IT'S NOT WHERE YOU FIGHT, IT'S HOW 

By Angela Chang

In some places, there is a kind of fluidity between being an amateur Muay Thai fighter and a professional one.

The main difference is the presence (or absence) of shin guards, head gear and/or elbow pads in the fight. Many fighters move regularly between pro and amateur just to keep active.

However, in most other countries, such as the US, once you go pro, you can’t go back to being amateur. In these countries, the difference between being amateur and pro is not so much about the gear, but whether or not they get paid.

One’s pro debut is often made a big deal; once a fighter is pro, a certain level of skill and discipline is expected. Most fighters obtain at least 20 amateur fights before making their pro debut, making sure their amateur career gives them a solid foundation before jumping up to the next level.

Both the fighter and trainer realize this base is very important, as the fighter cannot afford to make the...