By James Bovington
Eight Thai boxers from Bramley’s Bad Company gym fly to Thailand this week to take part in an international tournament in Bangkok.
The 2026 WBC Amazing Muay Thai Festival takes place in the Thai capital over five days from Thursday, 25Â June.
“We’ve just had the last group training session with the full England squad here in Leeds,” said Richard Smith who, along with his wife Lisa Houghton-Smith, is Team England’s joint chief coach.
“We have a team of 75 athletes but also other coaches and many parents all supporting and giving time and money to make this memorable. Team England is coming for medals again this year!”
Lisa added: “The growth of the Amazing Muay Thai Festival and amateur Muay Thai in England over the last few years has been phenomenal.
“It’s been great seeing it grow over the years and being part of the journey and is a testament to the hard work and the heart of all involved.
“When Richard and I were asked along with Steven Broome to manage Team England, we have also seen it grow incredibly. We took 32 athletes to Venice in 2023 where we won Team of the Tournament. The following year in Bangkok we were runners-up with 54 participants. Last year we took 59 to Verona and were again selected as Team of the Tournament. This year we’re looking for big things from our supersize contingent of 75.”
Charlie Bedford turned 18 last month. He said: “This is my first time competing as an adult and my second time in Thailand. I’ve been in the national squad four years running. I won silver in Bangkok in 2024 and golds in Venice and Verona in 2023 and 2025. Everyone in the team is impatient to get to Bangkok and cope with the heat as we show just what Team England can achieve.”
Other Bad Company fighters joining Team England are Zac Hasson, Cain Sykes, Nathan Hodgson, Cole Chapman, Keevah Render, Harper Render and Felicity Smith.
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