Thailand triumph for Oldham’s Isaan Muay Thai Training Centre

Isaan Muay Thai medal winners

Seven Thai boxers from Oldham’s Isaan Muay Thai training centre are celebrating a medal haul of five golds and three silvers as part of the GB team attending the World Muay Thai Championships in Bangkok.

“Our fighters are rightly so proud of their achievements as they battle with some of the world’s best in multiple categories,” said Ste Donnelly, owner and chief coach at the Gladstone Street club.“ Congratulations to gold medallists Daniel Ferris, Harry Greenough, Jac Yates, Mike McCombie, Anthony Sheridan and Leo Deakin and silver medallist James Deakin.”

Eighteen-year-old Daniel had his first taste of professional Thai boxing as an adult. “Danny proved to be a class act,” commented Donnelly. “It was demanding having to manage his weight daily, face early morning weigh-ins and take rest days as directed. Danny won the silver in the final of a challenging category where he met a tough and talented Brazilian fighter.”

“I’ve been training for four years,” said Harry, 15. “This was my first time fighting in Thailand and I loved seeing my technique improve and being with the team. It makes me want to progress further.”  Anthony, 13, enjoyed his fifth visit to Thailand. “It’s brilliantly organised and I could compete using my knees and leg kicks. Headshots will come later. It makes me want to be a championship fighter in Thailand.”

Mike, 12, has trained for four years and won two golds. “I defeated opponents from France and India in the finals. This was my second time there and I won a gold last year. Like my friends I’m hungry to be on the big stage.” Dad Anthony McCombie added that “Mike benefits from being out of his comfort zone and learning more about the sport he loves.”

Jac, 15, has also been at Isaan four years. “I enjoyed my second time in Thailand and doing some sightseeing, visiting the temples and learning about the traditions. The boxing itself is a major tradition. I made friends with competitors from France and each time I’ve come home motivated to be the best possible fighter.”  Jac’s mum Natalie O’Brien accompanied the group. “We’d done some fundraising via social media sponsorship. The competition was brilliant. Jac started out to learn some self-defence, but he loves the social side as well as improving his fitness. Team GB is like a family. The children love meeting up regularly to compete.”

Leo Deakin, 13, started Thai boxing seven years ago. “I came first in my age group at 57 kg. I’m grateful for sponsorship from a local rugby club. I love proving what I’m made of in the ring. I enjoy fighting and the tougher the opponent the better. I’ve proved I can fight in Thailand where the sport is from.” Younger brother James found that “everything about the tournament was fantastic and I’m proud to have won a silver medal two years running.”

“I’m proud of all our boxers,” concluded Donnelly. “What an amazing start to the year for Isaan. Everyone gained valuable experience having opportunity to train at gyms legendary in Muay Thai such as Sangmorakot and Keatonkhomtorn. All coped admirably with the 35-degree heat.”  

Anyone wanting to train with Isaan or potentially offer sponsorship should e-mail info@isaangym.co.uk or call 07873 663868.

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