By James Bovington
Bramley Thai boxer Gracjan Krupski is particularly looking-forward to his fight at Barnsley Metrodome “because it’s my first under pro-am rules,” explained Krupski.
Krupski, 18, has trained at MSA in Beeston under Rafal Wrzeszcz for six years and has become well-known on the northern Thai boxing circuit.
“Pro-Am might well be unique to Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, in that much of the protective equipment worn in amateur bouts is no longer required so in Barnsley for the first time I’ll be competing without shin pads,” he said.
“However, elbow pads remain compulsory. It’s full contact so brutal as it sounds kicks, knees and elbows to the head are allowed.
“The fight is still at amateur length though five two-minute rounds rather than the three minutes of a fully professional bout. My Belgian opponent and I can’t wait to show just exactly what we’re made of and how courageous we need to be.”
Krupski travels around a lot, living in Bramley and studying for ‘A’ levels at Lawnswood School while training in Beeston.
He added: “I know Leeds really well although my family is originally from Poland and I’m bilingual in Polish. I’m hoping to start a sports performance course at Leeds Beckett in September.
“In March I’ll be joining three others from MSA for two weeks competing at the WMF world championship in Thailand.
“I fought in Italy last October. Morning runs and five intense early evening training sessions a week plus attending sparring sessions at other clubs in Yorkshire and Lancashire mean there’s little time for other social activities.
“I love this sport, which continues to teach me valuable life skills and increases my self-discipline and determination as I channel all my energy and focus into fight preparation.”
Krupski welcomes any sponsorship to help with the Thailand trip, and is best contacted by e-mail gracjankrupski@gmail.com or Instagram @gracjan.k06.
Sponsored content
