20/04/2026
So I did what any middle-aged man would do and leave his life in the UK ho train full time in Thailand. At 46 I was doubting my ability to being able to leep up with the training nevermind fighting in the stadium. The training was intense and the heat made it harder, but iwas there to train and fight and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Within 10 weeks I had lost 10kg and was ready to get into the ring. I fought 5 hard rounds and actually thought I won, but the points went to my opponent. (Probably because of the cut above my eye from a nicely placed elbow) nevertheless I was happy with my performance and so was my trainers.
Eager to get back in the ring, this time more focused. I wanted to ease into the 1st few rounds, but my opponent came at me full blazing, forcing me to fight back. After the 1st round getting cut open my a headbutt my corner advised me to forget kicks and use my boxing and elbows. So I took this advice literally and threw a spinning back elbow which
excited me so much I raised my hand to the crowd and then threw a perfectly timed body punch to his solar plexus which dropped him instantly. After hitting him so much in the 1st round I really didn't expect him to drop so easily, but I was happy and a little shocked.
After a short break for a visa run I got back to training and this time I given a title shot which I was confident I was going to win, however I got overexcited and landed some elbows to the back of his head in the clinch and also kicked him as he fell on another occasion. This didn't impress the judges who give him the decision.
So only a month left of my travels and greatly disappointed with myself I asked the head coach for a rematch which thankfully he was able to make just a few days before my flight back to Northern Ireland. This time something was different I was calmer and more focused.
The fight went perfectly as I was able to land some nice kicks, a knee and my punches landed perfectly dropping him twice in the 1st round. The 2nd round I kept my calm anx finished him with a clean right hand. I actually forgot I was fighting for a title so I was pleasantly surprised when I got handed the belt. Although I had to return it, they let me take it to the after party and even the beach next day.
I got back to Bangor in time for my not so wee brothers wedding and I am going to start training people privately in Muay Thai and get a wee class going a few times a week. Anyone wanting to train with me send me a pm or WhatsApp on 07493225429.
