A 16-year-old Thai boxer from Great Barr has achieved an incredible feat of becoming British Champion after he was called up to fight with just six hours’ notice.
Gene Smith, who represents the K-Star Thai Boxing Academy in Perry Barr, was partying on Friday night with family and had set out for work the following morning until he was called up to fight for the British World Kickboxing and Karate Association Muay Thai Title in Warrington.
Muay Thai, which is commonly referred to as Thai Boxing, is a combat sport that uses stand up striking along with various clinching techniques.
Despite weighing 52kg, Gene was asked if he wished to take on the fight in the under 60kg category and didn’t hesitate to accept the offer. On the journey to Warrington, he even tried to pile on some extra pounds by stopping to fill up at KFC.
“Weight can give you an advantage,” Gene told Pioneer Magazines. “I wanted to put on some extra weight before I stepped onto the scales”.
Undeterred with his initial concerns that he wasn’t fully fit, Gene overcame his opponent with style and lifted the coveted title. He now says that he’s “ready for anything”.
His next big challenge will be at the high profile WBC World Muay Thai Festival in Venice in June, where the plucky teenager has been called up to fight for England.
Gene, who went to school at Barr Beacon, says that he’s now looking for sponsors to help fund the trip.
If you can help, get in touch with his team at: design@artattack.org.uk