Genki Yamamoto vs Kaew Fairtex 2005

Genki Yamamoto and Kaew Fairtex are both fighters we've visited before on this blog. Both fight around 135 lb and, at least on paper, seem similar in being strong punchers. Of course, that's not taking into account the rest of the weapons available in Muay Thai.

Kaew's tools reflect his pedigree on the Thai circuit. He is known for strong punches, but is very well-rounded, as you can see in his fight against Jomthong Chuwattana.

Genki's output comes much more from his hands. That's not to say his other weapons aren't refined, but he seems to find the most success favoring punches and low kicks. His power is quite evident in both.

This match takes place in Japan under full Japanese kickboxing rules, which allows all Muay Thai weapons. It's the first time they meet. They meet again in the U.S.A. in a match that looks remarkably similar to this. Forgive the ads. Youtube only has the rematch and I find this the more entertaining of their bouts.

Part 1


Part 2


Thanks to HLbyColargol for the uploads. It's strange to find a match like this where the rounds look so uniform. Genki doesn't seem to change tack when he can't get inside on Kaew and Kaew looks more than content to sit on the outside and counter with long punches, teeps, and left midde and high kicks. As I've mentioned, their rematch looks almost exactly like this. It's like they decided to fight one round ten times.

Something to pay attention to is their footwork. Kaew is able to elegantly use his southpaw stance to move laterally around Genki, sometimes making a full circle. This puts him in great positions for long counter-shots with variety. Genki seems more intent on forward, stalking movement but can't seem to cut off the ring quickly enough. When he does get inside, he's unable to maintain output because Kaew breaks his rhythm with elbows, punches of his own, and dangerous looking high kicks. In the fourth, Kaew opens up quite well with elbows and cuts Genki above the right eye.

It's a fight with great heart and technique. In my eyes, Genki quite clearly lost, though, the English commentators in their second bout mention that he and his corner were incensed at the decision. For me, the fifth round of this bout stands out above the rest. Kaew loosens up and converts quite beautifully on some caught kicks. At one point, he spins Genki against the ropes straight off a kick caught between his arm and ribs in a technique that's rarely seen in high level bouts. It's quite beautiful to see.

I'd like to point out a distinct lack of clinchwork in this bout. Usually, in Thailand, Genki's relentless stalking and punching would be seen in later rounds if he knew he was behind, but fighters also commonly try to take the fight into the clinch if they're being outscored on the outside. Neither fighter in this case looked interested in working the clinch. My guess is that Kaew would have won that battle, but didn't want to exhaust himself. Their choices went toward it being an amazing fight that exemplifies the adage: "styles make fights."