By James Bovington
Huddersfield teenage Thai boxer Tiernan Jackson-Hyde is confident that he’s making the progress required to see him fighting in Thailand as a professional while still a teenager.
Dad Louis and mum Shonna arranged for their ‘active young son’ to start Thai boxing training aged five.
Louis said: “Tiernan trained for a long time at Siam Camp gym in Huddersfield and we’re grateful for the excellent tuition he received especially from Jayson Brooks. This prepared him for success at international tournaments.
“He’s now part of the Kiatphontip team in Leeds which allows him to train and spar with some of the best Thai boxers in the North.”
Tiernan, 15, said: “I’ve now been at Kiatphontip Gym in Leeds and coached by Jompop Kiatphontip for about eight months. I’m making progress.
“As a fighter gets older, they wear less body and head protection and the bouts become fiercer.
“My latest win was on the Fight and Fitness show in Darlington in April and I got a second-round stoppage with two powerful kicks, one to the head and one to the stomach.
“My opponent was a year older. I’d already knocked him down in the first round with a punch to the face which split his lip open.
“Any combat sports are violent. Of course they are. But it’s controlled and with rules. I’m not a violent person in life.
It’s a means to an end, to be able to demonstrate skills and show that in a bout I’m the stronger person mentally and physically.
“My bouts will become increasingly brutal but I’m not fazed. It’s what a fighter signs up for and I’m still a long way from what’s allowed in an adult professional fight.
But that’s my ambition – to fight on the ONE championship in Bangkok in a stadium in front of thousands. Maybe at just 18 years of age.”
Tiernan has every chance of achieving his goals as shown by his two international wins.
He added: “A year ago, I got a silver at 51kg in the WMO world championships in Thailand, my first visit there.
“I defeated some tough opponents to reach the final which was won by a Japanese fighter. A few months previously I’d won gold at 45kg at the WMO European tournament in Cyprus defeating an Israeli fighter.
“The great thing about the tournaments is the opportunity to meet fighters from different countries and cultures and be exposed to a range of styles which helps us all improve.”
All elite athletes need sponsorship and Tiernan appreciates “the ongoing support of my one local sponsor Big Back Supplements.”
Further potential sponsors should contact dad Louis Hyde at louismhyde33@gmail.com or by texting 07886 062783.
