Having seen off one of the best fighters in the country at his weight, Suffolk Thai boxing talent Joe Le Maire is targeting a spot at the World Championships – and potentially an Olympic medal later in his career.
The 19-year-old was in electrifying form as he claimed a points win over Ash ‘Pocket Rocket’ Uddin in a 49kgs clash at the Blood and Glory show in East London last month.
He decked Uddin with a head kick in the fourth round and generally showed his class in the win, his first fight back in the UK after a year spent training and competing in Thailand, the home of the sport.
“I was really happy with my performance, said Le Maire. “Everything went to plan – I knew what his style was going to be and I was able to adapt to it.
“It was always nip and tuck in there, I felt I was winning but it wasn’t easy. I did enough to get the points and the obviously the knockdown helped!
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“I definitely felt the benefit of my time in Thailand - you’re always learning over there but when you’re fighting Thais who know all the tricks, you don’t realise just how much you’ve picked up.”
The main problem for Le Maire now might actually be finding opponents against whom to continue his rise up the ranks – there are few, if any, fighters at his elite level and weight in the UK.
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So while he and his team at Unit 1 Gym in Bury St Edmunds, under head coach Richie Gent, continue to look for foes – a search which may take them to Hong Kong or Thailand – Le Maire’s next target could well be a step back into the amateur ranks at the World Championships in Mexico next May.
Le Maire has unfinished business at the event, having won a silver medal when it was held in Thailand back in 2015.
“I would love to go out there and win gold,” said Le Maire, who also plans to return to Sumalee Boxing Gym in Thailand next June.
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“Obviously there’s links to the Olympics now as well (Muay Thai has received provisional recognition as an Olympic sport) so it’s good to stay involved in amateur competitions.
“By the time the sport is in the Olympics it may be late in my career, but I’d love to fight for Team GB and contend for a medal.”
Le Maire also thanked his sponsors for their help and support in his promising career thus far - Unit 1 Gym, Ultim8, SBG Nutrition, Heatrick Strength and Nutrition, Helmsman Lockers and Sumalee Boxing Gym.
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