NOWRA’S Nicolas Martin has added another title belt to his superb resume, after the recent MFC (Monaro Fight Circuit) fight night in Canberra.
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The 31-year-old kickboxer, who already has WKA Middleweight Muay Thai and World Skills Australia winner (butchering) crowns to his name, claimed the Pro K1 MASA South Pacific Welterweight title, after defeating Benny Thompson at the The Rex Hotel.
“Heading into the bout, I was anticipating a tough fight – coming in as the challenger I knew he [Benny] had his sights on winning this title and moving on to bigger things,” Martin said.
“Having fought for several titles over the years, I was well prepared, both mentally and physically.
“Having trained specifically for K1, I had planned to go out guns blazing, which worked thankfully.
“The fight was a challenge, back and forth, with both of us landing heavy hits and good combos; he’s a tough guy.
“But I was prepared to keep fighting until he gave up.”
In the end, Martin won by a technical knockout in the third round.
Following the three five minute rounds, the 13-year veteran of the sport, was ecstatic to be announced as the winner, at the Shane Tippa promoted event.
“Honestly, I couldn’t contain myself – I looked up and straight over to my wife, realising we had done it,” he said.
“I had been standing at the end of title fights before and mostly announced as the runner-up, which is heavily disappointing.
“People in the crowd don’t see all the work behind the scenes and forget about the runner-ups defeat pretty easily.
“It stays with a fighter, especially at this level, for a long time.”
Martin, who ranks this title right near the top, credits his support network for this victory.
“I fight out of a gym run by Richard Kemp called Kemps Thai Boxing, where I train part-time and do the rest at home,” he said.
“Richard, my trainer Todd Burgess and my sparing partners are all great and full of enthusiasm – who else turns up at 5.30am to get punched and kicked for no return.
“As well as them, none of this would have been possible without my wife Chloe – words can’t do justice to the support she has given me to stay on track.
“Finally is my coach and best mate Dean Maiden, who’s always been there for me.
“He knows what I’m capable of and I can always count on him to work out a realistic training plan to prepare me both physically and mentally for each individual fight – be it Muay Thai, modified Thai or kickboxing.
“I’m really lucky to have a strong self drive and be surrounded by these selfless people.”