Top 5 UK Referees In Muay Thai

Muay Thai in the UK has grown steadily over the past few decades, gaining respect on the global stage for its fighters, coaches, and officials. While the fighters often grab the headlines, the role of referees is critical in maintaining fairness, safety, and the spirit of the sport. Here’s a look at five of the top UK referees in Muay Thai, including some names who have been instrumental in shaping the sport’s progress on British soil.

1. Jesse Saunders

A pillar of the UK Muay Thai community, Jesse Saunders has been involved in the sport since the mid-1980s. As a fighter, coach, promoter, and referee, Jesse has seen all sides of the game. He runs Shin Kick Muay Thai in Guildford and has been behind numerous major events, including the highly regarded England vs Holland shows under IKF rules. Jesse’s refereeing style is clear, authoritative, and rooted in decades of experience, earning him immense respect both in the ring and across the wider Muay Thai community.

READ MORE: An Interview with Jesse Saunders

2. Ricky Sewell

Ricky “The Diamond” Sewell brings his own pedigree to the ring as both a former fighter and now as a respected referee. Having represented All Powers Gym during his active fighting career, Ricky transitioned into officiating with the same focus and professionalism he displayed as a competitor. His understanding of fight dynamics, fighter safety, and technical scoring makes him a trusted name when it comes to high-level bouts across the UK and Europe.

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3. Chris “Batch” Batcheldor

Known affectionately as “Batch,” Chris Batcheldor is a familiar face in the southern Muay Thai scene. Associated with Woking Thai Boxing Club, Chris has spent years building his credentials — first as a fighter with an impressive record, and later as a referee committed to upholding the highest standards of the sport. Calm under pressure and meticulous in the ring, Batch has gained a solid reputation for his clear command and no-nonsense officiating style.

4. Paul Spinks

Paul Spinks is widely regarded as one of the UK’s top Muay Thai referees. With a strong background as a former fighter himself, Spinks brings an in-depth understanding of the sport into the ring. His calm demeanor, sharp eye for detail, and consistent application of the rules have earned him the trust of fighters, coaches, and promoters alike.

Spinks regularly officiates at high-profile events across the UK and Europe, and his experience is sought after on some of the biggest stages. He’s known for his ability to maintain control in the ring without interfering with the flow of a fight, making him a respected figure in both domestic and international Muay Thai circles.

5. Steve Broome

Another highly respected name in UK Muay Thai officiating is Steve Broome. With years of experience and deep roots in traditional Muay Thai, Broome is known for his technical knowledge and no-nonsense approach to refereeing. He has a reputation for fairness and decisiveness—qualities that are crucial when handling fast-paced, high-stakes bouts.

Steve has officiated numerous championship fights and is a regular face at major UK promotions. His commitment to the integrity of the sport and the safety of the fighters has made him a role model for up-and-coming referees.