Mark's Bio

Why did you start Thai Boxing?

I had done Kung fu since being very young, but as I got older I wanted something more physical.

Why that and not another martial art?

My friend’s brother who was a British champion at the time introduced me to Thai boxing.

At what point did you realise that it could be a career and not a hobby?

When I had my first fight abroad in the Caribbean and was chauffeured around by limo!!

Who do you have to thank for your successful career and why?

There are many people who were influential in my success but ultimately my parents

who gave me the never give up attitude.

Which fight was the hardest to train for?

All fights are hard to train for! Even as the champ I still trained as a contender.

How did you feel before a fight?

Scared, nervous, excited, there are a combination of feelings going around your body.

Were you calmer the more fights you did?

For sure as the more experience I gained, the more aware I became of what to expect.

What influenced your decision to retire?

Have I retired??  As my commitments increased I became  more aware that I couldn't commit the required time to stay at the level I wished.

What do you miss about competing?

The challenge, camaraderie, and the crowd cheering.

What don't you miss?

I don't miss the backstabbers.

What would you have done if it hadn't been for Thai Boxing?

I’m not sure as I was still achieving in different areas while competing,
although I may have been living abroad instead.

Which is the case: Training and commitment are all that is required to make a fighter / Technique can be taught but the rest is inherent -  You are born with a fighter's midset.

Training and commitment are all that is required to make a fighter- this is true but doesn't mean they will be good! They say to fight you must be missing a few marbles.....I think in any sport to be obsessed enough to get to the top you have to be a little crazy!!

What percentage would you give to courage and willingness to take a  
punch in comparison to technique and fitness?

To put a % on it is very difficult but it is definitely a major part in the dynamics for success. I've trained with many guys who looked great on the pads and in the gym but who in the ring went to jelly when hit a few times.


What's harder to train - the mind or the body?

The mind for sure, hence why I'm now studying psychology.

What made you decide to coach?

Coaching keeps your mind sharp and helps me to still learn when watching some of the novices.

What makes you different from other coaches?

Because I understand the importance of mental preparation. I also feel that when preparing for fights one size doesn't fit all!! I'm also trying to evolve in my classes as opposed to being set in my ways.   

Why Crewe?  What is your goal?

Crewe has similar demographics from where I used to live in. I saw the benefits of having successful, approachable people in the community. My goal is to develop successful athletes, as success is infectious and also the kids then see it as achievable when their peers succeed.   

To what extent are you desperate to find your own champion?

I have already created a British champion. Desperate is the wrong word it is fulfilling to develop a student to that level.  

What would you do differently with him than was done with you?

Ensure that he is not thrown into the wrong fights at the wrong time.

If you could go back in time to any round or any training plan and alter your actions or decisions, what would you do and why?

I had one fight which was televised and I cut corners on my training because I was messing around, I subsequently lost it! It could have made a difference to what spin offs I would have gained!!   

What is your proudest moment as a coach?

Watching a student who has trained very hard, get into a ring give it their best and then get their hand raised in victory. The look on their face is priceless!

Considering your whole career, what is your greatest regret and why?

Not to have competed in the K1 more

You've moved into Western Boxing as well.  Why?

I've always had a passion for boxing and just saw it as a natural progression to be involved in both combat arenas.

If you could write your own epitaph - what would it be?  

“Here lies a guy who believed nothing was unachievable.”