Blade of Glory: Top-ranked Christine Toledo to go up against Muay Thai fighter in China
November 13, 2008
Women fight with emotion and attitude, and men fight with ego — often leaving technique out the window,” said Muay Thai fighter Christine Toledo.
She should know. Her fierce powerhouse punches won her acclaim in 2007 as she became ranked number one in the United States and number three internationally by the Women’s International Kickboxing Association. She earned her nickname, Blade, after fights often ended in blood from cuts inflicted on her opponents.
On Nov. 15, the flyweight champion will go up against a top Chinese female fighter in Zhengzhou, China.
Although the event in China is not a traditional Muay Thai bout (it will permit kicking, punching and kneeing but no elbowing), Toledo is grateful to have the opportunity to test herself in a different kind of fight with different rules.
“I’ve got a different game plan that involves learning new technique and an entirely new strategy,” said Toledo, whose record is 13 wins and 2 losses. “It’s not a traditional Muay Thai bout, so I’ve had to change my style quite a bit. It’s been difficult, but I’m coming in with all I’ve got.”
The 30-year-old Filipina American began the sport seven years ago as an outlet to relieve frustration and stress, with no intention of competing professionally.
“I think it was meant to happen,” she said in a recent interview. “No one, including myself, would have ever thought that I’d be associated with fighting. Even until this day, I don’t appear to be a fighter. But I am one and I love it.”
Kru Sam Phimsoutham, who opened World Muay Thai Team USA gym in Millbrae, Calif., in the mid-1990s, was Taledo first trainer and calls her fighting style quick and explosive.
“She’s an intelligent fighter who has heart and puts on a good show,” Phimsoutham said.
She has also shown determination to be a title-holder from the start. The first time they met, Toledo weighed 145 pounds; Phimsoutham told her that at her height, if she wanted to be a champion, she had to drop 25 pounds.
Today, Toledo weighs 110 pounds.
“If you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way,” he said.
Toledo’s way has not been an easy one. Being both a woman and an Asian in the sport have raised more than a few eyebrows.
“I am the minority — I am always seen as the Asian girl,” Toledo said. “It’s not often seen in the U.S., so heads turn time and again.”
Few Asians participate in Muay Thai in the United States and even fewer women participate, Toledo said, because it is perceived as a brutal, full-contact sport. Those female fighters who do participate aren’t given enough attention and respect, she admitted.
“Many men still believe that women don’t belong in the ring,” she said.
Although most of her sparring partners are male, Toledo said she would not compete against a man who trained as much as she does, since men are physically stronger than women.
At 5 feet 4 inches, Toledo is usually taller than her female opponents, but she said shorter fighters can dominate even with height disadvantage: One of her idols, the former four-time, world kickboxing champion and Korean American Kim Messer, stands at 4 feet 11 inches.
Having traveled the world to fight in bouts, Toledo has concluded that bouts in Thailand, where the sport originated, are more exciting and entertaining to watch than American ones. She speculated that the reason is that Thailand has more high-caliber athletes there. Fighters there start training at an early age and “live and breathe Muay Thai,” Toledo said, so they are more active and have more experience than the average American competitor.
Because the sport is highly volatile, some family members are concerned for her well-being in regards to injuries. However, her mother is very supportive and her number one fan, besides her boyfriend, former professional champion Anthony Badua.
Another faithful supporter is Melinda Widgren, a novice fighter who believes that her former gym mate is dedicated, technical, charismatic and, most importantly, very humble.
“That’s what makes a fighter, you can’t be cocky about it,” said Widgren, who is convinced Toledo is at the top of her game. “She has the right heart and attitude.”
Outside of the ring, Toledo works as a marketing communications manager at Power Efficiency Corporation.
“There’s no possible way I could live off of being a Muay Thai fighter — there’s just not enough money in it,” Toledo said. “So it goes to show that I do it out of pure passion for the sport.”
Comments
One Response to “Blade of Glory: Top-ranked Christine Toledo to go up against Muay Thai fighter in China”
Got something to say?
last saturday(2009-7-25),I watched the compitition of WuLinFeng,Henan TV Statiom,It was the first time I know you ,you’are a muay thai fighter, and rank no. 1 in America,and no. 3 in the world,though the rules didn’t permit hugging,elbowing,kneeing on head, you took good advantages and defeated Maoning, I was fully attracted by your excellent action,I also know how difficult for you to fight with your opponent under such a prejudicial rule,but you made it. You’are a heroine,I will pay close attention to you and support you for ever.