Yod Fairtex on Malaipet “Diamond” fight in Jamaica June 20th

Yodseanklai Fairtex is officially the nicest guy and friendliest champion in Muay Thai. He can easily replace Condoleezza Rice as secretary of state any day. In a sport usually highlighted by boil over rivalries you couldn’t find a friendlier approach talking about your opponent. Rumour has it the Thai diplomatic service has earmarked him for life after Muay Thai.

However don’t let the boyish good looks and soft spoken words fool you- Yod is looking to save something special for his “Diamond” assignment. It’s been a while since this international super star of Muay Thai has fought a fellow countryman.

In his own admission, Malaipet who he considers a “very good” friend will receive special treatment when the WBC super welterweight world title goes up for grabs. The Jamaican extravaganza packed with world title fights, will feature the Yod V Malaipet fight as the headline act. Underlining this will be John Wayne Parr and Marco Pique!

It’s like when Metallica opened for Guns N’ Roses at Joe Robbie stadium back in 1992. It won’t get any better than this!

Malaipet in his interview about Yod and his preparation spoke of respect for each other ability and being the humble Thai he is, Yod is of same thinking. Best of mates, he promises something “special” on the night. After all this is a “Diamond” assignment- not any old fight.

He will be taking wing to Sweden next Saturday for a WMC world title fight and then fly to Jamaica to face Malaipet. As usual he took a few minutes off whilst on a heavy pad session to speak to ROGUE insider. 

Without further talk let's get right into the walk....

Q. You have Malaipet for the title coming up; who has promised a “memorable” fight- do you think you can KO him?
A.  If I have the opportunity it will happen. Yeah we will see, if it happens it happens. I like that- he has promised a memorable fight, I can say the same.

Q. Are there any weaknesses you see in Malaipet you can exploit- if so what are they?
A. To be honest hardly any, Malaipet is a good fighter I like his kicks. He’s a great fighter- so not many weaknesses

Q. In the past, after Andy Souwer you said you didn’t have any particular game plan- is it the same or anything different for this fight? Have you got a “special” game plan? 
A. Same, I just train hard and plan to win. If I do what have trained for and execute the plan—don’t want to give too much away but I am very confident of winning.

Q. Some people argue that you depend too much on your left kick and hard punches, anything different this time? Will we see Yod throw any elbows? 
A. I will be fighting a Thai not foreign fighter so I am sure you will see something different. It will be exciting, watch the fight and you will see what will happen!

Q. Will you fight anymore Thai "top-guns" anytime soon, more action at home?

A. There could be more fights with Thai fighters in the future but see how i go first, yeah i think i have more fights to come soon

Q. How as the whole experience of “Contender- Asia”? Did you enjoy it and tell us about the victory against John Wayne Parr?
A. I had good time and good experience. The victory was amazing for me, it was a dream come true to me. John is a good fighter and good friend. The whole show was great and I will remember it forever. I loved every minute of it!

Q. Does that mean you have edge over Malaipet and better prepared for the fight than him?
A. Malaipet is a great fighter I will find out in Jamaica I guess…

Q. How has your training gone so far, also you fight in Sweden soon- will that help in your build up for Jamaica?
A. I am always training hard and fighting every month. I am looking forward to Jamaica it has been a long time since I fought a Thai fighter, so I am very happy to have this fight in Jamaica.

Q. Lot of people and fans speak of Jamie Ong- you are good friends with her, do you think she will make a good ring card girl? What outfit will she look best in? 
A. Ah yes.. He He Yes, she is a beautiful girl and would look good in anything. Very beautiful girl and like i said before to you we are very good friends also...

Q. Do you think she will be good in the ring under full Thai rules- maybe against….?
A. I don’t know- we might have to find out I guess, why don’t you set up a fight, I can be referee! He He He

Q. What are your prediction and any message for Malaipet- who will be reading this for sure…?
A. He is a good friend and I wish him the best. This fight will be one to remember, please everybody- watch this fight we want to have a great fight and may the best man win!

Q. Thank you very much for your time and any final thoughts?
A. To all the fans, please watch the fight and thanks for supporting me, please read www.roguemag.com : I love it, try and have a look when I am not training at Fairtex. If you can get some nice pics of Jaimee on the website..He He He...Thank You!