIGHT 05 - MILES (Canada) vs FAIZAL (Malaysia)

AFTER FIGHT 05 in the villa

AFTER FIGHT 06 in the villa

FIGHT 07 - Jordan Watson (UK) vs Cyrus Washington (USA)

FIGHT 08 - Marco Pique (Holand) Vs Franki Giorgi (Australia)

AFTER FIGHTS  07-08 in the villa

FIGHT 09 - 1/4 FINAL - Antoine Pinto (France) vs Faizal Ramli (Malaysia)

AFTER FIGHT : ANTUAN SIANGBOXING vs FAIZAL

MUAYTHAI AUTHORITY

Saturday, October 1, 2011
The Challenger MuayThai
by Antoine Pinto

I was very honored to be chosen with Cedric Muller to represent my country in this international Muaythai show, as well as being an ambassador for the sport because this event will affect millions of viewers worldwide. I think Stefan Fox and his team chose me for my experience in Thailand and my good results this past year.

It was a beautiful experience of for me to participate in The Challenger Muay Thai, but it was also a tough experience because I am one of the youngest boxers, one of the lightest and for the first time I had to fight, train and live without my family, coaches and elsewhere.
The hardest part was being forbidden to communicate with the outside and you having to choose which boxer to fight, because every boxer lives day and night with you. It definitely creates tension in the house.

The issue I had with Fadi Merza was not serious. When I changed my bag up to be near my friend Faisal in the room, Fadi was very tense. He is a native of southern Europe, so he gets carried away and his blood gets warm very fast. Fadi made it an obsession to fight me because I got a laugh out of an adult who acts like a child, it was very funny to me.

THE FIGHT
My first fight was against Ilya Grad. The first time I chose my opponent the staff disagreed with my choice because Cyrus had not been chosen as a boxer with good knees. After this Cyrus was very angry with me, stupid reaction because you come to fight not be on a holiday on this show. The staff chose Ilya to fight me instead, I was OK with the fight because I knew I could win easily against him. The only two problems to resolve was that he was 193 cm (6'3") and 77kg (170lbs).

This fight was hard, but not close. At the end of the first round Ilya cut and hurt me with elbows and won the round. I still confident I was going to win because I quickly understood what his tactic for the fight was, move forward and use big elbows. When you do that you open up and can't protect yourself. I started to kick right and he never blocked in rounds 2 and 3. In round 4 he did not see that I changed my guard and I threw all my left middle kicks. In round 5 I had some very good coaching from Nuggets, he asked me to create a stir by using combinations not performed before. Punches and kicks to the head and flying knees, 90% of the techniques were successful and allowed me to get the victory.

AFTERMATH
I am still not pleased with my performance because I took a good amount of damage and I knew recovering before the next fight would not be easy.

I would like to thank my fellow Vouri Cedric Muller as he always encouraged me throughout the fight and also others such as Jordan Watson and Vuyisile Colosaa. Despite being potential opponents they cheered me on as well, a big and good lesson in sportsmanship.

Thanks to all my fans for your support and I will try to make you proud again for my next fight.

Challenger Muaythai has become the Number 1 show on the AXN network breaking all records of any other hit show in the same timeslot.

The concept of bringing the hopes, dreams and sacrifices of 16 elite muaythai fighters together with one of the most outstanding personalities in muaythai, as the host and mentor, two of the world’s best muaythai trainers and one of Asia’s best known TV celebrities has paid off. The Challenger Muaythai has blown away the competition.

Every Thursday night, prime time, audiences are glued to their seats to find out what the weapon of the week will be, who will square off in the biggest fight of their career and whose dreams will be shattered as they have to leave the Challenger house.