The Best of British
The muaythai scene in the UK has been very healthy over the last 15 years with many champions been made and some of them going on to become some of Britain’s best exports. We will take a look at some of the best champions the UK has had to offer during that period and where they are at now.
Damien Trainor has had some of the most memorable fights on the UK muaythai scene. One of the classics that sticks out was against Tawatchai Butsadee from Thailand which was a true masterclass of advanced gravity defying techniques. Known for his technical punches and body to head combinations Damien is both a WMC European champion and WMC MAD champion. Having spent some time living in Thailand and perfecting his craft, Damien had the opportunity to fight on the prestigious King’s birthday celebrations as well as competing all across Asia. Damien currently runs his own gym K Star legacy as well as producing technical training videos for his many online fans and practitioners.
Julie Kitchen is a 2 x time WMC world champion amongst her many accolades. Her career has taken her all over the world competing professionally as well as representing the UK in the IFMA European Championships. Nowadays her daughter Amber Kitchen is beginning to make waves on the scene, recently signing a contract with the ONE Championship. Julia now focuses on seminars around the world passing on her wealth of knowledge to the next generation as well as being a much valued member and commentator of the Enfusion team.
If you want to talk about muaythai in the UK then it is only fair to discuss the Godfather himself, Liam ‘the Hitman’ Harrison. Liam, a 2-time WMC world champion has been the UK number for 1 for as long as he could climb over the ropes and has been in there with many of the biggest names including Saenchai, Anuwat Kaewsamrit and Fabio Pinca to name a few. Liam is still fighting at the highest level and has a strong worldwide fan base. He has recently released his online training website www.liamharrisontraining.com where students can login and learn the ways of his many punching combinations and devastating low kicks.
Iman Barlow ‘the Pretty Killer’ has been the undisputed number 1 fighter in the UK for many years and began competing at a very early age. Fighting and training in Thailand out of Sor Vorapin and Jitti Gym as well as their own family gym in the UK, you could say fighting is definitely in the blood as her mother and father also competed, and younger brother is still active. Iman has beaten the likes of Mario Lobo, Yolanda Schmidt and Fatima Pinto and continues to fight regularly internationally.
Andy Howson is one of the most decorated fighters to have ever come out of the UK. Known as the aptly named Punisher he has provided the muaythai world with some of the most entertaining wars to date. Andy won the WMC MAD title against Mohad Ali Yakub from Malaysia in an epic battle and has wins over many notable foes including arch-nemesis and UK legend Damien Trainor. Andy has just signed a deal with the ONE championship and continues to coach top level fighters at the world famous Bad Company in Leeds.
Michael Dicks is well known on the UK scene as a no nonsense fighter having attained many victories in the UK as well as overseas. Michael trained under the guidance of Paul Hamilton becoming British champion, WMC European champion, Intercontinental champion and World champion as well as bringing home a silver medal from the SportAccord Combat Games. He holds wins over Mehdi Zahout, Kaoponlek and star of USA muaythai Kevin Ross. Currently Michael is a coach at Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts gym, still delivers international seminars and is an inspiration to many up and coming fighters in the North East.
The United Kingdom has produced some amazing fighters over the last 15 years and continues to do so. With new blood coming up through the ranks we now see the likes of Joe Craven, Niamh Kineham, Jake Purdy and Grace Spicer looking to take the muaythai reigns for the future. Well done to UKMF for producing such amazing fighters and keep doing what you do.
