top of page

The Nak Muay Ying of AFL

AFL Muay Thai Promotions



April 22nd, 2022

Friday, April 22 at 6:00 p.m. ET


New York, New York: Two more bouts added to the card will finalize the upcoming AFL’s “Proving Grounds”, a Pre-professional Muay Thai event at the 5 Star Banquet Hall on April 22nd, 2022


The bouts feature four females; athletes representing the rising talent that is East Coast Muay Thai.


The “Nak Muay Yings” will fight out of New York’s Kaensak Gym, Kings Williamsburg, and Two Bridges Gym


At 110lbs, Allison Chau faces Chrissy Albanese and Fiona Ho will match up against Isabelle Du Plessis at 135lbs


Citing the likes of Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu, and Tiffany Van Soest as some of their favorite fighters, these women will look to challenge themselves inside the ring.


When asked what they had hoped to achieve from fighting, by Nida Taylor, AFL’s Chief Marketing Officer. Chrissy Albanese responded to “find out what's past my comfort zone and self empowerment”.


A similar mindset was reflected in all contestants, especially her opponent Allison Chau, who found herself to the sport because there was a “great deal on Groupon”.


Despite that origin story, she will see the evolution of her skills, her hard work of 5 years of training since that one fateful Groupon, come together on a Friday fight night.


“I want to look back on this time in my life and feel happy that I got to express myself through Muay Thai” - Allison Chau


Other Nak Muay Yings Bouts include Phoebe Liang from Hinds VS Susan Li from Kaensak, and Rory Lewis from Sitan VS Sofia Villacreses from Hinds.



Get your tickets to AFL Muay Thai at eventbrite and support your local fighters.


Local gyms step up for AFL “Proving Grounds”

AFL Muay Thai Promotions

March 28, 2022


Jayh Rodriguez vs Ameer Khatab - 175 lbs

Terry Cho vs Daniel Ferrer - 170 lbs

Friday, April 22 at 6:00 p.m. ET


New York, New York: Pre-professional Muaythai League AFL will make its mark in New York, NY with event “PROVING GROUNDS”


A dozen Northeast gyms will be partaking in the event and answering the call-to-action for Muay Thai, these local gyms represent NY, NJ and PA


Although the event on April 22nd, isn’t billed as a “Gym vs Gym”, each will send their respective fighter(s) to step into the ring


“It’s an interesting situation, and an opportunity to showcase everyone's talent pool” says Sean Hinds, Head Matchmaker for AFL. “We’re here for the fighters, lets us be their platform on the come up, this is how we grow Muay Thai”


Here are the gyms in no particular order

Good luck to all competitors involved!


Kings Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY


Two Bridges , New York, NY


Hinds Combat , Long Island City, New York NY


Diamond Heart , Brooklyn, NY


Rami Elite, Philadelphia, PA


Kaensak, Pompton Lakes, NJ


Sitan, Queens, New York, NY


Renzo Gracie Academy, New York, NY


Buctown, Belleville, NJ


Cornerstone , Queens NY


MK Muay Thai, Fairlawn, NJ

Buy your tickets, support the schools, athletes and the Muay Thai Community.






AFL Partners with GAMMA USA



April 22nd, 2022 Fight Card

Jayh Rodriguez vs Ameer Khatab - 175 lbs

Terry Cho vs Daniel Ferrer - 170 lbs

Friday, April 22 at 6:00 p.m. ET



New York, New York: Pre-professional Muay Thai League AFL will make its mark in New York, NY with the event “PROVING GROUNDS”. April 22nd, 2022 .


In anticipation of the event, AFL has partnered with GAMMA USA as the sanctioning body.


The partnership means working with GAMMA leadership, Tom Kilkenny, who represents the GAMMA network as its Northeast Regional Director.


“As a NY based organization, it’s important to have good people and good company.

No doubt with Tom Kilkenny, alongside us, we have that” says Justin Kwan, AFL Managing Director. “Above all else we guarantee that it’s safety first and in turn, AFL’s competitive integrity, with GAMMA overseeing our operations”.


Both organizations are aligned on their vision and place in the sport

GAMMA and AFLs core values work hand in hand.


Citing GAMMA’s mission statement. Both will empower athletes to reach sustained competitive excellence, cultivate sportsmanship, and create a fair playing field for all


“For Muay Thai, it’s exactly what we need, we can’t expect these fighters to move up and ever pursue professional careers if all they do are gym smokers". AFL Matchmaker and 3x WBL, FNF, and Former WKA Champion, Sean Hinds states


Of the various fighters on the April 22nd card, despite years of training experience, discounting the gym “Smokers', many will make their debut in the ring including Kings WillyB’s Franky Basilio, Fiona Ho.


AFL Financial Officer, David Chan comments on opportunity limitations and transitional period fighters face.


“Let’s be honest, I am inspired by the grit we see from these guys at the gym smoker matchups, it’s a shame, the experience is unsanctioned. We believe in them, and we want to provide them the chance to prove it”


Proving Grounds, takes place April 22nd 2022



bottom of page